Lend your voice

I always knew I wanted to be actively involved with my children’s education and school community, but was initially unsure about how to lend my voice. I learned a lot by participating in the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and connecting with dozens of like-minded parent leaders across Monroe County. 

When my husband, kids, and I moved to the Rochester area eight years ago, I started engaging by getting involved with my oldest child’s parent teacher organization (PTO). I coordinated the spring fundraiser, started a sponsorship program for local businesses, chaired the playground committee, co-founded a special education parent teacher organization, and spoke at several Board of Education meetings in support of struggling learners including those who are dyslexic.  

Throughout that time, I developed good relationships with other parent leaders, staff, and administrators- the foundation of a solid school community. What if we went Beyond the Bake Sale?  

I need parents to be involved in all discussions and decisions regarding our children because I know their priority, like mine, is the children. Period. Other stakeholders have competing priorities and demands such as budgets, state regulations and mandates and more. A parent is laser focused on their child’s needs and is their best advocate. 

Parents have the power to make our schools better places for all our children by building relationships and accepting opportunities to engage in decision-making tables, or if they don’t exist, set the table and get to work. 

Every day I connect with talented, generous, and committed parents and family members who care deeply about our children and want to be involved in positive, collaborative, and meaningful ways. Parents are assets. Unfortunately, they’re too often seen as liabilities. It’s time for a shift, the future of our families and community depends on it.

TINA CARNEY

Parent Champion and Advocate