Activities lined up for ‘Parent Leadership Month’

The government will be supporting activities lined up this February, which has been declared “Parent Leadership Month.”

A number of CNMI public and private entities have joined the Division of Youth Services, the Parent Education Program, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs to plan and implement activities in promoting this year’s theme: “Strengthening Families through Parent Leadership.”

Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Laura Ogumoro lead an oath for responsible parenthood recited by volunteers from DCCA, Division of Youth Services, and Parent Anonymous last Friday when February was proclaimed Parent Leadership Month. (Mark Rabago)

The activities will center on parent leadership and education and will be held in various venues in the Commonwealth.

Following a government proclamation last Jan. 30, the parent leadership activities for February will include parent education and nutrition assistance programs, a visit to a local radio show, presentation programs with schools, and various parent education displays.

DYS and Parent Anonymous, a cause-oriented group established in 1969, will coordinate with other agencies regarding the activities. DYS recently gained PA accreditation.

Josephine C. Basa, facilitator for PA, said the group will continue to focus on the protection of children and parent leadership. The PA program includes intervention program for parents and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

Parent Leadership Month signifies the importance of family strengthening programs and activities to help prevent child abuse and neglect incidents.

Through the DYS Parents Anonymous Inc. in the CNMI, “Parent Leadership Month” was initiated in February of 2004 to recognize the leadership roles of parents who have one way or another reached out to make a positive difference in their families and communities.

National Parent Leadership Month highlights the many opportunities available for parents, professionals, policymakers, and all interested community members to engage in collaboration with the goal of building and supporting strong and safe families.

Parent leaders in the CNMI are recognized annually through public and private schools as well as other community organizations. In partnership with the 2014 Parent Leader awardees and various community organizations, DCCA-DYS will honor the 2015 Parent Leader nominees, conduct outreach activities at various schools and the DCCA Nutrition Assistance Program and coordinate a Parent Development Workshop on Feb. 28, 2014.

The Parent Leadership Development Workshop will feature topics on healthy lifestyles to include nutrition, non-communicable disease prevention, parenting skills and networking activities with parent leaders and workshop participants. Community assistance agencies will also be on site to provide awareness of their programs and services.

For more information, contact Junnie Masga or Maria Olopai of the DYS Parent Education Program at 664/2552 or 664-2585.