Transformative Parent Leadership and School Engagement

Parents who participate in family literacy and family learning programs gain new skills and knowledge through Family Service Learning projects. They increase their social capital and self-efficacy, especially developing leadership and advocacy skills, when they focus on issues of concern and relevance on behalf of themselves and their children. A group of parents participating in a family literacy program in one of four schools in Detroit, Michigan, led by a parent, initiated an anti-bullying campaign in their children’s school. Through a series of family service action steps, the parents successfully engaged the school and community to address bullying and sustain anti-bullying practices with students, teachers, school administration, and family members.