[Archived] Parent Leadership Training Institute of Alexandria Announces Second Parent-Leader Graduation Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 18, 2008

Parent Leadership Training Institute [PLTI] of Alexandria will hold its second commencement ceremony in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, on March 28, 2008.  A congratulatory reception will follow immediately in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall celebrating the accomplishments of PLTI-Alexandria’s second graduating class.

Mayor Bill Euille will award certificates to the 17 Alexandria participants who have successfully completed the program.  Our founder, former City Councilwoman, Joyce Woodson; program founder, Director of Connecticut Commission on Children, Elaine Zimmerman; Deputy Superintendent of ACPS, Cathy David; PLTI Director, Fay Slotnick; and class speaker, Doris Stanley will address the graduates and guests.

PLTI of Alexandria, in cooperation with the Connecticut Commission on Children and Alexandria City Public Schools, and in partnership with the City of Alexandria and Hopkins House provides ten weeks of community-building and leadership classes followed by ten weeks of civics and practical democracy skills, including public speaking and designing a community-based program benefiting children.  Parents engage in learning activities with trained facilitators, local educators, child advocates, government leaders, policy makers, media representatives, and their peers.

"This training initiative has empowered motivated parents to be effective change agents in Alexandria.  We are graduating informed people who will use democracy tools to participate more fully in community and school life for the betterment of children," said Joyce Woodson, former council member. 

Fay Slotnick, PLTI Program Coordinator said, "After two years, there remains no doubt that this program has the intended effect.  Our participants are becoming the core of parents engaged in the community providing both leading advocacy and hands-on involvement in programs to improve the lifelong health, safety and learning of children.”

For further information, please visit www.PLTI-ALEX.org or contact Fay Slotnick at info@PLTI-ALEX.org or 703.739.0233.

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