Support with Building a More Inclusive and Representative Parent Support Program

We are seeking guidance and advice on how best to start addressing inclusion and representation within our organization. Our goal is to ensure that all parents and caregivers feel welcome, supported, and represented in our programming and leadership. Specifically, we want to:

-Ensure we present a welcoming and inclusive space for all parents/caregivers

-Educate our board and members on cultural differences in parenting

-Support and retain parents from all backgrounds

-Increase diversity on our board to better reflect the communities we serve

Changes Parent Support Network (Changes) offers a proven program with robust resources and tools, support, and education to help parents struggling with children engaging in oppositional and self-destructive behaviors. We serve parents (and caregivers) with children ranging in age from 13 to adult. Our program provides support and tools for parents to change their own behavior, not “fix” their child.

We believe we have a great deal to offer to struggling parents and want everyone who approaches us to walk away feeling accepted and heard. While we acknowledge that our program may not be a fit for every parenting approach, we offer a steady, methodical move toward a more respectful relationship.

Data gathered (unscientifically) a few years ago showed that our members are overwhelmingly white (92%) and female, though our Seattle-based audience lives in a more racially diverse area. We recognize the need to address this disparity and create a more inclusive environment moving forward.