The Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Parent Mentor Program has long been a cornerstone of community empowerment, equipping parents with the skills and confidence to support students and schools while building leadership within their own neighborhoods. Parent Mentors dedicate their time to assisting in classrooms, fostering relationships with educators, and strengthening the bridge between families and schools. Their growth does not stop in the classroom, though. To ensure they are continuously evolving in their roles, Parent Mentor Coordinators engage in professional development sessions twice a week, deepening their skills and reinforcing their commitment to the work they do.
These sessions provide a structured space for learning, reflection, and creativity. Recognizing that their roles extend beyond supporting students, the Parent Mentor Coordinators set aside time to explore new tools and refine their abilities, keeping themselves grounded in their mission. The sessions cover a diverse range of topics, ensuring that coordinators not only enhance their practical skills but also nourish their personal and professional development.
Some sessions focus on Creativity and Idea Expression, allowing participants to brainstorm innovative ways to engage parents and students. Other workshops center on Organizing Ideas and Creating Narrative Reports, equipping coordinators with the skills to document and communicate the impact of their work effectively. Accessing Tools and Resources for Expressing Ideas is another key component, helping coordinators find the best platforms and methods to share their insights and advocate for the needs of their schools and communities.
In addition to fostering creativity, the professional development sessions also provide training in essential technical skills. Coordinators receive hands-on guidance on how to utilize the Google Suite, including Google Docs for document creation, Google Sheets for data organization, and Google Slides for presentations. By building their proficiency in these digital tools, Parent Mentor Coordinators become more effective in planning, reporting, and collaborating with their teams.
Through these twice-weekly sessions, SWOP ensures that its Parent Mentor Coordinators are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their schools and communities. By continuously learning and growing, they not only enhance their own skills
but also strengthen the foundation of the Parent Mentor Program, ensuring its continued success in empowering families and improving educational outcomes.
