BY MARLA SOUCY
I’m often asked why people aren’t more engaged in civic life. My response: They’re too overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. It’s not that people don’t care, but the responsibilities of family and life in general often take priority. For many parents, attending a town meeting or writing a letter to a representative feels impossible when managing the daily challenges of family life.
Marla Soucy
As a parent, I understand this struggle.
In my role as the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) site coordinator and community engagement program coordinator at Manchester Community College, I’ve seen how crucial parent involvement is — not just for improving outcomes for children, but for shaping the communities they grow up in. Parents’ insights are essential to a thriving democracy, but many find it difficult to get involved due to time constraints and lack of knowledge about how to navigate public policy.
A major obstacle for parents stepping into advocacy roles is simply not knowing where to start. This is where civics education becomes essential. It’s not just about knowing who your elected officials are but about understanding how government works and how policies are made.
Recognizing the need for such a program in New Hampshire, Donnalee Lozeau, the CEO of the Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties (CAPHR), partnered with the National Parent Leadership Institute, Manchester Community College and the NH Charitable Foundation to bring the PLTI program to the state, with grant support from the state Department of Health and Human Services.
PLTI, a free 20-week program offered in over 80 sites nationwide, equips parents, caregivers and community members with the tools to advocate for children and create lasting, positive change. Originally founded in Connecticut, PLTI has become a national model for civic engagement. In June 2024, the first inaugural PLTI cohort in New Hampshire, based at Manchester Community College, completed their program with outstanding results.
A pre- and post-survey completed by class participants and compiled by NYU during the first learning cohort showed significant growth in civic confidence, leadership opportunities and peer connections. Participants praised the program for its cultural responsiveness and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Survey results revealed remarkable increases in civic engagement: 62% of participants spoke publicly or testified for public policy (up from 23%), 46% met with elected officials (up from 8%), 85% worked with neighbors on community improvements (up from 54%) and 69% attended public meetings to advocate for issues they care about (up from 38%).
Beyond civic actions, participants experienced personal growth as well. Some 100% of participants reported advocating more effectively for their children’s needs, 77% improved their emotional and physical health, 77% enhanced their financial situation, 62% pursued further education, 54% sought career advancement, 54% started a new club or organization, and 31% are considering running for public office. These outcomes demonstrate that PLTI fosters a strong sense of community while equipping parents with the tools to become confident advocates and leaders in both their personal and civic lives.
The success of this first cohort highlights the transformative power of civics education. By empowering parents to become leaders, PLTI is not only changing individual lives but also strengthening neighborhoods and creating lasting community impact. The program provides parents with the skills and knowledge they need to make meaningful contributions to public policy and community development.
With the second learning cohort scheduled to begin in January 2025 and a third cohort planned at Manchester Community College, now is the time to get involved. If you believe in the importance of civic engagement and want to make a difference in your community, this is your opportunity to take action.
For more information about PLTI and how you can participate, please contact Marla Soucy at msoucy@ccsnh.edu or 603-206-8014. Together, we can build stronger families, stronger communities and a brighter future for New Hampshire.
