PARENT COALITION EVENTS
January 8, 2009
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Heart of West Michigan United Way 118 Commerce Ave. SW,
Grand Rapids map
Legislative Night
Question & Answer forum with Kent County legislators. Local parents will have an opportunity to discuss early childhood issues, including access to quality child care.
February 28, 2009
6:00-8:30 p.m.
David D. Hunting YMCA, downtown Grand Rapids
Fatherhood Event
State senator Bill Hardiman will discuss the importance of male role models for children. FREE passes for families to use the YMCA facilities in downtown Grand Rapids.
March 12, 2009
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Heart of West Michigan United Way 118 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids map
Advocacy Skills
Learn how to be an advocate for your child and for all children in Kent County.
Free dinner and child care is provided for all Great Start Parent Coalition meetings. Please RSVP at 632-1007.
NEWS
September 18, 2008
Special Event: Best-Selling Author and International Speaker Motivates Kent County Parents
Dr. Sylvia Rimm speaks and publishes internationally on family and school approaches to guiding children toward achievement. She is a dynamic speaker who has been a favorite personality on public radio for many years. Dr. Rimm was also a longtime contributor to NBC’s Today and has appeared on ABC’s 20/20 program.
The Parent Coalition was pleased to present Dr. Rimm to an overwhelming response in Kent County. She shared advice and experience with parents and caregivers on a wide range of issues, including how to talk to and around children, giving young children freedom and choices, modeling respect, and encouraging children of both genders to achieve. Please see the synopsis below to learn more about the encouragement and wisdom Dr. Rimm shared with Kent County parents.
Click here to download notes from Sylia Rimm’s discussion on September 18
May 21, 2008
Special Event: Star Power Rally
On May 21st about 20 parents and 25 children boarded a bus to go to Lansing. We joined a larger group of about 500 people at the state capitol to rally for increased support of young children and their families. Parents and children met with their elected officials from the Senate and the House to advocate for their children.