Family Engagement and Leadership Training (FELT)
Helping parents and families become leaders and partners in programs that serve Alaskan children
About the training
The Family Engagement and Leadership Training (FELT) program helps parents and family members build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become effective leaders and partners in programs and systems that serve children and families.
FELT is designed for parents and family members of children with disabilities or special health care needs, as well as other family leaders who want to strengthen their ability to participate in advisory groups, councils, boards, and other leadership opportunities.
Family members bring valuable knowledge and lived experience to programs, policies, and services that affect children and families. FELT provides participants with practical tools to use their experiences and perspectives to help strengthen services and systems in Alaska.
The training is self-paced and includes approximately 20 hours of learning across 20 modules. Topics are designed to build skills that can be used in both individual advocacy and broader family leadership roles.
Training topics may include:
- Finding reliable information on the internet
- Effective Video Conferencing
- Leadership
- Advocacy Part 1 an Overview
- Advocacy Part 2 Developing Goals
- Advocacy Part 3 Action Steps
- Policy Advocacy
- Telling Your Story
- Telling Your Story Part 2
- Communication Skills
- Family Centered Care
- Resilience
- The Family Life Cycle
- An Introduction to Child Development
- Special Needs and Parental Stress
- Early Childhood
- Special Education
- Understanding Your Child’s Behavior Part 1
- Understanding Your Child’s Behavior Part 2
- Autism
Who can participate?
FELT is intended for Alaska parents, caregivers, and family members who are interested in becoming more involved in leadership and decision-making related to services for children and families.
The program may be particularly helpful for parents and family members of children with disabilities or special health care needs who want to use their experiences to help improve programs and services for other Alaska families.
How the Program Works
Participants complete approximately 20 hours of self-paced online training. Opportunities may also be available to participate in facilitated discussions or a FELT book club, allowing participants to connect with other family leaders, discuss what they are learning, and consider how the material applies to Alaska's programs and communities.
Participants who successfully complete FELT may be eligible for a completion incentive when funding is available.
Opportunities for FELT Graduates
Completing FELT can help prepare family members to participate in leadership opportunities throughout Alaska. These may include:
- Advisory councils and committees
- Program planning and evaluation activities
- Family and community engagement efforts
- Workgroups focused on improving services for children and families
- Other state and community leadership opportunities
Participation in FELT does not require a commitment to serve in a formal leadership role. Families may participate simply to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
FELT Sponsorship Opportunities
Organizations and programs may have opportunities to sponsor FELT cohorts or support family participation in the training. Sponsorships can help expand access to family leadership development and strengthen the involvement of families in programs and systems serving Alaska's children.
Interested in participating?
Register for FELT