Parent Ambassador Program

Program Type: Year-long leadership and advocacy program

Geographic Scope: Nebraska

Program Purpose

The Parent Ambassador Program's goal is to:

• Develop parent leaders
• Support parents in advocating for their children, themselves, and their communities
• Ensure parent and provider voices are included in early childhood education policy discussions

Program Details

Participants: 20 applicants representing a diverse demographic of Nebraskans will be selected

Duration: Year-long program (launched January 2022 based on historical information; current cohorts may vary)

Time Commitment:

• Participate in bi-weekly program activities
• Attend 4 in-person conferences
• Participate in virtual meetings and activities

Support Provided:

• Mentorship and support
• Leadership and public speaking skills training
• Advocacy training
• Tactics to improve family and community relationships
• Much more

Participant Benefits

Stipend: Selected participants receive a stipend for expenses incurred including:

• Child care costs
• Travel expenses

Eligibility

• Parents/caregivers in Nebraska
• Early childhood providers
• Diverse backgrounds and experiences preferred
• Willingness to engage in policy discussions and advocacy

Background

This program is the first of its kind to launch in Nebraska and has received substantial support from local and national partners of NECC. Similar ambassador programs in other states train parents on:

• The legislative process
• How to contact lawmakers
• Grassroots organizing
• More

Application Process

1. Visit: nebraskaearly.org/neambassadors to learn more about program eligibility
2. Submit Application: Complete application form (available in English and Spanish)
3. Contact: Email neambassadors@nebraskaearly.org with questions or concerns about the application process

Requirements

• Parents and providers of diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply
• Willingness to commit to year-long program including bi-weekly activities
• Ability to attend 4 in-person conferences and participate in virtual meetings

Timeline

• Cohort launches in January each year (based on historical program launch)
• Application deadlines vary by cohort (contact for current deadline)