The Los Banos Community Center hosted the 2024 Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) graduation ceremony on Dec. 16, where eight participants received their certificates of completion. The 22-week program aims to equip parents and community members with the tools to advocate for their children and causes they find important.
The institute is offered in conjunction with the Los Banos Unified School District.
PLTI’s curriculum is divided into four phases. It begins with a retreat to foster group cohesion and establish a shared mission. The first ten weeks focus on leadership development, followed by ten weeks dedicated to understanding politics, public policy, and media. The final phase requires participants to complete a community project. The program has strict attendance requirements, allowing no more than three missed sessions for participants to graduate.
Participants are taught the importance of responding intellectually rather than emotionally, a concept referred to as “I over E.” This principle is applied throughout the program, helping participants communicate effectively with various members of the community, including educators and policymakers.
The program began with 16 participants, though only eight completed it due to the time commitment required. Weekly sessions included dinner and a children’s component, the Children Leadership Training Institute (CLTI), which serves children aged 3 to 13, allowing families to participate together.
Each graduate completed a community project, addressing specific needs in the Los Banos area. One project raised awareness about Special Education programs in public schools, providing information to parents and advocating for increased accessibility. Another focused-on teaching financial literacy to children, preparing them with skills for adulthood. A reading program distributed hundreds of books to children, encouraging reading and enhancing home libraries. These projects demonstrated the practical application of the skills learned during the program.
The graduation ceremony marked the conclusion of months of effort by the participants, who received their certificates and shared their experiences with the community. PLTI organizers encouraged others to consider enrolling in future cohorts, emphasizing the program’s focus on empowering individuals to contribute to their community.
The eight graduates of the PLTI include: Samantha “Sam” Bourassa, Tori Gonzalez, Refugio Morales Llamas, Joanna Lynn Maxwell, Samantha Maxwell, Fatima Ramirez, Maria Piedad Romo and Rocho de Haro Saldivar.
Three graduates of the Children Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) include: Jayce Wilburn, Jaxen Wilburn and Rylie Wilburn.
The event highlighted the impact of the program and the role of its graduates in addressing local issues. PLTI offers participants a pathway to partner with others in their community to create solutions and advocate for meaningful changes. The program continues to build a network of individuals dedicated to making a difference in Los Banos and beyond.
