Missoula County Parent Leadership Training Institute

The Missoula County Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a civics, advocacy, and leadership training program that equips parents, caregivers, and other community members with the skills and knowledge to create positive change for youth and families. This 20-week program is free, and all participants are offered individualized childcare support, on-site meals during classes, and transportation assistance as needed.

Each year, Missoula PLTI is open to 20 Missoula County parents, caregivers, grandparents, foster parents, and other adults who are passionate about issues impacting children and families in their communities.

What PLTI offers parents and caregivers:

• Leadership & Advocacy Skills: Learn how to analyze and understand the issues that matter most to you and your family. Once you grasp the complexity and root causes of the problems, use practical tools to develop concrete solutions and create meaningful change.

• Civic Engagement: Gain a deeper understanding of how policy, government, media, and community organizations all work together to create and impact the circumstances we live in. These insights enable you to strategically navigate and influence the systems that affect your community and the people you care about.

• Personal Growth: PLTI is about more than just skills; it's about empowerment. As you develop confidence and leadership abilities, you’ll feel more capable and motivated to act.

• Building Relationships: Throughout the program, you will build lasting relationships with other parents, caregivers, and community members who share your passion for creating change. Our diverse cohorts offer the chance for community members to learn and teach one another from your lived expertise.

• Community Impact Project: Throughout the program, you’ll have the chance to create a personal project to address an issue you care about, such as high school attendance policies, mental health resources for new parents, or a lack of play space for children in your apartment complex. You’ll develop this project throughout the PLTI program and leave with an action plan and strategy to move at a pace that fits your capacity.