In a true democracy, every individual is a stakeholder in governance. For centuries now, America has not reached that ideal in representation.
Melvette Hill of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) joined the “Municipal Voice,” a co-production of of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and WNHH FM, to address that challenge talk about the importance of civic engagement.
Celebrating 30 years of service, PLTI was founded in Connecticut. It has since expanded throughout the United States, Sovereign Nations, and Australia.
The mission is to give parents, grandparents and guardians the tools to engage in the democratic process so they can represent themselves and their children.
This idea was founded upon the idea that while typical stakeholders – local leaders in education, government and business — were often asked their opinion on community issues, non-traditional stakeholders were not.
Elaine Zimmerman, the founder of PLTI, thought to invite individuals like the fire chief, a school custodian, and, of course, parents themselves into community conversations.
Despite their lived experience, Melvette recalls that parents would often disengage from conversations, saying “I’m just a parent, who’s going to listen to me?”
It was because for years, no one did listen.
PLTI is extending this work through their sponsorship of Representation Matters, a two-day training held on March 12 and 19 by CCM and the Campaign School at Yale University.
Aimed at communities of color, Representation Matters focuses on the disparities in elected office as well as on appointed boards and commission.
Hill, herself a state employee, sees herself as more of a behind-the-scenes person. For those in the spotlight, she notes how important it is for little boys and girls to see someone that looks like them.
“And when we see those people, whether they reflect our values, our cultural backgrounds or our identities, we’re more encouraged when we see people like us”
Like parents, people of color are often disproportionately underrepresented in government. Persuading individuals with busy day-to-day lives to set aside time for civic engagement is the ultimate challenge.
“I think it’s important for them to know that it’s an investment in time, and many people invest their time in different ways,” said Melvetter.
Noting that people can choose to invest hours watching the Super Bowl, she continued that Representation Matters is an investment, also.
“This is an investment type that’s going to pay dividends back. What you will learn, what you will experience, what you will see here is richness. It is so rich that you will walk away with almost a bag full of money, but it’s not real money right? It is something that you can use for your future, right? You are in a position that other people might not have this opportunity, right? But it’s free, so whoever shows up, we’re glad to have you register ahead of time. But I think that you don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
Click here to read more on Representation Matters.
Watch the full interview with Hill below.
