Children’s Trust is now accepting applications for its Statewide Parent Advisory Council, a group that provides input on prevention programs and services and helps guide initiatives that strengthen child and family well-being across the state. Application closes Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m.

Council members advise Children’s Trust and support statewide and community-based efforts focused on building strong families and positive outcomes for children.

We recently sat down with Leesa Nelson, who convenes the group. She shared about the council from her perspective as Children’s Trust’s parent and community outreach coordinator.

What are some of the PAC’s top highlights from the past year?

Seeing the PAC’s creative ideas turn into something tangible and bring encouragement to parents and caregivers across the state has been a huge highlight. Each month, we have a Zoom conversation on a specific parenting topic that the Children’s Trust communications team turns into blog content on scParents.org. The conversations have also brought cohesion and togetherness among the PAC members. It also helps give them access to SC Parents and resources, support and advice without leaving their home.

Check out one of the PAC articles, “How to Build Your Village (Without Feeling Like You’re on a Friendship Dating App).

How have you seen the PAC evolve as a group?

I have noticed the knowledge and leadership of the PAC members grow, making their outreach and communities stronger with how they engage those around them.

Why is parent leadership so important?

To quote parent leaders around our state and the nation, services for families “cannot be about them, without them.”

No one should be told how to function, what they need, or which services they are allowed, if the people creating or running the services don’t know what those families need. Good intentions are wonderful, but they don’t help feed children, provide housing, or make services easy to access if the processes and requirements are beyond what families can manage or access.

What are you most proud of in your role?

As the parent and community outreach coordinator, I’m most proud of this inaugural group’s cohesion and contribution to Children’s Trust and our state. I’m also incredibly proud of how the importance of parent engagement with our partnering organizations is starting to take hold and be implemented.

What would you say to any caregiver considering applying to be on the PAC?

I feel like people should know that as a member of the statewide PAC, not only do you have a place at the table of prevention, but our goal is to support your growth, knowledge and skills that help make you, your family and your community stronger.

Do not discount what you bring to the table. If you feel you have a voice and a passion for making South Carolina a state where all families are safe, encouraged and successful, then please submit an application. We need all knowledge, voices and parents/caregivers who care about children.

Learn more about the PAC.