On June 25th, 2026, The Children’s Agenda hosted its 5th annual Parent Appreciation Dinner. Held at the Memorial Art Gallery, nearly 100 guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of dinner, music, and heartfelt speeches celebrating the many ways our parent leaders are growing and impacting policies at the local and state level. Below are Parent Leadership Manager Carmen Torres’ remarks from the event.

Growing in advocacy doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in moments. It’s the first time you ask a question instead of staying silent. It’s the first time you share your story. It’s the first time you realize that your experience as a parent is not just personal, it’s powerful.

Because no one knows your child the way you do. No one sees what you see every day. And when you speak from that place, you bring something to the table that no report, no data point, and no professional expertise can replace.

Advocacy is not about being perfect. You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t have to know everything. What matters is that you show up. What matters is that you care. What matters is that you keep going – even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.

And here’s the truth: growth happens in that discomfort.

There will be moments when you feel nervous. Moments when you question yourself. Moments when it feels easier to stay quiet. But every time you choose to speak, to ask, to push for better – you grow stronger. Not just as an advocate, but as a leader.

And you are not doing this alone.

Look around this room. This is your community. These are people who understand your journey, who will stand beside you, who will remind you of your strength when you forget it. Together, your voices are louder. Together, your impact is greater.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen when parents come together and refuse to give up. It happens when you keep showing up to meetings. When you keep asking questions. When you keep telling your stories.

Those stories matter. Your voice matters. You matter.

So, if you’re just starting this journey, take that first step. If you’ve been on this path for a while, take the next one. Keep learning. Keep speaking. Keep growing.

Because when parents grow in advocacy, children gain opportunity. Families gain support. And communities become stronger.

To learn more about The Children’s Agenda’s Very Invested Parents program, visit our Organizing page or contact Carmen.