Parents know things that are hard to see from the outside: where families get stuck, what makes a service hard to reach, what's missing, and what actually works on an ordinary day at home.
A Parent Ambassador is a parent or caregiver who shares that knowledge with other families, listens to what they're going through, and helps bring the family view into conversations about support for children.
You don't need to be an expert. Whether your child was diagnosed last month, has had services for years, or your family is working across several systems at once, what you've learned counts.
No one parent is expected to fix a system. But knowledge passed between families adds up, in three places.
Parents learn a lot from each other: at school pickup, in a therapy waiting room, after church, at the playground, in an online group. An Ambassador passes on what has helped their family, from any organization or service, not only Lapapoe. One parent sharing something useful can make another family's path a little easier.
Parents often spot the gaps first. Ambassadors notice the questions that keep coming up and bring those patterns to the people who plan programs and services, so they can see what families actually experience. Each term, we share a “You said, we did” update on what changed.
A small group conversation, a learning session with a professional or another parent, a Christmas or holiday event, a park meetup, an online chat. The format is up to the parents involved. What matters is the chance to meet, listen, learn and talk about what could be better.
Examples, not promises. Every family and every month is different.
About 4 hours a month, in the places and groups you're already part of.
Pass on information and resources that have helped your family, wherever they come from, and point parents toward community resources that fit what they need.
Talk with families about their experiences and notice the questions and challenges that keep coming up.
Twice a term, create a chance for parents to connect: a discussion, a learning session, a holiday get-together. You choose the format; we help plan it.
A monthly check-in with other ambassadors to share what you're hearing, learn together and put forward practical ideas for services and programs.
A child is more than a diagnosis or a list of services. Health, friendships, feelings, learning, home and community all matter, and they're connected.
Children do better when the adults caring for them have support too. A parent's health, rest, work and wellbeing are part of the picture.
Parents belong in the decisions and discussions about their children, as partners, not only as people receiving services.
Every family brings knowledge and strengths of its own. Seeing those clearly goes hand in hand with being honest about where more support would help.
Ambassadors come from different neighborhoods, backgrounds and cultures, and have children of different ages and needs. Together, they reflect the families in our communities.
Parents open up when they feel heard and understood.
Offer experience, not answers, and respect each family's choices and culture.
About 4 hours a month, spread out however suits you.
Yes. Your time and expertise are valuable, and we pay for them:
No. What you know from raising your own child is the experience that matters. You start with a 90-minute welcome training, and we share conversation tips, a guide to local resources and a checklist for planning a get-together.
Whatever suits the parents involved: a coffee morning, a small discussion group, a learning session with a guest, a Christmas or holiday event, a park meetup or an online call. It can happen in a library room, church hall, park pavilion, coffee shop or anywhere that works. We help you plan it and bring what's needed.
Tell us and we'll adjust, no explanation needed. Life with children is unpredictable, and the program is built around that. If you decide to step away, that's fine too.
Six months, renewable by mutual agreement. At the end of each term we review the “You said, we did” update together and plan the next one.
Fill in the short form and we'll reach out to set up a relaxed 20-minute chat. We'll share the full ambassador guide with you then.
Questions first? Call us