What Is the Rise & Shine Parent Leadership Program?

Watch our video to get to know Rise & Shine!

> Read our Rise & Shine 2021 Program Report

> Read our Rise & Shine 2020 Program Report

> Read our Rise & Shine 2019 Program Report

Parents impacted by ACS become powerful leaders to make change.

Through Rise & Shine, you can:

  • Build a strong foundation to become an advocate and a leader in your community;
  • Develop writing and public speaking skills;
  • Shadow parent advocates and participate in 10 hours of interactive field learning;
  • Reflect on experiences and build a peer-to-peer support network; and
  • Engage with expert speakers on child welfare history and law, parent advocacy, domestic violence, trauma, toxic stress and self-care.

Program details:

  • Program runs 18 weeks and meets for 3 hours/3 times a week.
  • Certificate and stipend are provided upon completion.
  • Metro cards and light refreshments are provided throughout the program.
  • Child care is not provided.
Watch our 2020 Graduation!

2020 Rise & Shine Speakers

Rise is run by Program Coordinator Teresa Bachiller, who was previously the assistant director at the Child Welfare Organizing Project (CWOP) and a parent advocate, along with Robbyne Wiley, parent leader; Bianca Shaw, assistant director for programs; Nancy Fortunato, senior parent leader; Tracy Serdjenian, editorial director; Keyna Franklin, parent leader; and Ashanti Bryant, program assistant.

2020 guest speakers include:

  • History of Child Welfare Michael Arsham, Director, ACS Office of Advocacy and former director of the Child Welfare Organizing Project (CWOP)
  • Moving from Trauma to Identifying and Using Centers of Power Tricia Stephens, Assistant Professor, Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work
  • ACS Investigation Process and Seal and Amend Process and Advocacy  Matt Diaz, The Bronx Defenders, and Washcarina Martinez Alonzo, Manhattan Legal Services
  • Introduction to Coalition Building and Understanding Systemic Oppression as Connected to Child Welfare Erin Miles Cloud, Movement for Family Power
  • Introduction to Parent Advocacy Sabra Jackson, Center for Family Representation, Hope Newton, Center for Family Representation, Bevanjae Kelley, Graham Windham
  • Introduction to Community Organizing Arif Ullah, Citizens Committee of NY
  • Introduction to the Policy Making Process and Legislative Advocacy Divya Sundaram, Community Voices Heard
  • Combating Toxic Stress: Strong Families, Resilient Communities Nora McCarthy, Rise
2019 Graduates
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