What is the Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network?
In collaboration with the National Parent Leadership Institute, the Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network (PECAN) is the table where parents come together to inform systems level change for improvments in cradle to career outcomes.
Read our statement on Racial Trauma across the Rochester City School District
PECAN Manifesto
Parents in our community are gravely concerned about the challenges facing their children, especially Black and Brown children. Parents have indisputable expertise based in part on their lived experience. Parents are highly motivated to partner with leaders and service providers to create a more effective infrastructure to improve outcomes for all our children. However, too frequently services and
systems-level efforts in Rochester have not included participant, family, or youth voices. When they have, often it has not been done in a meaningful way but rather as a token effort. This manifesto seeks to transform services for children in Rochester by utilizing families’ lived experience and expertise to shape, guide and lead.
Meet the New PECAN Co-Chairs
Meet Janice
Hello! My name is Janice Kpor and I am the parent of three children, two of whom are scholars in elementary school and one who is currently attending RIT. I am a graduate of RCSD and obtained my bachelor’s degree at St. John Fisher University in Sociology and African American Studies. I’m currently working on a master’s in public health.
I am an active advocate for educational access and social justice. I am a member of PLAC and PLTI cohort 10, class of 2023. I also co-chair the Urban-Suburban Parent Advisory Council. I’ve been a Pillar of Hope member as well as a volunteer with many community organizations and events.
I primarily work with people with developmental disabilities (OPWDD) and social services. I’ve worked with many nonprofit agencies and am currently employed by the Community Place of Greater Rochester.
I have always advocated for the enrichment and support of all students. It is my hope that we educate scholars in a way that they become thinkers in society.
Meet Caroline
Hello! My name is Caroline McClendon, and I am an active parent with four children in the Rochester City School District. My community engagement includes participation in the alumnae chapter of my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where I serve as the Adopt-a School Coordinator for NYS.
In my role, I help local chapters adopt schools or classrooms to support teachers and students throughout the year. I am currently in leadership roles at two new non-profits in the Rochester community geared towards youth, scholarship, mentorship and compassionate care management.
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