January 1, 2014

My sixteen-year-old daughter, Grace, attends Arapahoe High School here in Littleton Colorado. I dropped her off for her fifth period class in order to take a Science exam. She was sick on December 13th and I wanted to keep her home but she had a test “she couldn’t miss.” I returned forty minutes later to see her school surrounded by flashing lights and police officers. I cannot describe the horror of knowing your child is in danger and being powerless to protect her.
I think this incident is yet another illustration of a crack in the collective human psyche. Grace commented that this sort of tragedy is becoming their “normal”. There is no denying the existence of darkness, but we know the light that shines can be trusted more. Although during times like this I find it hard to remember, a little bit of light goes a long way in dispelling a lot of darkness.
Nelson Mandela writes, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
I want to thank all of the teachers and parents who undertake, with increasing challenge and commitment, the care of our children. Thank you to those who point out the flashes of light here and there; kudos to you healers, teachers, freedom fighters and justice seekers. I am so very grateful to share the company of so many activists and leaders who honor and reflect the best in humanity. I wish you all an extraordinary 2014!
Angela Engel
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Last call for Family Leaders in Colorado
I facilitate Phase II in Arapahoe/Douglas. We still have a couple of spots available. If you are interested in leadership development and community engagement, I strongly encourage you to apply. Classes begin January 11th.
FAMILY LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE (FLTI)
Taking applications now at www.ColoradoFamilyLeadership.com and click on ‘Now Accepting Applications!’
or click here to fill out application: FLTI Application

Applications due by most sites by mid-December 2013
Interviews scheduled in November and December 2013

Classes start in January 2014 in the following counties:
Adams County (monolingual Spanish only)
Arapahoe/Douglas Counties
Eagle County  
Larimer County  
Mesa County  
Montezuma/Dolores Counties
Denver/Aurora
Denver/Five Points  (2015)

The Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute began in Colorado in 2009.  Sometime over the course of the past three to four years you have been connected with this initiative and your support continues to be appreciated.  Applications for the Class of 2014 are now being accepted. It is time to spread the news and encourage others to apply for this excellent training opportunity for parents, family members, and other community members interested in making a difference for children, youth, and families.

Who should apply? Parents, teen parents, grandparents, other family members, single people, young adults (age 15-19), veterans, fathers, foster parents, community members and others who wish to improve the lives of children and families in communities.

The FLTI curriculum is a proven curriculum that inspires trains and empowers individuals to become effective leaders and change agents on behalf of children, youth, and families. This opportunity is only offered to 25 participants who are screened and selected based on their availability and readiness. Consideration is also given to how their participation will enhance diversity, strength, and learning for the group as a whole. FLTI course is offered free of charge!

The 20-session FLTI curriculum is based on the premise that the family is a child’s first and most important teacher. Family members are also the best advocates for children and communities. Community leaders including parents, youth, and family members, can be effective when they speak out on issues and inform policymakers, the media, and the community, about the needs of their members. FLTI offers stimulating educational sessions to boost leadership skills of participants in addressing areas of concern such as accessible child healthcare, the education achievement gap, neighborhood safety, and the significance of parental involvement.  Each participant applies their learning to a community-based project that reflects his/her passion.  Class participants will emerge as strong leaders and advocates for all children and their families.