Parent Advocacy Mentor program (PAM)

Transforming parents into mentors and advocates 

SNN’s Parent Advocacy Mentor Program (PAM) is our acclaimed training program that gives parents and caregivers the tools to become more effective advocates for their children with special needs. Participants also gain the skills and experience to mentor other parents of children with disabilities. 

This training model has been a successful tool for equipping military families, foster parents, and community-based service providers with the tools to become change agents toward building an advocacy pipeline to effect policy change and overcome racially biased systems of care and services. Many of our PAM graduates have gone on to start non-profits, support groups, lead legislative campaigns, and share their stories on major networks and platforms. 

Designed for both beginner and advanced advocates, the PAM program focuses on understanding systems of care, accessing regional center services, developing successful IEPs, public speaking, community organizing, and coalition building. 

Sessions of the four-week virtual and hybrid training program take place quarterly, on Saturdays. Childcare, breakfast, and all training materials are provided. Participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Achievement. 

To learn more, contact mary@snnla.org