Special Offers for Alumni and Referrals!
This year, we are proud to offer alumni of our programs special discounts:
- COTP alumni: 15% off PLI registration with code COTP2025ALUM
- Former PLI attendees: 15% off this year’s PLI with code PLI2025ALUM
- Referral opportunity: Alumni can refer new participants using PLI2025REFERRAL to receive 15% off
Cross-program discount: Former PLI attendees can get 15% off the Community Organizer Training Program (COTP) launching January 2026 with code COTPALL
The Path to Equity Starts Here
The Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute is a two-day, in-person event designed for both new and experienced organizers. It's a hands-on, real-world training initiative that gives you the skills to create lasting change in your community and beyond.
Our training is rooted in the Institution-Based Community Organizing model, giving organizers the tools to:
- Build strong grassroots movements
- Understand and navigate power dynamics
- Uplift the voices of marginalized communities
Graduates go on to lead major education organizations across the country. They shape policy, shift systems, and stay rooted in a deep commitment to justice and equity.
Program Info
The Jose Arenas Parent Leadership Institute offers a 2-day immersive, cohort-based training where participants explore the four cycles of community organizing: listening, research, action, and evaluation. Led by expert trainers with deep organizing experience, participants develop tangible skills and deepen their understanding of how to lead campaigns that win real change for students.
The program also incorporates powerful stories from seasoned parent leaders who have successfully navigated these cycles and made lasting impact—transforming schools, districts, and communities along the way.
Here are the dates for our upcoming session:
September 20-21, 2025
9/20: 9:00 AM – 5PM ; 9/21 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Cañada College – 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Travel support for participants
- Access to experienced trainers and resources
- High-quality materials and interpretation services
- Meals and snacks during the two day training event
- Childcare services to remove barriers for engagement
- Ongoing leadership development and alumni engagement
Amazing Outcomes
Policy Adoption
3 major district policies, 2 statewide laws, and 1 state budget provision
New Educational Options
3+ high-quality schools created through parent advocacy
Parent Leadership Pipeline
650+ trained parent leaders currently active
Geographic Influence
Expanded from 1 region to 22 states in just over a decade
Research Impact
5 major reports directly leading to policy changes
Targeted Funding
$300 million in ongoing Prop 98 funds targeted at closing opportunity gaps








