The Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) is an important component of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). Both are part of The Families Network of Western Connecticut, and funding has been provided by the state and private grants. Classes are held in Danbury, Connecticut, but are also open to residents of surrounding towns.

If a parent is taking PLTI, their children may be able to attend CLTI for the same twenty-week period. At CLTI, children ages 4-13 learn about diversity and how to build community in a safe environment where differences are celebrated. We learn to find and use our voices in a respectful way that enables other people to hear our ideas.

Democracy thrives when people become involved in the process. At CLTI, we spend half the sessions learning about our families, our communities, local systems, and the process of change. Then, in the following ten classes, we discuss social and economic changes and how they affect families. We discuss budgets, how policy can drive change, and the roles of both local and state governments. We also consider the needs of our local community and implement a group community project during the second half of the curriculum.

The lessons are taught in a fun and engaging way, utilizing many interactive and creative activities, and including presentations by local community leaders, one of whom was Mayor Roberto Alves. This year, dinner was served from 5:30 to 6 pm for families taking classes. Then classes run promptly from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Time is allotted for homework, movement, and snack time, with free time to play games. Both the children’s and parents' lessons mirror one another, so that on the way home, each can share what their activities were, reinforcing the learning themes. 

The Children’s Leadership Training Institute’s Class of 2025 chose to collect food for The Daily Bread Food Pantry as their community project. The children decorated three large donation boxes, which were put in various locations around Danbury, including the City Hall lobby. Additionally, a monetary donation and children's books were made to the Daily Bread Food Pantry from the returned bottle deposit money. Debbie Landzberg, Past President of The Daily Bread, graciously gave the CLTI Class of 2025 a presentation about their new super pantry, located at 125 Park Avenue in Danbury, along a bus route. This new location is set up like a grocery store, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and meat. Did you know that the Daily Bread Food Pantry provides food for over 1000 families a week? They always welcome new volunteers as well as donations of food or cash. For more information, please visit their website at dailybreadfoodpantry.com.

If you and your children are interested in learning more about joining the next Parent Leadership Training Institute and Children’s Leadership Training Institute Class of 2026, please visit fnwc.org/plti.  

We look forward to meeting you, your children, and hearing about your ideas for improving our community!