Partner and Volunteer Highlight: PLTI Alexandria People’s Assembly

If you were to do one thing to make life better for children in Alexandria, what would you do? This question, pulled from the application for the PLTI Alexandria People's Assembly (formerly Parent Leadership Training Institute) competitive cohort, reveals the heart of the vision of its founder Joyce Woodson, the first Black woman elected to the Alexandria City Council. Established in 2006, the Alexandria People’s Assembly empowers caring adults and youth to use their voice to become change agents in the community, focusing on the systemic barriers that hinder their ability to advocate for a thriving Alexandria.

“The Alexandria People’s Assembly centers our work on the power of people organizing with one another to establish just, loving and sustainable communities where health outcomes are predictable from womb to grave, throughout Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and across Northern Virginia,” Board Chair LaDonna Sanders shared. 

Sanders said that the organization “is committed to African-centered advocacy and community building as a path to dismantle oppressive systems, directly combat anti-Black racism and the collateral damage it does to non-Black people, and promote an optimal conceptual worldview for all families living in Alexandria.” Optimal conceptual worldview emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and people, according to creator Dr. Linda James Myers.The framework focuses on prioritizing collective well-being, spiritual grounding and empowerment.     

"Our partnership with the PLTI has included ACPS staff training around the optimal psychology framework. The optimal psychology practices transcend any one group and can be applied to everyone to build stronger, more caring communities across the City of Alexandria," explained Chief of Student Services and Equity Dr. Marcia Jackson.

“The training has enriched our cultural understanding of how to work more effectively with our African American students and families. We have also discussed ways we plan to develop additional training opportunities in the future.” 

Currently, PLTI Alexandria People's Assembly initiatives focus on building community and empowering advocacy in various ways through its:

• Problem Solving and Civic Engagement at Alexandria People's Assemblies.
• Culturally Competent Mental Health Advocacy and Continuing Education Training in Optimal Psychology .
• Community Education. 
• Community Wellness Series. 
• Calling for an African American Wellness Hub. 

“Taking part in our programming increases parental and student capacity, fosters community transformation, addresses inequities, affords public officials the opportunity to see parents as assets and invigorates democracy,” Sanders noted. “Our alumni have designed and completed an individual community project to make life better for children and have gone on to serve on various boards and commissions, locally and nationally, advocating for equitable outcomes as public servants, nonprofit leaders and addressing systemic injustice.”

To learn more about PLTI Alexandria People's Assembly programming, sign up for its Listserv or follow the organization on social media for information regarding upcoming events.