Community & Family Engagement

Together, we lead the way.

An engaged community is a powerful community. And because we know it will take great power to build the strength, wellness, and prosperity we all deserve, we partner with and invest in people and families, building power from the ground up through leadership development and civic engagement. Our programs take a multigenerational approach, supporting parents so they can best support their children.

Our Programs

Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors (AP/OD) Family Curriculum

PCA uses AP/OD as a family engagement tool. This is often our first touch point with families. In partnership with AP/OD we offer parents or guardians with young children a 10-session curriculum that supports participants in building strong foundations for their children in reading, math, technology, and health. Parents learn how to advocate for their families and communities while creating lifelong connections with their neighbors, supporting each other in making what they learn a part of daily life.

Class Outcomes

AP/OD classes are grounded in a two-generation approach, simultaneously supporting children and parents or other caregivers together. The evidence-based class curriculum will strengthen participants’ parent leadership skills.

Learning objectives include: early literacy, bilingualism, early math, positive use of technology, attendance, civic engagement, goal setting, advocacy, and planning for family success.

Time Commitment

Typically once a week for 10 weeks or twice a week for 5 weeks. Offered virtually or in-person depending on the class. English and Spanish language options available.

Upcoming Class Dates (Albuquerque)

Spanish Class - Tuesdays And Thursdays
Orientation Date: January 7th, 2025
Class Start Date: January 9th, 2025
Class End Date: February 11th, 2025
Location: Virtual/Zoom

Register Now

English Class - Mondays And Wednesdays
Orientation Date: January 8th, 2025
Class Start Date: January 13th, 2025
Class End Date: February 17th, 2025
Location: Virtual/Zoom

Register Now

If you are interested in participating, but the classes listed above don't work for you, please fill out the form linked below:

New Class Interest Form

AP/OD Trainer of Facilitators Program

This program expands the number of certified facilitators in community-based organizations who can offer the AP/OD curriculum to families in their own communities.

PCA is the only organization in New Mexico offering certification to staff and/or parent leaders in the AP/OD curriculum. The PCA Trainer of Facilitators (ToF) Program teaches the curriculum and cultivates participants’ skills in popular education and methods to adapt and apply what works best for the AP/OD program in their organizations and communities with parents and caregivers of young children, prenatal to 5.

Time Commitment

Three day training, typically 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Location

In person training is offered across the state, contact us to learn more.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

December 3rd, 4th, and 5th 2024
8:30am-4pm
722 Isleta Blvd. SW Albuquerque, NM, 87105
Language: Spanish

If you have additional questions about the program, contact us here.
If you are interested in participating but the training dates listed above don't work for you, please fill out the form below:

New Class Interest Form

The Young Parent Cohort

This group supports young parent leaders who are actively involved in driving equitable systems change in New Mexico. The goal of including parents in leadership is to ensure that the voices of parents are centered and that PCA’s program and policy recommendations are informed by the lived experiences of New Mexico families.

The Young Parent Cohort embraces a 2Gen approach to amplify and engage the voices of young parents from across New Mexico, advocating for policies that support families with young children. The cohort focuses on advancing financial security initiatives, such as Baby Bonds, Guaranteed Income, and Child Tax Credits, as well as improving access to high-quality early childhood care.

Eligibility

Parents who are under 24 years old and have at least one child who is under 6 years old, including expectant parents.
Participate in virtual sessions and 3 in person meetings, from July through April.

Focus Areas

Community Organizing
Systems Change Advocacy
2Gen Family Engagement with Abriendo Puertas/ Opening Doors
Economic Equity & Mobility

Learn more or to join the cohort, email YP@forcommunityaction.org

Vaccination And Health Outreach

We help facilitate community driven solutions around health equity by bringing communities together and raising awareness around preventative health strategies. PCA’s focus on community wellness drives our efforts to create healthier communities.

With funding from the New Mexico Department of Health’s Better Together Coalition, we have hosted vaccination clinics and community wellness fairs since 2022.