Celebrating the Maine State Parent Ambassadors

2026 Champions for Children Giraffe Awards - Community Advocacy Award

The Maine State Parent Ambassador Program (MSPA) is helping make sure parents have a powerful voice in the decisions, policies, and systems that shape the lives of Maine children and families. They are a statewide parent empowerment and advocacy program a dministered by Educare Maine, which is operated by the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program. MSPA builds parents’ confidence, leadership skills, and ability to advocate for their children and communities.   

A Growing Movement of Parent Leaders  

The program officially launched statewide in the fall of 2016, building on earlier Parent Ambassador efforts. Its training has included leadership, public policy, public speaking, local government, and family advocacy . This approach prepares parents to move from being informed participants to confident leaders and advocates.  

Today, MSPA offers an intensive 10-month training experience. Participants engage in professional development, advocacy, conferences, legislative testimony, and community events. The program has also grown a network of more than 145 alumni, extending its impact well beyond each individual participant . In 2025, 18 ambassadors completed 162 hours of professional development, advocacy, and parent-partnership opportunities, and graduates became the first to earn a Parent Ambassador micro-credential through a partnership with St. Joseph’s College of Maine.  

MSPA is also helping bring family voice into communities through partnerships with community-based organizations, supporting parent leaders in sharing information and resources with other families.  

A 2026 Champion for Children  

The Maine State Parent Ambassador Program is a powerful example of what happens when parents are recognized as leaders and partners in creating better outcomes for children . By elevating family voice, developing parent leadership, and connecting families to advocacy opportunities, MSPA is helping build stronger communities and a brighter future for Maine’s children.  

We are proud to celebrate the Maine State Parent Ambassador program as a Maine Children’s Alliance 2026 Champions for Children Giraffe Award Winne r and honoring the program for truly “sticking its neck out” for Maine children and families.  

Learn more - https://www.educarecentralmaine.org/maine-state-parent-ambassadors/