A lesson in leadership

My most recent lesson in leadership came from observing parents of the children served by the Grand Street Settlement Child and Family Center (CFC) in Bushwick , Brooklyn. When informed
that the NYC Agency for Childrens' Services (ACS) planned to dismantle the high quality services provided to low-income families and children by the Grand Street Settlement CFC because of a lease dispute between the city and a private landlord, the parents sprang into action. They gathered signatures on petitions, attended meetings, held a rally on the steps of City Hall and spoke to elected officials and the media. At a meeting with the Commissioner of ACS and members of his staff and others, the mom of a child with special needs (and a wise latina), who has benefited from the CFC and its services, spoke truth to power and did so eloquently - with a perfect mix of passion and reason. She spoke and everyone listened. She was poised, well- informed, well spoken and comfortable in her role. It was a wonderful display of grassroots leadership in action.
Si se puede!