Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)

Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)

The Missoula County Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a civics, advocacy, and leadership training program that equips parents, caregivers, and other community members with the skills and knowledge to create positive change for youth and families. This 20-week program is free, and all participants are offered individualized childcare support, on-site meals during classes, and transportation assistance as needed.

The 4th Missoula County PLTI Cohort started in February 2025.

New cohorts begin annually in January and conclude around May/ June.

TNew cohorts begin annually in January and conclude around May/June. Interested in learning more or joining the next cohort? Sign up to be notified when applications open!

Interested in learning more or joining the next cohort? Sign up to be notified when applications open!

Photo: The 2024 PLTI cohort on their last day of class.

Follow us on social media

What is PLTI?

The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a national program with more than 30 years of experience developing parent leaders and children’s advocates across the United States. The Missoula County PLTI is a local program of United Way of Missoula County's Zero to Five initiative.


PLTI brings together people from all walks of life to learn about civic engagement, advocacy and community action. This program is based on the idea that caregivers and youth are the best advocates for children and families in our communities–and that increasing access to civic skills will lead us all toward a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable democracy.

Photo: PLTI leaders working on a coalition-building activity

What You Will Gain

“I think of PLTI as a kind of accelerator for positive change in our community. See problems around you, but don't know exactly what you can do about it? PTI can help with that. Looking to better understand systems and structures of power--and how you can influence them? Yep, that, too. Open to broadening your horizons and learning more about your neighbors? PLTI will definitely do that. Just hoping to connect with other people who give a damn about the world? 100% PLTI!” - Elisabeth, Missoula County PLTI 2024 Graduate.

Who is PLTI for?

Missoula PLTI is open to 20 Missoula County parents, caregivers, grandparents, foster parents, and other adults who wish to improve the lives of children and families in their communities. If you are passionate about issues impacting children and families but need support learning how to advocate effectively–or perhaps aren’t even sure where to begin–PLTI is for you. (While we strive to empower parents and caregivers, PLTI is not only for parents!)

Our program thrives on diversity, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and experiences. Each year, we aim to create a cohort that reflects the diversity of Missoula County, ensuring that all caregivers' voices are heard and represented. Our Coordinator and Facilitation Team prioritize fostering a supportive space where participants can learn from one another and grow together.

“PLTI really opened my eyes to the power of community. It connected me with people I never would have thought shared similar experiences and concerns. It was inspiring to see how, by working together, we can achieve significant progress and drive real change. It reinforced for me that we truly need each other to move forward and make things happen.” - Marilyn, Missoula County PLTI 2024 Graduate.



How to Apply

Interested in learning more or joining the next cohort? Sign up to be notified when applications open!


The PLTI experience includes:

  1. A Full-Day Retreat
    The program kicks off with a full-day retreat. During this retreat, you'll have the opportunity to share your stories, build connections with other participants in your group, and lay the foundation for engaging in anti-racist advocacy work within our unique community.
  2. 20 Class Sessions
    Throughout the program, you will attend 20 class sessions, generally between January and May/June
    • Phase 1: A 10-week course focused on equity, understanding your personal history, and building trust across differences.
    • Phase 2: A 10-week course on politics, policy, and local government, where you'll learn how policies are created and how to use your voice as an advocate effectively.

You'll also have opportunities to meet with local and state policymakers, media professionals, and nonprofit and community leaders to understand how decisions are made and how you can influence change.

  1. Community Impact Project
    Each PLTI leader develops a community project to explore or address an issue that affects you and the people you love. Participants’ interests are diverse, ranging from school attendance policies and state budget allocations to access to mental healthcare and improving community support for refugee families. You’ll collaborate closely with the dedicated PLTI team and a local mentor who help you identify an actionable issue and transform your passion into action.
  2. Time Commitment and Schedule
    The 2025 Missoula PLTI cohorts complete 20 class sessions generally between January and May/ June. Classes meet at the Missoula Public Library, with each session lasting 3.5 hours (including a shared 30-minute meal). We strive to offer PLTI at a time that is convenient for the greatest number of applicants and each year we offer the program at a different day/ time to ensure it is available to as many folks as possible. The schedule considers holidays and school calendars and may be adjusted based on participant preferences. (Over the years, we’ve met on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Thursdays at 5:30pm, and Saturdays at 9 a.m.).

Supports Provided

We understand that participating in a program like PLTI is a big commitment, and we will do everything we can to help identify and address barriers to participation. Missoula County PLTI is offered free of charge to participating families and includes:

We are committed to making the program as accessible as possible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. If you need anything else, please let us know—and share all details of your needs and preferences in the online application.

The Impacts of PLTI

Nationally, PLTI’s thousands of graduates have gone on to write letters to the editor, testify before local and state governments, start nonprofit organizations, and even run for office.

Some of the community projects and initiatives developed by local leaders in Missoula County PLTI include:

PLTI doesn’t end with graduation. Each class of leaders joins the PLTI Alumni Group to continue their civic projects and to mentor the next class, creating an enhanced effect of community caring and developing a coalition of parent leaders.

Photo: Missoula County PLTI 2024 leaders at their graduation celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people participate in The Missoula County PLTI?

What is the PLTI Community Project?

Ready to Apply?

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the next Missoula PLTI Cohort! Apply online by January 5, and take the first step toward becoming a leader and advocate in your community.

Sign up to get more info and be notified when applications open!


2025 Missoula County PLTI Team

  • Andi Hoelzel, Phase 1 Facilitator
  • Kenny Scruggs, Phase 1 Facilitator
  • Alice Boyer, Phase 2 Facilitator
  • Joby McCarthy, Phase 2 Facilitator
  • Sam Duncan, Site Coordinator

Our Civic Design Team members

  • Andi Hoelzel, PLTI Facilitator & UM Associate Professor of Social Work
  • Bobbi Roysdon, The Parenting Place
  • Ivy Anderson, The Parenting Place
  • Kayla Whitaker, Missoula Public Library
  • Katie Samuels, Families First Learning Lab
  • Stacy Houge, Friends of the Children
  • Tess Sneeringer, Missoula Parks & Recreation
  • Tina Frisch, Missoula PLTI 2024 Graduate & MCPS School Board Trustee
  • Gabe Sather-Olson, United Way of Missoula County

Interested in learning more? Email us.

What we’re up to

Check out more
Education

Fostering physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth for Missoula’s youth.

Financial Stability

Removing obstacles and paving the way for hard working families to get ahead financially.

Health

Working to ensure that everyone in Missoula has the tools they need to live a healthy life.