Start Here

If you only take one step, start here:

• Choose ONE small action to try in the next 30 days
• Start a conversation about mental health in your school community
• Ask families what they need — and listen

Why this matters

Parent leaders in school communities — including PTOs, PTAs, and other family engagement groups — help shape the experience families have in schools.

When families feel seen, heard, and included earlier, school communities become more supportive, connected, and responsive.

Parent voice is not complaint. It is insight.

Key Points

• Parent and youth voice strengthens school communities
• Lived experience should inform conversations and decisions
• Parent leaders shape how families experience schools
• Small actions can build trust, connection, and access

4 Ways Parent Leaders Can Make an Impact

1. Culture

How mental health is talked about.

• Normalize conversations
• Reduce stigma

2. Access

How families find support.

• Share trusted resources
• Make “where to start” clear

3. Representation

Who is included.

• Ask who is not at the table
• Create safe ways for input

4. Partnership

How families and schools work together.

• Encourage collaboration
• Build relationships early

What This Could Look Like in Your School

• Hosting a mental health awareness night
• Including parent voice in planning conversations
• Sharing resources in newsletters or meetings
• Creating space for families to connect and support each other

Simple Actions You Can Take

• Add a mental health message to your next newsletter
• Ask families what they need
• Invite a parent perspective into a meeting
• Share 2–3 trusted resources regularly
• Create space for conversation, not just updates

Creating Space for Lived Experience

Creating space for lived experience means making sure that parents and youth who have actually navigated these challenges are not just present, but heard, respected, and included in meaningful ways.

• Move from decisions about families to decisions with families
• Invite input without putting people on the spot
• Listen for insight, not just feedback

Reflection

What is one thing your parent group could do in the next 30–60 days?

Resources

ACMH offers training, resources, and support for families, advocates, and professionals across Michigan.

ACMH can support school parent groups by:

• • Providing training and resources
  • Supporting parent and youth voice
  • Connecting groups to local and statewide resources
  • Sharing engagement strategies

Crisis & Immediate Support

• • • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

If you’re not sure where to start, ACMH can help point you in the right direction.

Thank You for the Work You Do

Supporting youth mental health is a shared responsibility.
Parent leaders play a powerful role in creating more connected and supportive school communities.