Parenting Network
The Parenting Network serves as an Employee Resource Group (ERG) to support UofL employees who identify as a parent or guardian and to build community through resources, events and programming.
About Us
Mission
The Parenting Network offers support and resources that empower UofL employees who are parents or guardians. We work to influence university policy and practice in order to promote an inclusive and equitable campus community of care.
Vision
Our vision is the Parenting Network will be a safe, diverse, and inclusive place of connectiveness, support and resources that promote a voice for parents and guardians as they navigate raising young citizens concurrently with their commitment to the educational mission of the University of Louisville. The Parenting Network will work to identify parental concerns within the workplace and address them through education, dialogue, community and collective action.
Explore the Parenting Network
Respect
We work to affirm the individual uniqueness, self-determination, worth, life experiences, and capability of each parent/guardian, child and family.
Positive Culture
We strive to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that promotes trust, honesty, direct communication, balance, humor, collaboration and professional growth.
Equity and Inclusion
We celebrate the richness created by a variety of cultures, beliefs, identities, and life experiences. We value diversity, equity, justice, as well as respect for differences.
Belonging
We believe every person deserves a family or support network that can provide safety, belonging, teaching and guidance, nurturance and connection to the larger world.
Creativity
We encourage creativity, innovation, and exploration to respond to the rapidly changing needs of children, youth, parents/guardians and families.
Collaboration
We actively maintain, build, expand and strengthen our internal and external alliances to support our community, increase resources for parents/guardians/families and model quality experiences, programming and leadership.
Quality
We strive to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of our work to be responsible stewards of community resources. Our work is guided by integrity and authenticity.
- Foster a community of support among UofL professionals that serve in a parenting role through events and networking opportunities.
- Enhance university culture in recognizing barriers/challenges that parents and guardians face and assist with policy considerations and changes using a parenting lens.
- Represent the spectrum of parents/guardians at UofL and actively promote and embrace inclusivity through all parameters of this resource group.
- Facilitate professional development that affirms parenting through leadership, mentoring and personal/professional development opportunities.
- Support the goals of the University’s Cardinal Principles and Community of Care initiative.
- Encourage new initiatives and better practices towards parents and guardians at UofL through being visible and active around campus.
- Educate University policy makers, faculty, staff, students and community members regarding issues that affect those serving in a parental role.
- Assist the University in achieving its retention and graduation goals by implementing programs that enhance, support and empower parents working on campus.
Leadership position descriptions
Chair
Serves as a representative of the Parenting Network. Leads general body meetings and leadership team meetings. Takes other actions needed as determined by the executive board. Leads all internal group efforts.
Vice Chair
Becomes chair the year following elections making it a two-year commitment. Serves as back up for the chair as needed. Leads the external group efforts.
Programming Co-Chairs
Plans and executes the events/efforts for the Parenting Network. Coordinates the programming and creates/monitors the group calendar.
Communication Co-Chairs
Leads and implements communication and marketing for the Parenting Network (e.g., website, university communications, etc.)
Membership Chair
Tracks group membership and leads recruitment efforts for the Parenting Network (e.g., hosts interest sessions, welcome new employees, etc.)
Finance Chair
Serves as the primary holder of the ProCard and keeps membership up to date on the Parenting Network budget.
Secretary
Takes attendance/minutes at all group meetings. Monitors/updates the Teams channel.
At-Large Member(s)
Takes on other duties as needed to ensure the success of the Parenting Network.