Gina Jackson, Southern Alameda County Chapter 

I have been a member of Parent Voices for three years.  I have two adult children, Shaughn and Ericka and two younger children, Jasmine and Samuel. Being part of Parent Voices has given me skills in public speaking, confidence building, community organizing, grassroots fundraising, and advocacy. All these things prepared me for our trip to Washington D.C. It was very empowering to speak to our federal representatives. I really felt they listened to what I had to say.  Parent Voices helped me to see my life in a new way. I was once content to see myself as an administrative assistant but that woman is no more; There is a new vision of myself now coming into focus. That woman is liberated, an activist, a leader and an advocate! Whenever someone from Parent Voices calls me to do something, I say, "I am there!"

 Beckie Moralez, Butte County Chapter               

 Before I joined Parent Voices three years ago I never knew I had a voice or that my voice mattered.  Today I know better, I empowered by my experiences with Parent Voices and use it to empower others.  I have evolved into a passionate speaker that gives me permission to be true to myself and stand up for what I believe in and what I know is not fair.  Parent Voices has changed the person I used to be into the person I always wanted to be, strong, confident, and fearless!

 Lourdes Alarcon, San Francisco County Chapter  

 I am the proud mother of five year old Xavier and 2 year old Itzel.  I have been a member of the PV San Francisco since 2005 and I am on the Statewide Steering Committee.  To me, Parent Voices is a connection with the outside world.  It keeps me informed of what is happening in terms of policy making, because as a parent I am very busy taking care of my children that I forget that having a better community is also a way of taking care of them. Parent Voices makes me feel that I am an important part of my community and sharing my experiences with other parents empowers me to make the difference.

 Melody Davis, Northern Alameda County Chapter

 My name is Melody Davis and I’m from Alameda County.  I’ve been part of Parent Voices from the beginning, in 1996.  I not only have my own children but I also grandchildren.  That’s a big factor when it comes to fighting for quality and affordable child care! 

 Parent Voices gave me the confidence in myself to  speak out on issues.  I now know I need to understand all the facts and statistics to approach a new situation and how to find a solution.  Parent Voices helped me understand the big structure and how I can share useful information with others.   “Stand for Children” was a rally that not only gave me an opportunity to express my voice, but to understand what our government structure was really all about.  Now, I know that I actually count!  Yes, I do!  My voice is heard.  In this democratic environment, we all count and Parent Voices provides the place to have our voices heard.  It’s important to strive for goals and if you do it right, it works.  Being part of Parent Voices has been a beautiful experience.   We not only help the little ones receive better and quality care, we’re keeping Californians working.

 Lauren Fried, Marin County Chapter

 I am a proud mother of 3 young children from Marin County. I have been apart of Parent Voices since 2007 and since becoming involved in such a powerful movement my life has forever changed. I have always worked with children so knowing about the lack of funding for quality childcare programs is something I am all too familiar with. After 2 years of hard work and dedication, going to school full time, work full time and raising 2 children, I finally obtained my degree and was able to get an amazing job as a director of the YMCA after school program. This would not have been possible without the help of Marin Childcare Council and Parent Voices. The support and encouragement I got from the staff there as well as from the families that volunteer with Parent Voices was more powerful than you could imagine. I am where I am today because of Parent Voices and MC3, they are amazing people and I know that one day the goal of making sure there is affordable, accessible and quality childcare for all low income families will be achieved. For now I will continue to work hard to finish up my masters degree so that I am able to become even more involved in the fight to save, provide and increase childcare funding, I want to make sure our families are never again put in the position they have been in the last several months.