CLAYTON FAMILY
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

ABOUT THE CLAYTON FAMILY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Clayton Family Ambassador Program highlights the importance of parent leadership with opportunities to practice advocacy in state and federal policy. Head Start and Early Head Start parents and family members participate in specialized training with community partners, network with professionals, and learn the skills needed to become changemakers within their community. Based on our belief that the most influential catalysts for change are those who are directly affected by policy decisions, this unique program empowers parent and early childhood workforce representatives to communicate effectively with lawmakers, adding an authentic perspective to conversations that impact children and families in Colorado. Each year, we recruit our new cohort of Ambassadors at the start of the school year in September and welcome alumni to continue to participate.
PARTNER WITH THE CLAYTON FAMILY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Partner with Parent and Caregiver Leaders to Elevate Family Voices, Build Community, and Create Change
The Clayton Family Ambassador Program develops and supports parent and caregiver leaders who use their lived experiences, leadership skills, and voices to advocate for children, families, and communities.
OUR AMBASSADORS ARE TRAINED IN:
FAMILY LEADERSHIP
AND
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
POLICY
AND
ADVOCACY
STORYTELLING AND
PUBLIC SPEAKING
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
FACILITATION
AND
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
MEDIA
AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
CREATING STRONGER CONNECTIONS BETWEEN FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES
Whether you need a family voice for an event, a facilitator for a conversation, a speaker to share lived experience, or a parent leader to help strengthen your work, Clayton Family Ambassadors are ready to partner with you.
HOW CAN AN AMBASSADOR SUPPORT YOUR WORK?
Please complete this request form and tell us how a Clayton Family Ambassador can support your event, project, meeting, or initiative.
AMBASSADOR SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
PERSONAL TESTIMONY & STORYTELLING
- Share lived experiences to highlight the impact of programs, policies, or community efforts - Participate in panels, meetings, public hearings, or events
EVENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Welcome remarks - Keynote remarks - Family perspective presentations Community celebrations
FACILITATION
SUPPORT
- Lead conversations and discussions - Support community forums - Facilitate parent engagement activities - Help create welcoming spaces for family voices
POLICY & ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT
- Share family experiences with policymakers - Participate in advocacy campaigns - Attend community or legislative events - Support family-centered policy conversations
PANEL
PARTICIPATION
Join discussions about: - Early childhood education - Family engagement - Parent leadership - Community change - Equity and access
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT
- Connect families to resources - Support outreach efforts - Help gather community feedback
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
- Co-facilitate leadership trainings - Share expertise from lived experience - Support family-centered learning opportunities
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMBASSADOR ENGAGEMENTS
To ensure meaningful and respectful partnerships:
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Ambassadors should receive clear expectations and preparation materials.
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Requests should be submitted at least 2–3 weeks in advance whenever possible.
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Ambassadors’ lived experiences and expertise should be valued and compensated when appropriate.
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Clayton will work with requestors to identify the best Ambassador match based on interests, experience, and availability.
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Ambassadors will represent their own personal opinions, experiences, and perspectives; they do not speak on behalf of or represent the views of Clayton Early Learning.
NEXT STEPS
After submitting a request, a member of the Clayton Family Ambassador team will review your request and follow up regarding availability, preparation needs, and next steps.
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Thank you for partnering with Clayton Family Ambassadors to strengthen family voice and create community change.
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Together, we are building a future where families are empowered, engaged, and leading change.
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