Before that first call, I'd experienced an amazing connection with Lisa. I'd spent weeks emailing with Lisa as she guided me through the API Leader accreditation process, one-on-one, at my own pace. 

Lisa works with over 80 API Leader applicants preparing them to offer free, community-based parent groups that are welcoming, inclusive, supportive and grounded in research-based information.  

Lisa helped me understand and learn what I needed to know to successfully lead an API parent group in my community. The accreditation isn't all book learning either. A great deal of time was spent exploring my own parenting practices, beliefs and strategies to compassionately help others who might have different beliefs and practices than my own. Lisa's c are and attention made me very hopeful and excited about becoming an API Leader and working with other API staff.
 

After my experience with Lisa, my greatest question was, 

I didn't know if the other people behind the scenes at API would be what I imagined or hoped for. Would they be casual about their cause or inspired and feverish? Would their advocacy be dogmatic or amenable? What efforts are going on behind the scenes every day? Had these volunteers and employees maintained the mission that was set out by the founders? Where they still passionate if they were 5 years deep? What about after 10 years?  

Kendrah and Stephanie led my first API Leader call. API Staff and Leaders on the call shared successes and challenges and discussed topics with kindness and enthusiasm. 

Kendrah is API's Leader Liaison and the monthly Leader calls are just one of the many programs she provides to connect and support over 100 API Leaders worldwide.

Stephanie manages several API program areas that provide direct support to Leaders and parents.  

I hung up from that conference call feeling assured and supported. I felt empowered to help others . I felt like I had finally really found my tribe. Everyone on the call was as dedicated, caring and passionate as Lisa had been. 

 

It was clear that API staff really cared.

 

I realized then that the Leaders are the HEART of API and the staff, themselves accredited Leaders, are the heartbeat.  

API staff are deeply committed to supporting the Leaders as well as parents and they attend to all of the little details that add up to a huge load of work required to keep a non-profit afloat. And the API passion has been alive for over 20 years. 

Lisa, Kendrah, Stephanie and others at API dedicate an unbelievable time and emotional effort to connecting with, educating and sharing parenting information and support with Leaders and parents alike. Their daily activities demonstrate their commitment to the vision of a more peaceful world and more compassion for the people in it (big and small). 

 

The API staff works hard, but they also work smart because one person can do a little, but many people can do a lot.  API staff enable Leaders and parents to join voices in every community and across all communities. We keep the passion strong with shared stories of success, and we join together to offer support to families who need it.

 

 

API needs our donations to continue this work.  

Will you join me in making a donation to API today?  

Love is powerful and API is overflowing with it. Your donation helps ensure that parents around the world have access to this sustaining resource.

 

Ashley Nebeker

API Leader