Trainings & Events

Family Engagement Training Menu

According to the 2025 School Climate & Connectedness Survey, only two-thirds of staff said their school provides training on partnering with families. Sample from the AFEC training menu to ensure 100% of your team has the training & support they need. Don’t see what you’re looking for on here? We can make trainings to order!

Professional Learning Community based on On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together. This year-long course meets once a month starting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and is designed for school or district level cohorts. Learn more & register here.

Family Engagement Leadership Summit

Access to this high-quality, one-day virtual conference (a $99 value) is now FREE. Friday, Sept. 18, 7 am-12:30 pm Alaska time. Register here.

Family Engagement & Leadership Training (FELT)

Family Engagement & Leadership Training (FELT) is a self-paced, compensated training program designed to support parents and family members as they amplify their voice in advocating for improvements to publicly funded systems that serve children and families. You’ll strengthen your advocacy skills, connect with others, and help shape the systems that serve Alaska’s children and families. 

This training series will provide a foundation to build from. They have been designed to fit into a parent’s busy schedule; each unit should take approximately 15 minutes and can be completed at any time. 

Program Highlights: 

• Flexible — approximately 20 hours, completed at your own pace 
• Short modules (about 15 minutes each) 
• A $200 gift card stipend awarded upon graduation 
• Personalized support and networking opportunities 
• Make a difference for your family and others consistent with your advocacy goals

Find out more and register at this link to sign up for the training.

Empowered Parents – Inclusive Connections (EPIC)

Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Virtual meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays

Do you know families who have a child with special needs? Help connect them with a network of support for the child, siblings, and parents. In addition to trainings, Stone Soup Group offers events designed to empower families and professionals with knowledge, tools, and support to help Alaskan children with special needs thrive. Each session provides opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build meaningful connections within a caring community. We believe that strong family connections are the foundation for growth—when families come together to learn and support one another, everyone benefits. Register and get the Zoom link here.

NAMI Basics – Mental Health guidance for families of teens

Free, online, available any time

This free, six-session online education program is for parents, caregivers, and others who provide care for youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics OnDemand is guided by parents and family members with lived experience, is self-paced, and is available 24/7. Learn more and sign up here.

Transition Series: Exploring the Alaska Transition Handbook

Free, online

Over a period of six Zoom sessions, the Stone Soup Group will walk through the Transition Pathways Handbook. These sessions are especially helpful for families of middle and high school students with special needs. Register here.

Family Advisory Board

First Fridays, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Do you know family members who may be interested in helping guide the work of the Alaska Family Engagement Center? We’re looking for a few more Family Advisory Board members, especially those who have elementary school-aged kids and/or are fathers, grandfathers, and uncles. Thanks for nominating family members here (self-nominations are welcome!). Contact Emily Ferry for more info.

Active Parenting of Teens

Tuesdays, 9/15/26 – 10/27/26 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

For caregivers of preteens and teens, this video and discussion program provides the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate with teens. Each session shows caregivers how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. To register, scan the QR code here.

Positive Solutions

Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, 09/16/26 – 10/28/26

Add a positive twist to your parent class, which focuses on effective techniques for promoting emotional development and understanding behavior. This class aims to help caregivers understand children’s development, communication, and how to support desired behavior. To register, scan the QR code here.