THE CALL TO ACTION
The Parent Engagement Network (PEN) began in 2001 with a Call to Action by Superintendent George Garcia of the Boulder Valley School District.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TASK FORCE
Originally convened as the parent subcommittee of the Substance Abuse Task Force, PEN emerged to encourage parent involvement in creating solutions to reduce high-risk behaviors among Boulder Valley youth.  The task force used the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey as a benchmark for action and focused on substantive goals in the areas of parents, youth, and BVSD policy.  PEN kicked off its efforts in Fall 2002 with a series of interactive community gatherings.

CREATION OF THE PARENT ENGAGEMENT NETWORK
In 2003, the task force evolved into the Parent Engagement Network, PEN, a grass roots, parent-led community movement receiving local and national attention for its interactive, strength-based approach to parent engagement.  PEN promotes youth resiliency and using “best practices” in parent skill building and prevention of risky behavior.  The underlying framework is based on the 40 Developmental Assets created by the Search Institute which supports positive community development.  Volunteers work closely with community partners and collaborators to implement its activities.

In 2009 we structured ourselves as a professional corporation with a board and officers, incorporated in July, and are currently filing for non profit status.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since 2001 - Volunteers have donated thousands of hours and sponsored more than 100 gatherings attended by approximately 12,500 community members.
2003 - Developed models for interactive gatherings on topics such as depression and suicide (HOPE), communication, parenting skills, internet safety (Safe Surfing), substance abuse prevention, and others.
2003 - Sponsored national speakers such as: Michael Bradley, Michael Riera, Ken Winters, Sue Blaney, Nan Henderson, Rachel Kessler & others.
2003 - Created an annual 9 – month calendar focused on building skills and awareness which are free and open to the public with translation available for each event.
2004 - National recognition through articles in Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, & appearance on the Today Show. 
2004 - Coordinated and supported Parent WEB and Parent Links mentor programs in several middle and high schools.
2005 - Developed a Coaching Team which offers monthly sessions to support School PEN Team Leaders.
2006 - Started parent book groups to support positive parenting skills at elementary, middle, and high schools.
2007 - Developed a prototype for a Parent Handbook in which was used to create the district-wide Thrive Parent Handbook in 2008.
2007 - Produced a PEN video for marketing and outreach.
2007 - Featured in the Jared Polis Foundation Education Report.
2007, 2008, 2009 - By invitation from the U. S. Department of Education, presented on parent engagement to National Safe and Drug Free Schools and Grant to Reduce Alcohol Abuse grantees.
2008 - Through a dedicated outreach team, increased team leader participation among BVSD schools at all levels and offered childcare & translation to reach a broader range of families.

The Parent Engagement Network (PEN) began in 2001 with a Call to Action by the Superintendent of the Boulder Valley School District. Originally convened as the parent subcommittee of the Substance Abuse Task Force, PEN emerged to encourage parent involvement in creating solutions to reduce high-risk behaviors among Boulder Valley youth.

The task force used the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey as a benchmark for action and focused on substantive goals in the areas of parents, youth, and BVSD policy.  PEN kicked off its efforts in Fall 2002 with a series of interactive community gatherings.

In 2003, the task force evolved into the Parent Engagement Network, PEN, a grass roots, parent-led community movement receiving local and national attention for its interactive, strength-based approach to parent engagement.  PEN promotes youth resiliency and using “best practices” in parent skill building and prevention of risky behavior.  The underlying framework is based on the 40 Developmental Assets created by the Search Institute which supports positive community development.  Volunteers work closely with community partners and collaborators to implement its activities. 

In 2009, we structured ourselves as a professional corporation with a board and officers, incorporated in July, and in November received non-profit status.

Since 2001 - Volunteers have donated thousands of hours and sponsored more than 100 gatherings attended by approximately 12,500 community members.

2003 - Developed models for interactive gatherings on topics such as depression and suicide (HOPE), communication, parenting skills, internet safety (Safe Surfing), substance abuse prevention, and others.

2003 - Sponsored national speakers such as: Michael Bradley, Michael Riera, Ken Winters, Sue Blaney, Nan Henderson, Rachel Kessler & others.

2003 - Created an annual 9 – month calendar focused on building skills and awareness which are free and open to the public with translation available for each event.

2004 - National recognition through articles in Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, & appearance on the Today Show.

2004 - Coordinated and supported Parent WEB and Parent Links mentor programs in several middle and high schools.

2005 - Developed a Coaching Team which offers monthly sessions to support School PEN Team Leaders.

2006 - Started parent book groups to support positive parenting skills at elementary, middle, and high schools.

2007 - Developed a prototype for a Parent Handbook in which was used to create the district-wide Thrive Parent Handbook in 2008.

2007 - Produced a PEN video for marketing and outreach.

2007 - Featured in the Jared Polis Foundation Education Report.

2007, 2008, 2009 - By invitation from the U. S. Department of Education, presented on parent engagement to National Safe and Drug Free Schools and Grant to Reduce Alcohol Abuse grantees.
2008 - Through a dedicated outreach team, increased team leader participation among BVSD schools at all levels and offered childcare & translation to reach a broader range of families.

2009 - PEN Incorporated into independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization

2010 - Republication of Thrive Parent Handbook

2011 - PEN Board of Directors grows to 9 leaders