Protective Factors survey packets were sent out in November and will be sent out again in February. We thought this might give groups more opportunity to complete them and return them to us. There is an additional page of questions, and while we understand that completing this survey will most likely involve the entire time for a group meeting, it is very important that each group participate. The information we receive is important to us and to our national Circle of Parents organization. We currently have the status of being "evidence-based", but with more concrete data and evaluation, we are looking to the future to become "research-based". This status will be very helpful as the national office applies for grants, etc.

Please remember that as a member of the Florida network, each group agrees to monthly submit group attendance data on our web site, as well as once each year, return to us the completed Protective Factors surveys for your group. And, your group can earn a $25 gift card as an added incentive to return the surveys!

Each year, our evaluation specialist, Dr. Mary Kay Falconer, composes a PF survey Evaluation Report that is sent to each facilitator, based on the information we receive. Facilitators are able to evaluate how their group members view their particular group and this will help you as you seek to improve this experience and make sure that the group stays relevant. The next due date for the surveys will be May 29, 2015.

February is recognized as Parent Leadership Month. What is Parent Leadership? Parent leadership is an approach to family support that is grounded in the philosophy that families are knowledgeable and significant resources for community change on behalf of children and families. It begins by supporting parents in acquiring the skills associated with becoming leaders. When parents are leaders, their potential to effect change for themselves and others is tremendous. Once comfortable in leadership positions, parents may facilitate important program or neighborhood change and eventually take leadership positions within their states and communities.

Parents and caregivers are powerful advocates. By educating other leaders and decision makers about the needs of children and families, parents can help shape program policies and effect changes in the systems with which they interface. Parent leadership is a common-sense approach for ensuring that families get the resources they need to raise healthy children and protect their well-being. It is driven by the principle that the democratic involvement of parents is integral to better outcomes for families and communities.  

We are recognizing our parent leaders in Florida during the month of February with a certificate of appreciation and in their honor, their group will receive from us a $25 gift card to use any way the group wishes.

In the Greek language there are three words that are used for love. The first one, eros, stands for sexual, romantic love. Eros is the kind of love mostly known by the world. This eros love is what generally motivates people.

The second word, philia, generally refers to affection between friends. From this word we have Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love". Although eros and philia have others as their focus, they both can be motivated by self-interest, self-gratification and self-protection. They are both the kind of love that is designed to satisfy the desires of the one doing the loving. There may be an element of giving involved, but it is a giving for the purpose of getting something in return.

The third Greek word for love is agape. The meaning of this word for love stands in sharp contrast to that of the other two words. This word alone points to a completely self-sacrificing love, a love that lacks self-interest, self-gratification and self-preservation. Agape love is motivated primarily by the interest and welfare of others. In the New Testament, agape is the 

Greek word most frequently used for the love for God, the love for spouses and the love for enemies. Agape love means action. It means that we act in a loving way towards others. It means we use our mind and our might for the benefit of another, without regard for ourselves. It is not based on our feelings.

Does this agape love sound familiar to the parents and caregivers reading this newsletter? I know many who demonstrate agape love toward their families. Sometimes this is the only way we can cope in our roles. Wishing you all eros, philia and agape love!

Florida's Children's Week - a special annual celebration filled with joyful singing voices of young children, the colorful "Hanging of Hands", and the dedication of thousands of child advocates across Florida; it captures the true spirit and commitment Florida has made to our children and youth.

This special event, held in Tallahassee, and "Labor of Love" by so many of the organizers and volunteers has been a long journey that officially began in 1995 during the tenure of Governor Lawton Chiles.

For more information, visit http://childrensweek.org