About Us

What It Is and How It Began

In 1992, a small group of parents and teachers in Plymouth, New Hampshire, joined together to establish the annual Conference for Parents. There was consensus among us that parenting is probably the most difficult and most important task that any of us will ever undertake. Yet there is virtually no training or support readily available.

While each of us recognizes the preeminence of our roles as parents to our own children, we also believe that we have a civic responsibility not only to them but to all children of our community. We read and hear about the problems of substance abuse, youth violence, teenage pregnancy and the myriad other issues our kids confront. Certainly, we can't hope to solve all these problems or resolve all the differences, but we do believe we can play some part in encouraging a community environment of openness, love and caring for our children.

It is our conviction and hope that we can help make our children's lives and futures brighter by offering the opportunity for parents and teachers to come together to learn more about ourselves, our kids and our jobs as caretakers and nurturers of our children.

Community Support and Conference Funding

Community support is vital to the success of an event such as this. This support can be demonstrated though financial or in-kind contribution. The hours of organization, publicity and fundraising could not be accomplished without many volunteers. Due to the generosity of our local schools, PTA's, Plymouth State University, businesses, churches, and individuals, the conference is offered free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend. Through Plymouth Parks and Recreation and the Newfound After School Initiative, we have also been able to offer free child-care and activities for children while their parents attend the event.