More than 100 supporters gathered for a benefit May 19 at Convergence to celebrate the fifth anniversary of The Parent Leadership Training Institute of Alexandria, an organization that teaches leadership building skills focusing on the advocacy of children.

PLTI began offering its intensive20-week civic engagement program in 2006 and honored its latest graduates with a ceremony at City Hall on May 13. Addressing the graduates were Mayor Bill Euille, Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Morton Sherman, National PLTI founder Elaine Zimmerman and former Councilwoman and PLTI board chair Joyce Woodson. Councilmembers Del Pepper and Rob Krupicka also attended the ceremony as did Alexandria School Board member Sheryl Gorsuch.

PLTI is a leadership skills-building program for parents, grandparents and caretakers of children who want to learn how to best advocate for children. Students are trained in community building, public policy, budgeting, how a city and state operate, public speaking and other skills necessary for effective civic action. The program is free to class participants, including dinner, childcare and transportation and translation services if needed. Childcare also includes a Children's Leadership Training program that teaches children how to participate in a democracy.

For more information or to obtain an application for the class of 2010, contact executive director Fay Slotnick at info@plti-alex.org or call 703-549-0233.