We use practical and respectful strategies that amplify parent voices:

• We Listen First - We gather input from PACs, parents, and students to understand concerns, priorities and lived experience.

• We Educate and Inform - We create educational opportunities for parents to become more informed and empowered in navigating the public education system.

• We Build Relationships - We meet regularly with district staff, trustees and community partners to influence decisions and find collaborative solutions.

• Advocate Strategically - When policy, funding, or district changes are needed, we coordinate campaigns, from letter writing and meetings to speaking at board meetings and sharing information to our membership, that are timely and focused on measurable outcomes.

• Support local PACs - We provide training, resources and one‑on‑one help to strengthen PAC capacity and make it easier for parents to get involved.

DPAC takes our guidance from our membership and advocate on a broad range of issues that affect the education of our students. Common priorities include:

• Inclusive supports for students with diverse learning needs and disabilities

• Safe and respectful school environments (bullying prevention, mental health supports)

• Communication and transparency from the District.

• Equitable access to programs and resources (e.g., schools of choice, extracurriculars, technology)

• Transportation, facility planning, and the district budget.

If you have a priority not listed here, tell your PAC or contact DPAC so we can add it to our agenda.

DPAC is governed by elected parent representatives from member PACs. Our positions are shaped by:

• Reports and discussions at our monthly DPAC meetings.

• Feedback from PACs and parents.

• Review of provincial and district documents, policies and data.

• Votes by the DPAC executive and general membership when formal positions or letters are required.

These processes keeps our advocacy democratic, transparent, and accountable to families.

Working directly with district leaders ensures parent voices are heard and acted upon.

• Regular meetings - DPAC holds scheduled and informal meetings with district staff. Trustees are also invited to listen and respond to parent concerns at monthly DPAC meetings.

• Feedback & submissions - We prepare formal submissions to the Board of Education, speak up when necessary at public board meetings, and provide feedback on policies and plans.

• Collaborative committees - DPAC participates on advisory committees, when appropriate, to represent parent perspectives.

You don’t need to be an expert. Just show up! Ways to get involved and advocate for your students:

• Join your PAC and DPAC - Each PAC automatically has one seat at DPAC and can elect a representative.

• Attend DPAC meetings - Meetings are open to all parents and caregivers; minutes are posted on our website.

• Share your story - Personal experiences are powerful. Share them with your PAC or with DPAC executive to help shape the advocacy.

• Volunteer for a committee - Joining an advisory or working committee is a powerful way to amplify the parent voice, stay informed on important issues, and actively contribute to getting meaningful work done.

• Start advocacy campaigns - coordinate with your PAC and DPAC when change is needed.

DPAC advocates at the district level, but we also support PACs and individual parents in their own advocacy efforts.

• We step in when there’s a systemic issue affecting multiple families, or when a PAC or parent asks for help.

• While our primary focus is on district-wide and systemic concerns, we can guide PACs and parents on how to navigate the process, connect them with the right resources, and help escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate district channels.

• We don’t replace the formal complaint process for individual student matters, but we’re here to support and empower parents wherever we can.