National Parents & Lived Experience Council (Volunteer Advisory Council)

National Parents & Lived Experience Council (Volunteer Advisory Council)

 

About Us

Put Children First is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the emotional and psychological well-being of children impacted by parental separation and divorce. The organization supports equal shared parenting, cooperative co-parenting, and research-based advocacy to ensure that children maintain meaningful and healthy relationships with both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate. Through education, outreach, and strategic partnerships, the organization creates initiatives that empower families and promote child centered solutions.

The organization operates through a collaborative leadership model involving directors, board members, and volunteers who work together to provide programs, research, and community support. This leadership structure ensures a strong foundation for developing initiatives that support mental health, academic success, and emotional stability for children. Through ongoing partnerships and public engagement, the organization is committed to creating environments where children thrive.

Number of Opening: 15

Status: Unpaid Volunteer

Commitment: Approximately 10-12 hours per month

Term: 2 years (Renewable)

About the Opportunity

Behind every statistic is a child, a parent, a grandparent, or a family whose life has been shaped by separation, divorce, or other significant family transitions. While research and professional expertise provide valuable insight, lived experience offers a perspective that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.

The National Parents & Lived Experience Council was established to ensure that the voices of individuals who have navigated these experiences continue to inform the work of Put Children First. The Council brings together parents, grandparents, caregivers, and adults who experienced parental separation during childhood to share their perspectives, identify emerging needs, and help shape practical solutions that place children’s wellbeing at the centre.

Members of the Council serve as trusted advisors to the organization, helping ensure that our policies, educational resources, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives reflect the realities faced by families across Canada. Their experiences help us remain grounded, compassionate, and responsive as we work toward healthier outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

Council members may:

• Share lived experience to help inform organizational priorities and strategic planning.
• Review educational resources, publications, and family support materials.
• Provide feedback on advocacy initiatives and public policy recommendations.
• Participate in consultations, focus groups, and community discussions.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen programs, services, and public awareness campaigns.
• Support research initiatives by identifying emerging issues affecting children and families.
• Serve as ambassadors for respectful dialogue and child-centred approaches within their communities.
• Participate in quarterly Council meetings and occasional working groups.

Qualifications

We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences who:

• Have personal experience with separation, divorce, blended families, shared parenting, kinship care, or other family transitions.
• Care deeply about improving outcomes for children and families.
• Are willing to share their experiences respectfully and constructively.
• Value collaboration, empathy, and open dialogue.
• Can appreciate different perspectives while keeping children’s wellbeing at the centre of conversations.
• Are committed to helping build stronger families and communities across Canada.

No professional designation is required. We believe lived experience, combined with a genuine desire to make a positive difference, is an important form of leadership.

Why Join Us?

Your experiences matter, and they have the power to shape meaningful change. By joining the National Parents & Lived Experience Council, you will help ensure that the work of Put Children First reflects the realities faced by families every day.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a growing national organization, collaborate with professionals and community leaders from across Canada, and help develop practical solutions that support children’s emotional wellbeing, healthy family relationships, and positive outcomes during family transition.

Our Commitment

Put Children First is committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where every voice is valued. We recognize that each family’s journey is unique, and we believe thoughtful listening, mutual respect, and shared learning are essential to building stronger communities.

Council members are encouraged to contribute openly, knowing their experiences will be treated with dignity, confidentiality where appropriate, and genuine appreciation.

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit:

• A brief letter of interest outlining why they would like to join the Council.
• A short biography or résumé (if available).
• A brief summary of your lived experience and how they hope to contribute (no more than one page).

 

At Put Children First, we believe meaningful change begins with people who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, and compassion in service of others. If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to a national movement that places children’s wellbeing at the centre of family transition, we would be honoured to hear from you.