Parents of Power Council (POP‑ROCC)

A leadership space for parents of color and those parenting youth of color

The Parents of Power Council (POP-ROCC) is a ROCC-led family engagement and leadership initiative created to uplift, empower, and connect parents of color and those parenting youth of color throughout Dakota County.

POP-ROCC provides culturally responsive spaces where families can build community, strengthen advocacy skills, access resources, and contribute to programs that directly impact the well-being and success of their children.

ROCC currently facilitates two active POP-ROCC chapters within the ISD 197 school district, providing opportunities for parents to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and build strong family-school partnerships. Through monthly gatherings, parents receive support, leadership development opportunities, and resource navigation assistance while strengthening their ability to advocate for their children and community.

POP-ROCC focuses on topics including:

  • Navigating school systems and educational advocacy

  • Supporting youth identity, leadership, and achievement

  • Accessing community resources and family supports

  • Strengthening family-school partnerships

  • Building connections among families of color

Through POP-ROCC, parents play an active role in shaping ROCC programs, community events, and youth initiatives, including the ROCC Climbers Leadership Program and seasonal resource events. The council serves as a welcoming, culturally grounded environment where families can develop leadership skills, celebrate culture, build collective strength, and amplify their voices within their schools and communities.

The need for POP-ROCC was identified through community feedback, parent surveys, and ongoing engagement activities, which consistently highlighted the importance of culturally responsive family engagement, parent leadership development, and opportunities for families of color to connect and support one another. As a result, POP-ROCC continues to serve as an important strategy for increasing parent engagement, strengthening community relationships, and promoting positive outcomes for youth and families.

What POP‑ROCC Offers

  • A welcoming, culturally grounded community for parents

  • Monthly gatherings focused on leadership, advocacy, and family empowerment

  • Opportunities to shape ROCC programs and community events

  • Tools and conversations that support parents raising youth of color

  • A space to share experiences, celebrate culture, and build collective strength

Who Can Join

POP‑ROCC is open to parents of color and anyone parenting youth of color in Dakota County who wants to connect, learn, and lead alongside other families.

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