Founder of Parent Advocacy Group to speak

Jill Parish, author of the bestselling book “The American Dream” and also a syndicated columnist and founder of the Parent Advocacy Group, will give a presentation between 1 and 4 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 8 at Barnes & Noble in the Westlake Promenade. Admission is free.

Parish is a longtime social advocate who’s worked closely with various high-profile organizations, such as UNICEF and the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers basketball teams.

Her discussion will include:

Why citizens should be concerned about the continued failing of the public education system.

Why Americans are headed towards an “educational tsunami.”

Why complacency and thinking locally is no longer an option in a growing global economy.

Things to know on how to better prepare children for success in college, the work force and life.

“Unfortunately, schools have been slow to adapt to the realities of today’s ever-changing world and parents need to know what it will take for their children to have a meaningful job so as to maintain the high standard of living that their parents have enjoyed,” said Parish, who also is a member of the Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“We encourage parents to become part of the solution by becoming fully informed and by getting actively involved in the educational process of their children,” Parish said.

The Parent Advocay Group offers ongoing, informative workshops that address critical educational issues affecting children, such as safety, excessive homework, substance abuse, bullying and harassment, among other issues.

Reservations are recommended. For more information or RSVP, call (818) 597-0574 or email Arnieskids@aol.com.