How to Become a Co-leader of an Existing API Group
If you are interested in becoming a co-Leader of an existing API Support Group, please read API's Eight Principles of Parenting and the Leader Guidelines carefully to see if you agree with them. We require applicants to have a child who is at least eighteen-months-old when they apply. Each potential Group Leader should fill out the Application for Approval as an Attachment Parenting International Leader. API requires one recommendation from one of the Group's Leaders. The application and recommendation forms are available from the Group Leaders, or can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed upon request. All co-Leaders are Leaders! There is no distinction between the two titles.
Each applicant is required to pay the application fee and be a member of API*. Groups may pay the application fee for applicants from the Support Group Treasury.
* The membership should be paid through the Group. Only one membership and one application fee is required for couples applying for leadership.
Applicants are required to pay an application fee of $25.00* (US). This can be paid with a credit card using PayPal by going here:
Each Applicant is required to read and participate in a dialogue about the API Leaders Manual during the application process. The manual includes information about:
- How to organize and lead meetings
- How to find a meeting place
- Meeting topics
- Useful forms
- How to publicize the Support Group
The manual is available online in our password protected Leader web pages. The password for the web pages or link for ordering the manual via PayPal will be made available to Applicants after they have completed discussions of their answers to the questions on the application form.
The completed application should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to Lisa Feiertag, API Leader Applicant Liaison, P.O. Box 274, New Market, MD 21774 USA, or 800-850-8320. If enclosing payments for the application fee, please use a check or money order payable to API. Applicants from countries other than the US should use an international money order or send payment through PayPal.
Receipt of your application will be acknowledged within five working days. Further correspondence is required before completing the application process. Upon approval of the application, we will send a letter of congratulations. You will be listed on the API website and you will be invited to join the API Leaders e-mail discussion list.
Required Reading:
By requiring the reading of approximately seven books we intend for Leader Applicants to be:
- knowledgeable about Attachment Parenting information, theory, and practice
- prepared to share ideas and resources with other parents
- able to use effective communication techniques when helping parents
In instances where the Applicant lacks experience with a particular Principle additional reading may be required. Materials other than the ones listed may be substituted at the discretion of the Director of Leader Applicants, and exceptions to our requirements will be made for non-English speaking Applicants.
While these books contain valuable information, they may also include some passages that do not follow API philosophy. For example, API does not support any reference to spanking or hurting children. Please use your own discretion in reading these books or in considering any parenting philosophy.
Applicants should read/view one material from each of the following categories:
Attachment Parenting Overview
The Attachment Parenting Book by William Sears and Martha Sears
Attachment Parenting by Katie Allison Granju and Betsy Kennedy
The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears
Our Babies, Ourselves by Meredith Small
Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
Science of Parenting by Margot Sunderland
Feed with Love and Respect
Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower
How Weaning Happens by Diane Bengson
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner
My Child Won't Eat by Carlos González
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
Respond with Sensitivity
Connection Parenting by Pam Leo
Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson
Use Nurturing Touch
Babywearing by Maria Blois
Bonding by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus
A Secure Base by John Bowlby
Tummy 2 Tummy Babywearing DVD
The Vital Touch by Sharon Heller
Engage in Nighttime Parenting
The Family Bed by Tine Thevenin
Good Nights by Jay Gordon and Maria Goodavage
Nighttime Parenting by William Sears
Sleeping With Your Baby by James J. McKenna
Sweet Dreams by Paul M. Fleiss
Practice Positive Discipline
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen
Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn
Communication Skills
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
People Skills by Robert Bolton
