UPLAN National Gathering 2026
More than 200 parent leaders and partners from 50 organizations came together in Washington, D.C., and online for UPLAN’s 2026 National Gathering (#UPLAN26), held April 21-24. Our largest National Gathering yet was also our first hybrid Gathering, bringing parent leaders together both in person and virtually.
The Gathering created a space to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and take action on issues impacting families and communities. Together, we learned from one another, lifted our stories, and shared strategies for advancing change. There was also time to connect, reflect, and care for one another, recognizing that we sustain this work together.
During our Advocacy Day, parent leaders brought our collective voice to Capitol Hill. We rallied together and participated in 85 meetings with congressional offices, sharing our experiences and advocating for solutions shaped by what families know and need.
Key Highlights:
- Our Largest National Gathering Yet: More than 200 parent leaders and partners from 50 organizations came together, building on the relationships, learning, and momentum strengthened through previous Gatherings.
- Our First Hybrid National Gathering: Parent leaders participated both in Washington, D.C., and virtually, creating more opportunities for members of our network to connect, learn, and take part.
- Parents Leading Change Rally: Parent leaders gathered on Capitol Hill to lift our collective voice and call for solutions that support children, families, and communities.
- Eighty-Five Legislative Meetings: Parent leaders met directly with congressional offices, bringing our stories, priorities, and policy solutions to the decision-makers shaping the systems that affect our lives.
- Eleven Workshops Led by Parent Leaders and Partners: Workshops offered in English and Spanish created space to share experiences, practical strategies, and tools that organizations and parent leaders can carry back to their communities.
- Parent-Led Conversations on Sustaining the Work: Panel conversations centered on self-care, collective care, and what it takes to remain connected and continue organizing for long-term change.
“Everything went so well. I don’t know how they did it, but I thought it would feel long and that it wouldn’t be the same as being there. And yet, time flew by, and I learned so much. I’m sad it ended so quickly, and I really did feel there, well represented, even from here in California, with my heart, my voice, and my courage there. Thank you, UPLAN, for including those of us who couldn’t make it.”
—Parent Leader, Virtual Participant
Translated from Spanish
“Hearing the stories, strategies, and experiences of parent leaders from across the country was incredibly inspiring. There is tremendous power in our voices, and seeing parent leaders come together on Capitol Hill was powerful. Even hearing about the small wins and big losses reminded me how much we can learn from one another and how important it is to keep raising our voices for families and communities.”
—Parent Leader, In-Person Participant
