New year, same parent vision! UPLAN parents are sharing our stories and bringing our voices to decision-making spaces all over the country.
As part of their Stepping Out of Poverty (STOP) Campaign, parents from Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) are making financial justice a priority for Chicago officials. Parents are sharing stories of being blocked from employment or other negative consequences stemming from unfair policies, making it nearly impossible for them to get out of debt and achieve financial stability. Parents are working on a city ordinance to protect survivors of domestic violence, people with financial hardships, and others from city debt, and serving on a working group with officials to create financial justice reforms.
“We’re excited to get to work, examining ways to make our city better for all residents.” -Parent from the STOP Campaign
Krystina Cummins, a parent from Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP Parent Ambassador Program shared her story emphasizing the importance of early childhood education and kindergarten readiness at Governor Inslee’s new early learning proposal event. Krystina spoke about how early learning programs were not only beneficial for her child, but for herself as a mother and her whole family to engage on a strengths-based approach! Through home visiting programs and Early Head Start, Krystina knew her child was ready to succeed.
Shereese Rhodes represented UPLAN and OneAmerica, at Seek Common Ground’s Meeting in Atlanta, GA. Shereese used her leadership skills and her authentic, lived experiences to elevate her voice as an expert on her children’s education to the other advocates at the meeting. UPLAN is encouraged by Shereese, WSA, COFI, and all the parent voices being brought to decision-making spaces!
