UPLAN is a non-partisan network of parent leaders and parent leadership organizations from across the country working to make life better for families.

We bring together parents, grandparents, immigrants, and caregivers raising the next generation. Some of us live in big cities, others in small towns. We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but we are connected by a shared belief: parents should have real power in decisions that shape our children’s lives.

Together, we represent 38 parent-led organizations and reach more than 700,000 families each year. 

Mission

We are a network of parents and parent leadership organizations building collective power across the country through organizing, influencing policy, and impacting systems to drive lasting change. 

Together, we share knowledge, build leadership, and advocate on the issues impacting our families.

Vision

We envision a country where parents, especially those from Black, Brown, immigrant and other communities historically excluded from decision-making, lead the decisions that shape our children’s lives. As parent leaders, we teach and mentor others to organize and advocate, creating a legacy of family voice across generations.

We are building a future grounded in racial, social, and economic justice, where systems are created with families, not for us, so every child can thrive with dignity, equity, and liberation.

Our Values and Approach

These values and our approach guide how we show up together as parent leaders. They reflect our shared commitment, our relationships, and the way we take action to create lasting change for families and communities. 

Family Voice and Leadership

We lead with our lived experience. Our voices, wisdom and leadership shape every decision we make. We create spaces where parents support one another to grow as leaders and develop solutions that reflect our families and communities. 

Relationships and Diverse Voices

We build trust by listening, showing respect, and being accountable to one another. We strengthen our movement by building relationships that bring together parents from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our diversity is our strength.

Collective Power

We know our power grows when we act collectively. Across communities, we facilitate grassroots organizing and advocacy that builds power to dismantle oppressive systems and create long-lasting, transformative change that liberates and uplifts every family.

Equity and Justice

We stand together to break down barriers and change the systems that keep families from thriving. Guided by fairness, inclusion and opportunity for every family, we act for justice across  race, class, gender, ability and immigration status.