Parents Raise our Voices at UPLAN's National Gathering
Over 100 parent leaders, member organization staff, and partners came together for UPLAN’s 2022 national gathering. The convening was held in Washington, D.C. from May 14-16th.   

The gathering provided a space to reconnect face to face, build and strengthen relationships, and advocate for the policies that impact our families. Together we lifted each other up as parent leaders, learning from one another and igniting our collective power!

We culminated our convening at the Capitol and hosted two events highlighting parent perspectives on pressing national issues: child care, early education, immigration, and real parent engagement.

Gathering Highlights:

  • Nine parent-led workshops. Click here to see the workshops provided.
  • First-ever “National Parents Promoting Partnership Parade!” Click here to watch a 3-minute video highlighting the parade. The parade was live-streamed on Facebook, reaching over 1,300 people virtually.
  • Policy Briefing in the House of Representatives offices, hosted by Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) and featuring a panel of parent speakers. Click here to watch video of Congresswoman Jacobs speaking to UPLAN during the briefing.
  • Twenty legislative meetings with our Senators and Representative to champion policies benefiting families in child care and early education, immigration, and real parent engagement. 
  • Meetings with officials at the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish digital advocacy campaign supporting our in-person advocacy efforts.
 
Take Action

If you haven’t participated yet, take action now by making your voice heard; click here and send an email to your members of Congress to amplify UPLAN's advocacy message. Spanish version of this email campaign available here.
National Parents Promoting Partnership Parade video
Policy Briefing hosted by Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
Parent Leader Testimonies

"I really enjoyed UPLAN’s gathering. Language was not a barrier for me to fully participate and engage with the other parent leaders. I felt empowered with the diversity and experiences we brought with us for a common goal — to help families across the country. As parent leaders, we know the needs of our community. And together we will work for all families and children."
 
Eva Sanchez, Parent Voices Fresno, Parlier, California 

“It was my first time attending a national gathering from UPLAN and the experience was amazing. Being in a small rural state can feel isolating at times. So being able to see how other states and networks have approached the work we do was what made the experience really meaningful for me as a parent leader and advocate.”
 
Isreal Mosley, Maine State Parent Ambassadors, Waterville, Maine 

"This past May 2022, I had the honor of representing PAVE of Washington, DC at the UPLAN Conference. I came away from this inaugural experience energized and empowered. I engaged with parent organizations from across the nation that enriches the lives of children and communities. Let there be NO mistake, parents must be at the table when critical decisions are made about our families."
 
Sherry McDaniel-Thomas, Parents Amplifying Voices in Education (PAVE), Washington, D.C.
Check out more pictures of our 2022 National Gathering!