Parent Leadership in Action

More than 200 parent leaders and partners from 50 organizations came together in Washington, DC and online for #UPLAN26.

As parent leaders, we lifted our stories, shared our knowledge, and took action on issues impacting families. Together, we built connections, learned from one another, and met directly with congressional offices, speaking with decision-makers shaping the policies that affect our communities.

This was parent leadership in action, showing what’s possible when families are at the center of decisions that impact our lives.

There was also space to connect, reflect, and care for one another, a reminder that we do this work together, not alone. Watch a short recap video here.

Key Highlights:

Our largest National Gathering yet, building on the momentum from 2024
Our first hybrid Gathering, bringing together parent leaders in person and online
A powerful rally on Capitol Hill, lifting our collective voice and calling for solutions for families
85 legislative meetings with congressional offices, where parent leaders spoke directly to decision-makers
Eleven workshops led by parent leaders and partners, sharing strategies, experiences, and tools to support families and communities (English & Spanish)
Parent-led panel conversations, grounded in self-care, collective care, and sustaining this work together

Advocating Together

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez shared a powerful and uplifting video message ahead of our Advocacy Day, affirming that families and parent leaders hold the answers to many of our communities' most pressing challenges and encouraging parents to continue raising our voices for change.

During our Advocacy Day (April 23), parent leaders gathered on Capitol Hill for the Parents Leading Change Rally and met directly with congressional offices, sharing our stories and calling for change with the decision-makers shaping policy.

We were joined by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski at our rally on Capitol Hill, where she stood with us and spoke about her commitment to supporting children and families. She called parent leaders an inspiration, encouraged us to continue sharing our stories with policymakers, and highlighted how personal stories make these issues real for decision-makers.

Add your voice and help amplify parent-led solutions

Take action to support parent-led solutions for families. It only takes a minute to send an email to your Members of Congress, and reinforce the message parents brought to Capitol Hill.

Act Now

Parent Perspectives from #UPLAN26

“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.”

— Anthony, parent leader (in person)

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 [Washington, D.C.], 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.

— Ivonne, parent leader (virtual) (translated from Spanish)

Work Continues

#UPLAN26 was a powerful reminder of what happens when parent leaders come together.

We are heading back to our communities with stronger connections, shared strategies, and clear next steps. We are following up with lawmakers on our policy pledge, continuing to organize locally and bringing others into this work.

What we strengthened together continues in our communities across the country. We are building on this momentum and pushing for the changes our families and communities need.

#UPLAN26 Photos

Take a look back at the moments we shared throughout the Gathering: April 21, April 22, April 23 + April 24.