Who We Are

About NPU

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Nothing About Us Without Us

With more than 1,800 affiliated parent organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico and membership of more than 1.7 million, the National Parents Union is the united, independent voice of modern American families. We channel the power of parents, families and kinship providers into powerful policies that improve the lives of children, families and communities across the United States. On a monthly basis, through our network and organizational infrastructure, we reach 20-22 million families across the country.

  • NPU led the fight to reopen the nation’s classrooms and provide adequate funding to help our children overcome the challenges of the pandemic. We now work to ensure transparency and accountability around recovery efforts and demand additional support for our children who are continuing to confront unprecedented challenges.
  • NPU has been an unwavering protector and defender of the right of our children to learn about, express and celebrate their identities in classrooms that are free of political warfare and distraction.
  • NPU continues to demand the restoration and expansion of the Child Tax Credit to help lift millions of children and families out of poverty.

We do this work using five fundamental principles:

Parent Activist and Organizational Leadership Development The NPU seeks to empower parents to become leaders and advocates for their children and communities. The organization provides resources, training, and support to help parents build their skills, knowledge, and confidence.
Coalition building The NPU works to build coalitions across diverse communities to address issues related to equity and access. By bringing together parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders, we seek to create a more inclusive and equitable system.
Advocacy NPU advocates for policies and practices that support families and communities. We are powerful advocates for policies that address systemic inequities in the economic system and disparities in resources and opportunities.
Partnerships NPU partners with other organizations, such as civil rights groups, and community-based organizations, to amplify its impact and achieve its goals. We are also uniquely positioned to work with policymakers and government officials to influence policy decisions and promote equity and opportunity.
Research and communications NPU conducts significant, well-respected research and analysis on issues related to economic and social equity and opportunity and communicates its findings to policymakers and the general public in ways that reshape the national conversation. We also use various communications channels, such as earned and social media, mobilizations and events, to engage parents and stakeholders and raise awareness about its advocacy efforts.

At the National Parents Union, we make sure parents are front and center in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their kids, families, and communities.

What makes us different? We don’t just advocate for parents—we amplify their voices. We prioritize the real, lived experiences of parents, families, and kinship caregivers, bringing their perspectives into the conversations that matter. By focusing on the diversity and intersectionality of these voices, we build strong, inclusive coalitions that reflect the true makeup of our communities.

With a national reach and deep partnerships at the local and state levels, we’re pushing for policies that truly work for kids and families. Our mission is to create a more just and equitable society—one that supports all families, no matter their background or circumstances.

What makes NPU different?

The National Parents Union has gained attention and recognition for our efforts to empower parents and families, advocate for policies that support educational equity and access, and build strong and connected communities. There are several factors that make us a little different and more effective.

PARENT-LED AND FOCUSED: The NPU is an authentically parent-led organization, which means that we are grounded in the lived experiences and perspectives of parents and families closest to the pain. Our focus on parent empowerment and engagement sets us apart from other advocacy groups, as we seek to elevate the voices of parents and families in policy discussions and decision-making processes in order to find more successful, long-term outcomes for our children and our communities.

NATIONAL PRESENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS: The NPU has a national presence and works with local and state partners to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit students and families. By building diverse coalitions and partnerships, the NPU is able to amplify its impact and reach a wider audience and achieve extraordinary outcomes on the local, state and national level. NPU also makes critical connections for partners to parent advocates who help stay aligned with their mission and value. (i;e focus groups, calls to actions, training of staff and families and connection to other partners local and nationally.)

COMMITMENT TO EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND ACCESS as well as the intersectional issues that impact children and families: The NPU is committed to promoting educational equity and access, which means that it focuses on addressing the root causes of educational disparities and advocating for policies and initiatives that support all students, regardless of their background or circumstance. Building safer schools and communities, addressing the mental health crisis, food and housing insecurity and environmental justice for a healthier planet for our children are some of the major issues NPU has championed.

COMMUNITY BUILDING: The NPU's focus on community building is another key factor in its success. By bringing together parents and families from intersectional backgrounds and communities, the NPU is able to build connections, share resources, and develop solutions to common challenges. This sense of community and shared purpose is a powerful force in promoting change and is more reflective of the changing context of modern American families.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES: We are known for our innovative approaches to advocacy and organizing. Our use of social media and other digital platforms to connect with parents and families and share information about education policy issues. The NPU has also developed a parent training program to help parents become more effective advocates for their children and our most vulnerable communities. NPU Parents become leaders in communities they serve and build more parent power by connecting new families to this work.

NPU's success can be attributed to our unwavering focus on achieving better economic, educational and community outcomes for our children, parent empowerment, national presence and partnerships, community building, and innovative approaches to advocacy and organizing.
— Keri Rodrigues, Co-founder and President of the National Parents Union

What are the major policy priorities of the National Parents Union?

The NPU advocates for policies that increase access to high-quality education and pathway programs that can lead to economic mobility for our children. We work to ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Additionally, the NPU supports policies that address systemic inequities in the education system that can limit economic mobility, such as the achievement gap, unequal access to resources and opportunities, and biased disciplinary practices.

See our policy priorities