With more than 1,000 affiliated parent organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, the National Parents Union is the united, independent voice of modern American families. We channel the power of parents into powerful policies that improve the lives of children, families and communities across the United States. We are an authentically parent-led organization that works to advocate for policies and initiatives that support families and promote educational equity run by seasoned organizers with direct lived experience. Our work is guided by a set of values that prioritize parent empowerment, collaboration, and community building.
We do this work using five fundamental principles:
The NPU works to ensure that parents have a strong voice in education policy discussions and decision-making processes and that all students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.
Our focus on parent empowerment and engagement sets us apart from other advocacy organizations, as we elevate the intersectional voices of parents and families in policy discussions and decision-making processes while building powerful coalitions across diverse communities to address issues related to educational equity and access.
Our significant national presence and direct work with local and state partners to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit students and families, we create a more just and equitable education system that meets the needs of all students, regardless of their background or circumstance. Our focus on parent empowerment and engagement, national presence, and commitment to building diverse coalitions makes us a significant player in the education policy and advocacy landscape.
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
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.