From April 22 to 25, NPLI joined national parent leadership organizations at the 2025 United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) Core Member Convening in Omaha, Nebraska. Thirteen organizations from across the country gathered to build connections, share strategies, and shape policy priorities that impact families and children. The hybrid format made space for even broader participation, bringing more parent voices into the fold.
Who Is UPLAN?
UPLAN brings parents together from across the country to push for policies that reflect what families actually need. Within UPLAN, parents lead every step, setting priorities, shaping solutions, and driving the work forward.
Its current policy committees focus on:
- Early Care and Education
- Authentic Parent Engagement
- Immigration Policy
NPLI’s Role
As a founding core member, NPLI works with UPLAN to elevate parent voice in national policy conversations. We support collective action through civic engagement, leadership development, and systems change led by those directly impacted. Our partnership with UPLAN reflects a shared belief: when parents lead, communities thrive.
Highlights From Omaha
This year’s convening brought together 26 representatives from 13 core organizations, along with UPLAN staff and consultants. Strategic planning was a key focus, along with reflecting on UPLAN’s mission and impact.
A special shout-out goes to Toyin Anderson, a graduate of Greater Rochester’s Parent Leadership Training Institute and NPLI’s representative to UPLAN. Toyin shared powerful insights during the convening and continues to raise the bar for what parent leadership can look like on a national scale.
Liliana Uribe, NPLI alum and Parent Leader Engagement Specialist, summed it up best:
“It was great to see how much parents can improve the system when involved. Listening to their opinions highlighted their knowledge of what needs to be addressed.”
What’s Next?
This gathering helped shape a new three-year strategic plan that will guide UPLAN’s direction. NPLI will continue supporting efforts that center families and push for policies that reflect real needs and lived experience.
Want to learn more about UPLAN’s work? 👉 Visit unitedparentleaders.org
