NPLI joined parent leaders from across the country at the 2025 UPLAN Core Member Convening in Omaha to strategize, share ideas, and build power through policy. From bold conversations to a new three-year strategic plan, this gathering showed what’s possible when parents lead.
New Faces and Big Honors on the NPLI Board
We’ve got some exciting updates to share about our Board of Directors. One is a warm welcome. The other is a well-earned round of applause.
Advancing Maternal and Child Health Through Policy Innovation
NPLI has joined forces with the National Healthy Start Association to help shape maternal and child health policy through the MCH Policy Innovation Program. At a recent retreat, teams from across the country gathered to connect, collaborate, and lay the groundwork for lasting change. See how this work is taking shape and what’s next.
Centering Parent Voice in the Fight Against Hunger
NPLI has partnered with Share Our Strength to launch the SNAP Parent and Caregiver Advisory Council, bringing together parents with lived experience to improve food assistance programs. After a powerful in-person retreat in Washington, DC, the work continues with monthly meetings focused on systems change. See how parent voices are helping shape the future of food access.
Highlights from the 2025 New England Fathering Conference
At the 25th New England Fathering Conference, NPLI co-led a powerful workshop on economic mobility for fathers alongside parent leader Joshua Vaughn. From storytelling to strategy, the gathering highlighted the impact of lived experience in shaping stronger, more equitable support systems. Read more from our time in Mystic.
Our Children’s Education is on the Line
At NPLI, we believe every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their background. Recent executive actions threaten essential federal programs, including student aid and services for low-income and special needs students. These changes could disrupt vital resources, leaving families to navigate an inequitable system.
Parent Leaders Step into Advocacy: Highlights from the Ohio State Capitol Visit
COPLTI graduates brought their voices to the Ohio State Capitol, attending committee hearings, meeting with legislators, and sharing their lived experiences. This advocacy day was a hands-on lesson in democracy, and for many, a turning point in their civic leadership. See what they accomplished and how this momentum will carry forward.
Welcome to the Team: Meet Viviane Rinaldi!
We’re growing! NPLI is excited to welcome Viviane Rinaldi as our new Operations and Communications Coordinator. With experience in community leadership, multilingual communications, and a passion for equity, Viviane is already making an impact. Get to know her and the work she’s doing behind the scenes.
Building Parent Leadership in Minnesota: A New Chapter Begins
NPLI has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families to launch a statewide vision for parent leadership through the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI). At a recent Civic Design Team training in Minneapolis, partners came together to connect, plan, and begin shaping a stronger future for families across the state. See how this work is taking shape and what’s next.
Leading with Integrity: Zulema Gomez’s School Board Campaign
Zulema Gomez, our Director of Implementation, recently ran a powerful grassroots campaign for her local school board in California. Her campaign was rooted in integrity, inclusion, and the voices of parents. Now that the race is over, we’re proud to share our admiration for her leadership and her ongoing impact as a parent leader committed to respectful, community-driven change.