Centering parent voice in systems change conversations
From June 1–4, NPLI participated in the 2025 American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) Summit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where we co-hosted a special convening titled Partners in Practice: Designing the Future of Human Services. The gathering brought together parent leaders and human services agency directors from across the country for an honest and forward-thinking conversation about reimagining how public systems serve families.
Throughout the day, participants explored how to apply systems thinking and human-centered design to the field of human services. The conversations reflected a shared desire to move from reactive models toward community-driven, equity-centered systems that are more responsive to those they’re meant to serve.
Several leaders emphasized the need for racial equity, inclusive practice, and structural accountability in designing better outcomes. Frameworks and tools that centered family and community voice were especially valued, as participants reflected on the importance of not just changing programs but also changing the way systems think.
This session was a powerful reminder that systems change is most meaningful when it’s built with the people most impacted.
Who is APHSA?
The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization that supports state, county, and local human services leaders in strengthening communities and advancing equity. Their mission aligns with ours, and their annual summits are a key space for cross-sector collaboration.
Next year’s APHSA Summit will take place June 13–17, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia. To learn more, visit aphsa.org.
