The National Parent Leadership Institute
Our Mission
NPLI builds the civic capacity of family members and organizations to improve child and community outcomes.
Our Vision
A healthy democracy, resulting from family and community having the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to share power in the school, the neighborhood, and at all public-policy decision-making tables.
We are pioneers in the field of parent and family leadership.
We are at the forefront of innovation in parent and family leadership. We deeply value the lived experiences of families, recognizing that their insights are crucial to improving outcomes for children. We understand that those affected by issues have the most significant insights into solving them. Therefore, we ensure that their voices are not just heard but are integral to the decision-making process. We believe that lasting change can only be achieved when policymakers, community members, and family leaders collaborate, sharing their skills, knowledge, and power.
Through Our Work We...
Train Families
We are committed to supporting and training parents and family members, transforming them into effective leaders and advocates. Our programs are designed to equip them with the tools and confidence needed to make a difference in their children's lives and the broader community.
Facilitate Collaboration
We actively facilitate cross-sector collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to engage in collective action. Our initiatives aim to create collaboration that goes beyond traditional boundaries, fostering partnerships that drive positive change.
Provide Research
Our dedication to enhancing family leadership initiatives is backed by rigorous research, evaluation, and technical assistance. We strive to provide data-driven insights that inform and improve the quality and impact of our programs.
Train Decision-makers
We also focus on supporting and training decision-makers to authentically engage with families. By doing so, we help create policies that are not only inclusive but also reflective of the real needs and aspirations of families.
We Advocate for Policies, Programs, and Practices That Uphold Equity, Justice, and Inclusion
We Create Spaces of Belonging and Inclusion
We understand that true progress is made when every individual feels they belong and are valued. Our initiatives are designed to create environments that foster a sense of inclusion, where every voice is not only heard but also cherished. We actively seek to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that our differences are not just to be tolerated, but celebrated. By doing so, we facilitate a rich exchange of perspectives, allowing everyone to learn from each other's experiences and worldviews.
We Embrace Diversity as Our Strength
Our approach is intentional: we bring together people who represent the vast diversity of our society—differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, political beliefs, language, faith, and geography. This mosaic of diverse representation is our greatest asset, for it is through this tapestry that we can truly understand the needs of all families and craft solutions that are as varied and vibrant as the people we serve.
We Help Dismantle Barriers to Equity
The work we do at NPLI is not just about advocacy; it's about breaking down the longstanding barriers of racism and discrimination that have hindered our society's growth. We strive to eliminate these obstacles, not only through our external efforts but also within our own organization, ensuring that our practices reflect the values we hold dear. Through education, dialogue, and action, we aim to create a world where equity is not just an ideal, but a reality for all families.
We Are Nonpartisan
NPLI champions a nonpartisan approach in helping families to take an active role in shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives.
We believe that access to accurate and unbiased information is the cornerstone of effective advocacy. To this end, we provide resources that help parents to fully comprehend the complexities of the issues affecting their children's futures. From educational materials to workshops and presentations, our offerings are designed to equip families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and effectively respond to the challenges and opportunities that arise in their communities.
Our dedication to nonpartisanship ensures that all voices, regardless of political affiliation, are heard and valued.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) team comprises a diverse group of leaders and dreamers from various corners of the nation. Together, we work to build inclusive civic spaces. Our collective mission is to address the inequities rooted in the oppressive foundations of American institutions, systems, and infrastructures, and to uproot white supremacy and systemic racism. Through coaching and training, we empower parents, family members, policymakers, and organizations to work across real and perceived differences. As a result of our work, child outcomes are improved through the evaluation, co-creation, and implementation of policies, programs, and strategies that advance equity and justice.
NPLI upholds non-partisan and anti-oppression practices in our pursuit of creating civic spaces where everyone feels a sense of ownership and belonging. We recognize that the strength of our approach lies in fostering partnerships across intersectional identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, political inclinations, language, faith, and diverse abilities. By embracing and working across both visible and invisible differences, NPLI strives to cultivate a more equitable and inclusive democracy for all families and community stakeholders.
NPLI remains committed to continuous learning from our extensive network of leaders and partners. We intentionally evaluate and seek insights to refine and enhance our approaches in pursuit of equity. We are dedicated to applying these invaluable learnings to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.