Building Parent Leaders in Education Advocacy!

As parents, we all want the best for our children—a quality education that sets them up for success.

Yet, many families often face barriers that prevent meaningful engagement. One key challenge is that parents may not know how to engage with the school in ways that feel impactful.

CPLAN provides a clear pathway for parents to support their children’s academic success by offering resources, training, and guidance. Beyond that, CPLAN empowers parents to become advocates within decision-making councils, working in partnership with schools to create a high-quality, holistic, and more just and inclusive education system.

CPLAN (Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network) is a parent-led organization dedicated to putting families at the heart of school decision-making.

Founded in 2016 in Boston by parents determined to drive change, we are led by parents of color and have grown into a statewide community of over 1,000 partners—including parents, educators, school leaders, and policy advocates.

We empower parents to champion their children’s academic success and build a brighter future through informed leadership and active engagement with schools. By emphasizing local control and measurable outcomes, CPLAN ensures that real voices from our communities shape the education system for the better.

Parental Rights & Local Control

CPLAN ensures parents have the knowledge and tools to take an active role in shaping education at the local level, advocating for policies that reflect their values and priorities.

Transparency & Accountability

Our workshops empower parents to work with schools and districts to ensure every dollar is spent effectively and every policy benefits students.

Student Success & Workforce Readiness

We equip parents with the skills to advocate for high academic standards and career readiness, ensuring students have access to the skills they need to succeed in a competitive economy.

Family- Centered Values

CPLAN supports families in navigating school choice options and ensuring their children receive the education that aligns with their needs and values.

Smiling Teacher meets with parents during a conference

What Our Members Say

"At my kids’ IEP meeting, I felt like I was on the same level as them for the first time and that’s because of CPLAN."

LIZ
Mother | Parent Advisory Council Member

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Annoucements

Join a Parent Council!

Visit our Parents' Guide to Advocacy to learn more about strategies, resources, and ideas to strengthen the parent voice in your child's school!

Contact us if you have questions about ensuring your parent council is representative of the student body and effective at creating change in your child's school.

Mental Wellness

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's crucial that we take care of both.

Check out our mental wellness resources!

Annual Report

Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the progress we've made over the past year, from supporting District Parent Advisory Councils to promoting restorative justice practices in schools. We’re proud of the impact we've had and look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year!

Announcements