National Parents Union

Beat summer learning loss with Book Bingo! Keep your kids engaged and learning all summer long by creating a Bingo card with different types of books: nonfiction, fiction, biographies, mysteries, and cultural stories. And don't forget to join in on the fun! Celebrate the wins with fun rewards for completing rows or columns, like family movie nights or special treats.

Hello July! The National Parents Union is excited to welcome the sunniest month of the year! While the kids enjoy their break, let's keep their minds active and engaged.

Here are some fun ways to prevent summer learning loss:
🎨 Arts and crafts
📖 Family book club
👩‍🍳 Cooking together
🌟 Online courses or camps

Together, we can make sure our kids stay curious and ready for the new school year!

NEW BLOG POST: Hear from guest blogger, Christine, about how she’s committed to carving out safe, affirming environments and leaning into the journey of raising transgender youth in America. https://bit.ly/3W0DTNb

🌈This , let’s honor those who came before us by being “angelic troublemakers.” Let’s create good trouble by challenging injustice, standing up for equality, and advocating for the rights of all LGBTQIA+ individuals. Stand up. Speak out. Fight Hard. Let’s create a legacy that breaks down barriers and builds a more inclusive world. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

After last night's debate, is not mincing words. "Both candidates were embarrassingly short on policy details and left us with zero confidence that we will be better off four years from now than we are today." https://bit.ly/4bqNcuh

TONIGHT as millions of us tune in, it’s vital the presidential candidates discuss the real issues that impact the daily lives of families. We are the backbone of America. Here, our Senior Director for Policy & Action lays it out. https://nationalparentsunion.org/2024/06/26/what-modern-american-families-want-to-hear-in-thursdays-presidential-debate/

It's time for our leaders to give moms, families, and caregivers the answers they deserve. At tonight's debate we want to hear the candidate's plans for:

💰 Lowering child care costs
👐 Making child care more accessible
🧃 Ensuring child care facilities can keep their doors open and pay their staff fairly, so they can continue providing the essential care needed by parents across the country

Over 13,000 moms, advocates, and allies raised their voices to urge to address the growing child care crisis at tonight's debate—and now we wait to see if CNN and the candidates will address the concerns of moms across the country.

🌈This , let's celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community through the power of film! From heartwarming dramas to groundbreaking comedies, movies with LGBTQIA+ representation have brought visibility and understanding to the screen by highlighting vibrant stories and voices in the community. Grab the popcorn and join us for a movie night!

Strong bipartisan support for statewide tests! Parents want to know how this data drives resources to the students most in need. Let's bridge the communication gap. https://forstudent.org/3KYLd5D

Happy National Day of Joy from the National Parents Union! Today, we celebrate the moments that bring smiles, laughter, and happiness to our friends & families. Share your joyful moments with us using !

Recent polling from , in partnership with and , reveals parents across the aisle support K-12 testing when they see how data drives resources to schools in need. Read more from on : https://assessmenthq.org/2024/06/25/boosting-parental-support-for-standardized-testing/

Check out our newest blog by guest blogger, Patti Humble! ***r +

The Voice Box #2 — Raising a Q***r Teen in a Complex World   By Patti Humble, Guest Blogger   My dearest friend asked me if I would write this for Pride Month. Actually, her exact words were, “For Pride month, would you have any interest in writing a guest blog about raising a kid who is part of the Alphabet Mafia?” I mean, who could resist that […]

New poll: Parents across the political spectrum support statewide assessments to measure student progress. But leaders need to show how they use this data to help students! https://forstudent.org/3KYLd5D

We applaud the launch of NYC Solves. Read NY State Director Ashara Baker's compelling comments as she highlights the importance to act swiftly and decisively to close the learning gap for all NY children. https://nationalparentsunion.org/2024/06/24/the-national-parents-union-ny-enthusiastically-commends-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-and-nyc-public-schools-for-the-groundbreaking-launch-of-their-nyc-solves-initiative/

Did you know that the average cost of child care for two children is higher than the cost of rent in all 50 states? While the lack of affordable child care affects all Americans, moms across the U.S. are bearing the burden of this growing crisis.

We need answers, solutions, and actions from our leaders. We demand to know how they plan to combat the child care crisis and relieve the burden pushing countless families into debt.

SIGN THE PETITION: https://momsfirst.us/cnn_childcare/

Join us and , as we raise our voices and demand that puts a spotlight on child care during the upcoming presidential debate on 6/27.

Happy Fabulous Friday! This is a FRIENDLY REMINDER to submit your TODAY before the deadline on June 30th. Submitting your FAFSA = WINNING!!!! Complete it here: https://studentaid.gov

In this month’s issue of Don’t Believe the Hype, Shirley invites guest blogger Bianca Byrd to share her experience as a Q***r student of color at a predominantly white institution. Read about Bianca’s experience & her tips for new incoming college students https://nationalparentsunion.org/2024/06/20/dont-believe-the-hype-9/

This , don’t allow anyone to put conditions on their love and acceptance of you. You are perfect the way you are and you deserve to be loved for your true self. Every story adds color to our world, making it brighter and more vibrant. Stand tall, be proud, and let your light shine. Celebrate diversity, embrace individuality, and spread love and acceptance wherever you go. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be their true selves, without fear or judgment. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

To all the parents who continue to fight, who sacrifice and persist—know that your efforts are seen, your battles recognized, and your victories celebrated. Read 's latest on the struggles of 2 incredible moms fighting for their children 👉🏾

A TALE OF TWO CITIES: A story of two mothers struggling to break down barriers in the public education system By: Ashara Baker, NPU Center for Parent Voice   This spring has been a theme for me around parent power. Not the predictable kind where I mention the victory of the impossible win at a school board meeting or parent conference. This is the other side of the coin… The uncomfortable side, where you...

On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, 159 years later, we celebrate their freedom, the enduring resilience of the entire Black community, and the ongoing journey toward equality.
As we celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Black Americans, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue to work towards a brighter future together. ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

🌈 Celebrate with amazing books from LGBTQIA+ authors with LGBTQIA+ characters! From heartwarming romances to eye-opening memoirs, these stories offer diverse perspectives and rich narratives that will inspire and resonate. These books amplify diverse voices, reveal unique journeys, and deepen our understanding of this vibrant community. Whether you love fiction or non-fiction, there’s something for everyone.

Links to every book are in the picture captions. Share your favorite LGBTQIA+ reads in the comments!

Families must take center stage at the debate and it’s time for CNN to hold the candidates accountable. From skyrocketing childcare costs to the literacy crisis to an alarming lack of mental health support resources for children, the issues that are impacting families should be a priority at the CNN Presidential debate and throughout the entire presidential campaign.

Join us in signing the petition → https://momsfirst.us/cnn_childcare/

Tell CNN: ask the candidates about the child care crisis during the upcoming presidential debate The extreme cost of child care is crushing moms all over the country. Sign our petition to demand that CNN bring attention to the escalating child care crisis during the upcoming presidential debate.

🌈 Celebrate with children’s books from diverse voices! Did you know some classic children’s books were written by LGBTQIA+ authors? These tales of adventure, love, and discovery reflect the vibrant spectrum of human experience. Embrace the joy of inclusive storytelling and share the love!

What’s your favorite children’s book? Share in the comments!

60,000 Books for children in Detroit!

Thank You 313Reads: Detroit's Literacy Coalition

Join us in celebrating and these amazing as grantees! We're honored to roll up our sleeves alongside them in bringing 60,000 new books for youth and families to Detroit and Southeast Michigan!

Thank you to The Molina Foundation and Grace Community Church - Detroit for your generous support! Grateful to Focus: HOPE as the project host site, to Detroit Parent Network for support with comms, and the Children's Literacy Project and Center for Success for serving as connectors in this powerful work!

Thank you 313Reads: Detroit's Literacy Coalition for the partnership.