About Us
Who we are
We are a social justice organization that develops the leadership and builds the power of parents to transform schools so that all children achieve student success.
We believe that students succeed when parents feel heard, respected and lead educational change.
Our Vision
At PLAN, we imagine a world where:
- every student graduates and is adequately prepared for the future
- school officials hold themselves accountable to and partner with parents and students to develop practices that actually enhance their experiences and lead to systemic change
- the entire school district embodies the principles of academic equity and cultural empathy
- a world where students feel physically, socially and emotionally prepared to flourish in and outside of school
- the needs, voices, and concerns of students of color and their parents and families are heard, respected and welcomed
- and public schools receive the funding and support they need to invest in the well-being of our incredible young people
Our Vision
At PLAN, we imagine a world where:
- every student graduates and is adequately prepared for the future
- school officials hold themselves accountable to and partner with parents and students to develop practices that actually enhance their experiences and lead to systemic change
- the entire school district embodies the principles of academic equity and cultural empathy
- a world where students feel physically, socially and emotionally prepared to flourish in and outside of school
- the needs, voices, and concerns of students of color and their parents and families are heard, respected and welcomed
- and public schools receive the funding and support they need to invest in the well-being of our incredible young people
What we do
Working with our allies, we train parents to center the voices and concerns of the families in our communities.
We work together with families at schools across the Bay Area, partner with educators, school leaders and administrators to develop and implement strategies that invest in all students’ futures.
We foster safe spaces for parents and families to collectivize, share their wisdom and experiences, and learn how to navigate systems of power, together.
We urge school administrators and staff, school districts and elected officials to prioritize the wellbeing of every public school and the students they serve.
When we began
Bay Area PLAN was founded by Melia Franklin in 2004 in Oakland, California.
Through the years, PLAN has become a national recognized organization that advances innovation in family engagement and parent led systems change.
In 2015, Melia Franklin transitioned from the organization and in 2016, Pecolia Manigo became the 2nd Executive Director of the organization.
Read more about PLAN’s Story 2004-2014
When we began
Bay Area PLAN was founded by Melia Franklin in 2004 in Oakland, California. Through the years, PLAN has become a national recognized organization that advances innovation in family engagement and parent led systems change.
In 2015, Melia Franklin transitioned from the organization and in 2016, Pecolia Manigo became the 2nd Executive Director of the organization.
