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:
- the needs, voices, and concerns of students of color and their parents and families are heard, respected and welcomed;
- public schools receive the funding and support they need to invest in the wellbeing of our incredible young people;
- school districts embody the principles of racial equity and cultural empathy;
- 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;
- every student graduates and is adequately prepared for the future;
- and a world where students feel physically, socially and emotionally prepared to flourish in and outside of school.
Our Vision
At PLAN, we imagine a world where:
- the needs, voices, and concerns of students of color and their parents and families are heard, respected and welcomed;
- public schools receive the funding and support they need to invest in the wellbeing of our incredible young people;
- school districts embody the principles of racial equity and cultural empathy;
- 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;
- every student graduates and is adequately prepared for the future;
- and a world where students feel physically, socially and emotionally prepared to flourish in and outside of school.
What we do
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 train families to organize and lead parent-led campaigns that center the voices and concerns of the families in our communities.
We urge school administrators and staff, school districts and elected officials to hold themselves accountable and prioritize the wellbeing of every public school and the students they serve.
And we organize families at schools across the Bay and partner with educators, school leaders and administrators to develop and implement strategies that invest in all students’ futures.
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.
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.
