United Parents and Students

United Parents and Students (UPAS) are an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization seeking to empower low-income communities to become powerful self-advocates for sustainable neighborhood revitalization. Through our work, we partner with local public schools, including the Green Dot Public Schools network, and community-based organizations to create training centers that teach families the formal skills of community organizing and authentic civic engagement. As a result of this training, families are equipped to: identify clear and actionable issues within their communities, unify to develop meaningful and community centered solutions, and organize to advocate for deep systemic change on these issues. Our vision is to establish a national network of permanent, self-sustaining coalitions of informed and mobilized community members. Currently, UPAS operates chapters in Los Angeles, CA; Memphis, TN; and Stamford, CT.