The COVID-19 pandemic pushed more California parents to engage with the policies and politics of their children’s public schools more than ever. Channeling that parent power is crucial in pushing for systematic change that responds to the needs of families and children, who don’t have a seat at the table in Sacramento. CA public schools need new coalitions, led by parents, to hold elected leaders accountable and push for policies that put students’ needs first.
“We need more grassroots parent activism to advance the goals of the children’s movement.”
— Ted Lempert, President, Children Now
Who We Are
CA Parent Power is fueled by parents who have given their time, resources, and professional skills to help us grow. This parent army is committed to our mission of centering the voices of parents and families in CA public education.
Megan Bacigalupi
Co-Founder
Megan founded CA Parent Power with parents from across California in 2020 after months of local advocacy to reopen districts across the state. She is an Oakland Unified School District parent of two, lawyer, former non-profit manager, and government attorney. She is also a mom of a student with an IEP and understands first hand the need for parents to have information and power.
"The pandemic so clearly surfaced the need to center the wisdom and aspirations of parents, who are more engaged and activated than ever in what is happening in their children's education. California Parent Power is meeting this moment, fighting to ensure that parent and kid voices always have a seat at the table.”
— Lakisha Young, Co-Founder and CEO, The Oakland Reach