Sign Up and Get Involved

Step 1: Learn + Stay Informed 

Start by learning about the issues that affect Head Start families.

  • Visit Parents Unite or NHSA.
  • Sign up for action alerts from your State Association and NHSA.
  • Take the Academy’s Parents Unite Courses through NHSA Academy 
  • Learn who represents you in Congress. Google them. Who are they? What do they care about?

Step 2: Use Your Voice

Help leaders understand why Head Start matters.

  • Send weekly messages to Congress through the NHSA Take Action page.
  • Write a short message about how Head Start has helped your family and send it to your representatives.
  • Call or email your elected officials (staffers track every call, even short ones).
  • Share nonpartisan voter registration resources like vote.org with your community.

Step 3: Engage in Your Community 

Local engagement is powerful.

  • Join a Parent Policy Council or Parent Advisory Committee connected to Head Start or your school district.
  • Attend school or community meetings.
  • Register and vote in primary and November elections, not just presidential elections.
  • Encourage friends and family to register and vote. 

Step 4: Build Connections, Be Visible

Parents are stronger together.

  • Post regularly about Head Start on social media. Feel free to use our toolkit.
  • Talk with other parents about issues that matter.
  • Invite other parents to join Parents Unite.
  • Build a group of parents who all want to raise their voices, it is easier doing this with a group.
  • Support another parent who is speaking up, even if you’re not ready yet.
  • Encourage other parents to register and vote.
  • Join the Parents Unite Facebook Group.

 Step 5: Share Your Story (On Your Terms) & Become an Influencer

Your story helps others understand the impact of Head Start.

  • Use this social media toolkit to post pre-made content about Parents Unite.
  • Post about your experience and why it matters on social media.
  • Record a short video on your phone about what Head Start means to your family.
  • Share your video on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

Step 6: Grow Your Confidence

Leadership starts with small steps.

  • Practice telling your story with another parent or true friend.
  • Talk with your Family Advocate or Parent Coordinator about how you can raise your voice.
  • Find opportunities to share your voice.