Becoming an Unstoppable Force of Change for America’s Families

Evolving Ascend’s National, Strategic Agenda through 2028 – and Beyond 

We are living through a moment of profound transformation. Challenges to long-standing, universally-held principles about the support families need and deserve are disproportionately impacting children and communities. Ascend is meeting this moment by re-committing to the values that matter most – and to our North Star of creating a better future for families. 

We are clear on who we are, what we stand for – and the partners we stand with. We have a once-in-a-generation window of obligation and opportunity to create a new way forward with and for families.

Across America, our state and local leaders hold tremendous power to chart a new course. They are uniquely positioned to drive solutions that respond to what families truly need and to ensure that their interests are central to our national agenda. 

At Ascend, we believe this is a unique opening to reimagine what it means for families to thrive. 

But to meet this moment, we need a clear, bold strategic agenda that reflects the realities on the ground where families live, work, and play. This agenda will elevate what we know families need most and what works in communities across the country. 

Together with our 600+ Network Partners, 162 Fellows, Parent Advisors, and the wider Ascend community, we are building this agenda thoughtfully and deliberately. We are co-creating plans through 2028 and beyond to ensure that we achieve long-term transformation, not short-lived wins.

Our vision and efforts will be united by our guiding vision of creating a better future for children and families in America. By organizing under one agenda, we will galvanize the Ascend community to be an unstoppable force for change.

To achieve this vision, we invite the full Ascend Community to co-create with us.

We are kicking off a series of strategic conversations, starting June 16th and 17th, with state-level changemakers driving bold family-centered change. This momentum will continue at VisionXChange, our largest convening of dreamers and doers this year.

In the coming months, we will continue to convene our national community in dialogue to inform a unified agenda for families and children.

We aim to release the full agenda in January 2026.

Ready to be part of this transformative journey? Register your interest HERE.