COFI turned 25 in October and there is so much to celebrate!

We do so in the midst of this current health, economic, and political crisis, when Black and Brown communities are suffering the most. Still, COFI/POWER-PAC IL mothers and grandmothers (and some fathers) continue to show up and fight to make their voices heard.

In 1995, a handful of parents gathered together in Austin and Logan Square to begin the drive for change in their families and communities. Now, 25 years later, 5,000 parent leaders trained in The COFI Way of Family Focused Organizing have built a powerful grassroots movement for policy change that has changed our city, state, and nation for the better.

For 25 years, COFI has harnessed the power of parents at the table—from parent teams transforming public schools to fighting for policy and system changes at City Hall, the State Capitol, and beyond.

From the government policymaking tables to the lunchroom tables in public schools, COFI parent voices have transformed communities through significant system and policy changes.

As we rejoice in all that has been done so far, we must also look ahead.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new COFI Center for Action and Learning, which will bring COFI’s organizing expertise and impact to a national scale. COFI has already trained hundreds of organizations across the country in our innovative parent leadership and organizing model. The new Center will expand our capacity to train and support partners, in effect bringing together a national “learning table” to catalyze a broader parent-led movement for change.

Throughout our 25th anniversary year, you’ll hear from parent leaders about how COFI has changed them personally and had a profound impact on their families and communities.

Please join COFI in celebrating this milestone birthday! To the first 25 years, and many, many more.

Been at a COFI training and have a story of change? We are collecting 25th anniversary stories and want to hear from you!