Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)

10/07/2026

Chicago, we are making history! 🗳️✨

On November 3, we will elect 20 members to the CPS school board and 1 school board president. Your vote will shape the future of our schools. Make sure your voice is heard!

Visit www.votechicagoschoolboard to find your district and learn more about the candidates.

10/05/2026

Head Start is more than a program—its a promise. 💗

Born in 1965 as a bold response to poverty, Head Start has helped generations of children and families build stronger futures.

🚨Today, that promise is at risk.

🗣Funding decisions are being made—and we need your voice.

✍🏽Take action now! Leave a public comment by October 6th to let Congress know we want to PROTECT HEAD START!

The deadline to submit a public comment to protect this program is October 6. If you have not already, use this form: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0002 to tell Congress to save Head Start.

10/03/2026

🚨🚨Head Start needs your help!

The federal government is asking for public comments about proposed changes to the Head Start program.

But the program is about so much more than early education.

♿For many children with disabilities, it is a path to comprehensive screenings, supports, and services that can change the course of their lives.

🆘It provides health, safety, and mental health support to at-risk families.

🗣Head Start provides resources to non-English-speaking families.

🤝Families in crisis or at risk receive services related to job training, adult education, housing, and more.

Share your thoughts and experiences on why Head Start matters by October 6, 2026, and help protect Head Start for children and families.

Submit your public comment using this form: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0002

10/02/2026

Who will suffer from reduced Head Start standards?

Children. Families. Teachers. Communities.

For more than 60 years, Head Start has given children and families access to high-quality early learning, family support, and opportunities to thrive.

Now a federal proposal could roll back the performance standards that made that possible.

If you want policymakers to protect Head Start, you have 4 days left to make your voices heard!

Use this form to submit a public comment and take action to protect Head Start.
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0002

09/30/2026

Today is the final day to register for the next round of training at the COFI Center for Action and Learning.

Join us October 6-9 for a hands-on, collaborative experience that shows your team or organization how to build Parent Power in your community.

Together we'll move from theory to practice - but first, you have to register!

Hurry, registration closes today at 11:59PM.
https://cofionline.org/events/

09/30/2026

The proposed rule changes to the Head Start program will leave families with fewer resources and poorer quality of care for their children. You can use your voice to tell policymakers “Hands Off Head Start!”

From now until Oct 6, 2026, leave a public comment using this form: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0002

For step-by-step guidance on how to leave a comment, including additional information about the proposed rule change, use this free resource guide created by our partners
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j64NdRfZo09ObyJUcw8D0BJKaL2kwhjJ/view

09/29/2026

Want to incorporate The COFI Way into your community group, school, or agency?

Join us for Phase 1: Self, Family & Team + Team Building!

Happening October 6-9 at the COFI Center for Action and Learning, this in-depth training will teach you how to recruit parents and use our curriculum for leadership development.

Build parent power and register by September 30!

https://cofionline.org/events/phase-1-self-family-team-team-building/

Phase 1: Self, Family & Team + Team Building is for people who plan to incorporate The COFI Way, a family-focused parent leadership and organizing model, in their own community groups, schools, and agencies.

09/29/2026

Every parent wants their child to thrive in a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment. That’s why Head Start has been a cornerstone for families for decades!

However, a new proposal threatens to roll back federal performance standards under the guise of "reducing burden." Removing these protections opens the door to:
- Overcrowded classrooms where kids aren't guaranteed the attention they need
- Language barriers for non-English-speaking families
- Compromised curriculum and safety standards

We can protect the integrity of Head Start while continuing to build stronger options for all communities!

If you haven’t already, make a public comment before October 6th and tell policymakers “Hands-Off of Head Start!”

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0002

09/28/2026

Ready to build parent power in your community? Join us this October at the COFI Center for Action and Learning for our next round of in-person trainings!

Whether you need an introduction to our organizing model or are ready for in-depth team building, we have a session for you.

Move from theory to practice and register today: https://cofionline.org/events/

Registration ends on September 30!

09/26/2026

Want to incorporate The COFI Way into your community group, school, or agency? Join us for Phase 1: Self, Family & Team + Team Building!

Happening October 6-9 at the COFI Center for Action and Learning, this in-depth training will teach you how to recruit parents and use our curriculum for leadership development. Build parent power and register by September 30!

https://cofionline.org/events/phase-1-self-family-team-team-building/

Phase 1: Self, Family & Team + Team Building is for people who plan to incorporate The COFI Way, a family-focused parent leadership and organizing model, in their own community groups, schools, and agencies.