Charter Parents United (CPU) was started in 2013 as a coalition of charter parents who engage in charter school issues through advocacy, public relations and peaceful demonstrations. CPU represents parents who want quality education options in their community and have experienced the benefits of a charter education for their children. The mission of CPU is to educate and mobilize parents to influence elected officials, parents, faith based and community leaders, Chicago Public Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education and the City of Chicago to support the expansion and availability of quality charter seats.