WORKING GROUP ON EDUCATION ORGANIZING (WGEO)

Across the country, communities are pushing for improvements in low performing schools, fighting for equitable and adequate funding for schools, and seeking a voice in school reform initiatives. Community organizing is a key strategy of community groups to build power at the grassroots and develop relationships with allies within and outside of the system in order to push for change. Increasingly, funders are recognizing the vital role these organizations play in building the political will to catalyze and sustain reform efforts in poor performing schools and school systems. Half of the GFE members invest in community organizing for education reform. WGEO is a national network of funders interested in community organizing for school improvement and reform. We have been meeting monthly for seven years.

      PURPOSE
The WGEO plans activities and initiatives that advance the following goals:
• Expand the field of donors who consider organizing as a grant-making strategy;
• Increase the understanding of education organizing among funders in WGEO, the larger funding community, and in the education community;
• Increase the effectiveness of the fields of education organizing and philanthropy;
• Document the involvement of philanthropy in supporting education organizing; and,
• Keep ourselves informed about the latest trends, ideas and research.

     RESOURCES
Voices from the Field provides grantmakers an inside look at how funders can support education organizing

• Flipping the Narrative on the Value of Investing in Public Education, Voices from the Field, April 12, 2012

• A Match on Dry Grass: Community Organizing as a Catalyst for School Reform, Voices from the Field, May 12, 2011

• Communities for Excellent Public Schools: Building the Infastructure for Parents and Communities to Impact Federal Education Policies, Voices from the Field, February 10, 2011

• Capitalizing on Community Organizing: Lessons from Washington D.C., Voices from the Field, September 23, 2010

      HISTORY
We have been meeting monthly for seven years, undertaking a variety of efforts:
• Ongoing networking, collaboration and information sharing, including an updated bibliography of books, articles and studies on the GFE website and distribution of an e-newsletter.
• Member Briefings and Web Seminars (e.g. Education Organizing 101 - 2009; Philanthropy’s Role in Fostering Partnerships: Collaborating with Unions, School Districts and Communities – 2005; Local Solutions for Lasting Results – 2004)
• Collaborative Conference Sessions at Council on Foundations, Grantmakers for Education, Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Families, Neighborhood Funders Group, and others.
• CPER (Communities for Public Education Reform) – CPER began from WGEO’s ongoing efforts to expand the field of donors involved in education organizing.

      PARTICIPANTS
Membership in the WGEO is open to all GFE member-eligible education grantmakers. There is no cost to join the network, however membership with GFE is encouraged.

      CONTACT INFO
Kimberlin Butler, kimberlin@edfunders.org

The WGEO is co-chaired by Lee Christian Parker, Director of Education Initiatives, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, and Cassie Schwerner, Vice President of Programs, Schott Foundation.