Giving Compass' Take:

• Getting Smart highlights more than 50 advocacy groups and organizations working to improve education in the United States. 

• How can funders work to support effective advocacy groups? Do any of these groups align with your philanthropic goals? 

• Read tips for strengthening advocacy relationships.  

It is important for us all to be making our voices heard in conversations about education policy and funding. Now more than ever, considering our current political climate and the changing world around us, it is our responsibility to be spreading the word about what makes a high-quality learning experience that can prepare students for a future of uncertainty and change.

That being said, however, we know how hard it can be to find the time and energy to get involved in the conversation. That’s why today, we are excited to take a moment to recognize the following great policy and advocacy organizations that are putting students first, illuminating the path to change and leading the most pressing conversations.

Equity Advocates

50CAN: network of 10 state EdReform advocates
The 74: news site covering education
Achieve: national leader in college & career readiness
Alliance for Excellent Education: sponsors of Digital Learning Day and Future Ready
America Achieves: capacity development for quality education

Personalized & Competency-Based Learning Advocates

Aspen Institute: fosters leadership and hosts interactive forums on critical issues (including a commission with CASEL on social, emotional and academic development)
Competency Works: online community for competency-based learning (see blog and podcast on Mesa County schools, a joint kick-off to an extensive CompetencyWorks series)
Christensen Institute: the disruptive innovation folks
Consortium Of School Networking (CoSN): the district IT folks
Digital Promise: accelerating innovation in K-12 learning

Policy Advisors & Resources

Bellwether Education Partners: education consultants
Center on Reinventing Public Education: leader on portfolio strategy
Council of Chief State School Officers: where state superintendents learn
Education Council: federal and state policy advisors
Education First: education consultants

Read the full list of 55 advocacy organizations making a difference in education at Getting Smart.