Foundations for a Better Oregon
Our Vision
We envision a better Oregon that hears, values, and cares for every child. Communities, policymakers, system leaders, and philanthropy forge networks of trust, honor Oregon’s complexity, and move as one to remedy the historical and emerging injustices facing children. Public systems authentically engage families and communities in design and decision-making to uphold our collective commitment to children. Together, Oregonians nurture children’s learning, aspirations, and humanity, and every child knows that they belong.
VIDEO: 2021 LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT
When we can't gather in person, connecting policymakers and community is all the more important. Read the key takeaways from FBO's 2021 Legislative Summit to advance community vision for racial justice in education, and watch the video highlights below.
The coalition urges state legislators to invest in a more inclusive, equitable, and racially just public education system.
A longstanding leader in her Tribe and the Pacific Northwest, she brings a sharp focus on systems change and deep commitment to community.
ADVANCING OREGON’S COMMITMENT TO EVERY CHILD
Who We Are
At Foundations for a Better Oregon (FBO), we are fervent believers in Oregon’s children, families, and communities. We are conveners, researchers, advocates, and storytellers. And we are systems thinkers and bridge builders, reimagining how Oregon supports every child to learn, grow, and thrive.
What We Believe
We believe Oregon’s children are a shared responsibility. FBO's values, theory of change, and partnerships drive our work to ensure Oregon lives up to this sacred responsibility.
What We Do
FBO is demystifying complex systems and elevating community-driven solutions to disrupt the historical and emerging injustices facing Oregon children and families.
Our Strategic Priorities
Research & Data Is Community-Centered
Oregon should use data to measure children’s progress in ways that hold systems responsible for the outcomes they produce, without placing burden and blame on children and families.
Investment in Education Is Equitable & Coherent
To support every child to learn, grow, and thrive, Oregon’s investment in public education has to be equitable, sustainable, transparent, coherent, and accountable—especially for historically underserved children.
Decision-Making Is Inclusive & Participatory
To solve complex problems, authentic community engagement is vital—and in a healthy democracy, it requires so much more than a town hall meeting.
Acknowledging Native Land, Lives, and Ways of Knowing
News & Story
A new toolkit from the Oregon Department Education will guide schools toward more inclusive and participatory decision-making.
The American Rescue Plan is a historic opportunity to ramp up support—and break down barriers—for children disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
“I didn't know the term ‘social construction’ until college, but I knew what it meant my whole life,” says FBO’s new Board member.
A longstanding leader in her Tribe and the Pacific Northwest, she brings a sharp focus on systems change and deep commitment to community.
The February economic forecast affirms that the Legislature can and must prioritize equity investments in a balanced state budget.
Inclusive and participatory decision-making is critical to becoming a state where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
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