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.
OPEJ 2023 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Every child in Oregon—no matter their identity, zip code, or circumstances—deserves the learning, love, and care they need to thrive.
That's why Foundations for a Better Oregon is proud to support the Oregon Partners for Education Justice 2023 Legislative Agenda.
From ethnic studies and summer learning to data justice and school spending transparency, the policies and investments in this community-driven agenda will help Oregon improve student outcomes and close unacceptable disparities.
ADVANCING OREGON’S COMMITMENT TO EVERY CHILD
Over eighty Oregon policymakers, community leaders, and advocates gathered for a day of learning, visioning, and dialogue.
FBO’s Janet Soto Rodriguez reflects on opportunities to engage rural voice, vision, and strength wherever decisions are made.
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
Community Data, Research, and Story Inform Solutions
To hold systems accountable, Oregon communities—especially those historically erased in “official” data—need meaningful opportunities to shape research, share stories, and inform solutions.
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
Over eighty Oregon policymakers, community leaders, and advocates gathered for a day of learning, visioning, and dialogue.
FBO’s Janet Soto Rodriguez reflects on opportunities to engage rural voice, vision, and strength wherever decisions are made.
We’re thrilled to welcome Jason to our team as FBO’s Policy and Research Associate.
With another historic investment in summer learning on the horizon, FBO and partners explore how community-based summer programs support youth to learn, grow, and thrive.
The short legislative session has ended with a failure to answer the calls of youth and community leaders to stand up for racial justice in public education.
New K-12 social studies standards can make learning more engaging, rigorous, and inclusive for all students. Now, the state must help schools prepare.
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