Advocate for kids
For more than a decade, 50CAN has run local advocacy campaigns in 17 states, achieving over 235 policy victories that collectively reach more than 1 in 6 American students.
Believe in Better
The local advocacy campaigns across the 50CAN network are based in states all across the country, from Hawaii to Georgia, and Connecticut to Louisiana. Despite the differences in local contexts, our campaigns are united in working to deliver on 5 promises to America’s children:
The education that’s right for you.
Tutoring and care for every student.
A world of open and connected learning.
A family’s right to know what’s working.
A clear path to the career you choose.
Explore & Join our Local Advocacy Campaigns
GeorgiaCAN
Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Director
GeorgiaCAN seeks to identify and advance common-sense policies that put the needs of students first. We engage local stakeholders—from community members to policy makers—to advocate for student success throughout the entire public education system.
FIRE Fellows of Georgia
Beth Erber
Joanna Jackson
Brandon Jones
Czarina Lewis
Cassenda Nelson
Ophelia Nnorom
Joanna Jackson
Brandon Jones
Czarina Lewis
Cassenda Nelson
Ophelia Nnorom
Louisiana Kids Matter
Louisiana Kids Matter is a 501c(4) organization that seeks to improve educational outcomes for all kids by advocating for policies that ensure students receive a high-quality education regardless of their zip code.
50CAN Builder
SchoolFacts Boston
SchoolFacts Boston is founded and run by Boston families committed to working together to improve education for all in Boston.
50CAN Builder
CTLEAD
LEAD is an organization that empowers communities as we "Serve to Advocate" for the advancement of high-quality charter schools in the State of Connecticut.
50CAN Builder
Charleston RISE
Charleston RISE empowers public education advocates by connecting them to each other and then preparing them to improve our schools…together.
50CAN Builder
Education Civil Rights Now
ECRN is working to make quality public schools a civil right for all children in America.
50CAN Builder
FCCS- Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools
Expanding quality public school options and ensuring Black and Brown voices are heard.
CarolinaCAN
Marcus Brandon, Executive Director
NorthCarolinaCAN advocates for the success of every North Carolina student, from pre-K through college and career. We improve policy to help all students thrive and share promising practices and stories to demonstrate that all kids CAN succeed.
TennesseeCAN
TennesseeCAN empowers local stakeholders—from community members to policymakers—to advocate for improved K-12 education policies that put Tennessee children first. Together, we are working to ensure students have access to high-quality schools, teachers and resources that prioritize their unique educational talents and needs.
OhioKidsCAN
Amber Keener, Political Director
OhioKidsCAN empowers Ohio families, community leaders, and advocates to push for stronger education policies and systems, through public engagement, strategic advocacy and candidate support.
JerseyCAN
Paula White, Executive Director
JerseyCAN believes that all families must have access to high-quality schools and that students need continuous support with appropriate resources and excellent teaching, regardless of their zip code, cultural background or socioeconomic status.
ConnCAN
Steven Hernández, Esq., Executive Director
ConnCAN is leading a movement to improve education outcomes for Connecticut’s kids. We bring advocates, policymakers, parents and educators together to give all kids access to the great public schools they deserve.
DelawareKidsCAN
Britney Mumford, Executive Director
We believe it will take a community of advocates pushing the system to make sure all schools help kids achieve their potential. And we believe Delaware needs to act NOW to create the type of education system students deserve.
HawaiiKidsCAN
David Sun-Miyashiro, Executive Director
HawaiiKidsCAN will empower communities with accessible information about our schools, and help elevate their voices and concerns to build the conditions for all students in Hawaii to thrive.
Transform Education Now (TEN)
Nicholas Martinez, Executive Director
TEN will empower communities with accessible information about our schools, and help elevate their voices and concerns to build the conditions for all students in Colorado to thrive.
Battle Born Kids
Patricia Haddad Bennett, Executive Director
Battle Born Kids Matter advocates for more high-quality schools by mobilizing communities and championing practical solutions to Nevada’s education challenges.
NewMexicoKidsCAN
Amanda Aragon, Executive Director
NewMexicoKidsCAN serves as a catalyst and conduit to advocate for community-informed, student-centered and research-backed education policies that work best for the children of New Mexico. By connecting policy, instructional practice and politics, we reimagine what is possible in New Mexico’s public education system.
Our Policy Wins
Each year, we change or pass dozens of laws to meet the needs of students and families. Read about our latest victories:
Learn about Policy Wins as they happen. Stay up to date and subscribe to the New Reality Roundup.
We believe that the world and country will be a better place with more effective advocates. For that reason, we’re committed to sharing everything we learn about the tactics that achieve results. Whether you’re a new, aspiring or seasoned advocate, we invite you to learn alongside us.
AdvocacyLabs
In partnership with FutureEd and Georgetown University, 50CAN’s CEO Marc Porter Magee analyzes what social science research tells us about effective advocacy campaigns. Explore what science tells us about how to change the world:
Be The Change
Interested in starting a CAN?
For a state to build the education system of the future, they need effective advocates to listen to families, spur innovations and inform legislation. Interested in starting a CAN campaign in your own state?
We’ve found that enduring education advocacy campaigns have three foundational factors in place:
A first-in-class advocate who understands our education system and the statehouse.
Local funding partners who are committed to supporting long-term advocacy work.
A strong advisory board, to provide guidance and accountability.
If you think there’s momentum for each of these factors to be in place in your state, we’d love to set up a conversation. Inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis, with review and response windows in May, July and October.