Advocacy: 50CAN Does Reformy Things (Somewhat) Differently

As you may recall, 50CAN launched in 2010 at roughly the same time as StudentsFirst, but has followed an interesting and somewhat distinct path in the intervening five years compared to other national networks of reform-minded advocacy groups like StudentsFirst and Stand For Children and DFER that all seemed to sprout up around the same time.  

Check out the organization's new state-by-state goals Policy Goals, which are largely state-developed rather than predetermined by the national or its funders, and you'll get a sense for what I mean.  I'm also told that the organization doesn't pick states to go into anymore, but rather gives out planning grants to folks who think they might be interested in putting something together -- 80 in 28 states last year -- and go from there.  Call it an advocacy incubator. They're also running a Policy 101 course (there's still time to sign up), and advocacy workshops.

Related posts: AEI Philanthropy/Advocacy Event (#NewEdPhil) HotSeat Interview: 50CAN Creator Marc Porter Magee; 50CAN Action Fund Focuses On RI & MN; Winn Leaving 50CAN To Head New TFA Initiative; Where The Shiny New Advocacy Groups Are* [were].