HISTORY

In the spring of 1998 a group of teachers, parents and other activists started meeting to explore ways to work together collaboratively on education reform in the District of Columbia. In the fall, the group obtained a planning grant from the Ford Foundation which enabled the group to continue and deepen its work. We embraced the use of systems thinking to examine the underlying issues that impact education reform efforts. As a result, a DC VOICE theory of change evolved that emphasized a more informed and more active public voice for quality public education. DC VOICE has built its capacity to call the question on public accountability and to act as a city-wide intermediary on quality teaching and learning. We participate in the network of local education funds of the Public Education Network and the Ford Foundation's Collaboration for Educational Reform Initiative (CERI).

SUPPORTERS:

Since 1999, the Ford Foundation has continued to provide core support to DC VOICE.  In 2002, the Public Education Network’s Teacher Quality Initiative, through the Annenberg Foundation, lent additional core support through March 2005. 

In the intervening years, DC VOICE has received other support from

the following:

           Annie E. Casey Foundation

           Wendling Foundation

           Banyan Tree Foundation

           Hill-Snowden Fund of the Tides Foundation

           Poverty and Race Research Action Council

DC VOICE attained non-profit status in December 2003.  Since then, a sustainability plan was adopted by the board that emphasizes building a broader base of support from the community. In December 2004 and February 2005, Both the Fannie Mae Foundation and Agnes B. Meyer Foundation made first time grants to DC VOICE, respectively.  PEPCO and the DC/MD/DE Soft Drink Association have also provided small grants to DC VOICE.  

Individuals from the community can donate to DC VOICE through TOUCH DC or through the Spirit of Giving Guide of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region.  Click here to view the Spirit of Giving Guide feature on DC VOICE or here to view the full Guide.