our purpose

our purpose

We envision a thriving Atlanta where every student receives equitable access to educational opportunities and resources. We believe these opportunities will allow students to develop a strong academic foundation, self-determination, and a sense of well-being. Ultimately, we know public education can provide students with the knowledge and tools to pursue their passions, realize their full potential, and better their community and society. That’s why redefinED atlanta engages communities, advocates for equity, and funds critical work to improve K-12 public education for students and families.

redefinED atlanta addresses the systems that have oppressed Black, Latinx, and under-resourced communities. We anchor our efforts in education. We know that systemic racial inequities are significant barriers to a thriving Atlanta, and we believe that the knowledge, experiences, and strengths of Black communities, and communities of color are essential in changing it for the better.

our core values

At redefinED atlanta, the following core values drive our beliefs and our work:
community
We serve communities. Families’ visions and aspirations for their children’s education guide us. We engage in asset-based thinking, leverage existing strengths, and act with compassion. We work with under-resourced communities to achieve great K-12 public schools for all Atlanta students.
equity
We strive to serve as an example of what philanthropy can be when it partners with the community. We provide support to meet students’ and families’ different needs and remove barriers by concentrating resources to address inequities.
integrity
We seek truth, use data to inform decision making, and operate with honesty. We commit to identifying how we can improve and to making active changes ourselves, before seeking changes in others.
excellence
We recognize the inequities inherent within our current educational system, and we actively work toward defining a high bar of excellence, disrupting the status quo and holding ourselves and our partners accountable for outcomes.
sustainability
We work to make enduring positive change. We resist silver-bullet thinking and simultaneously engage in replicating success and promoting innovation. We balance patience with a sense of urgency, and our immediate actions and quick wins are aligned to our long-term strategy.
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community
We serve communities. Families’ visions and aspirations for their children’s education guide us. We engage in asset-based thinking, leverage existing strengths, and act with compassion. We work with under-resourced communities to achieve great K-12 public schools for all Atlanta students.
equity
We strive to serve as an example of what philanthropy can be when it partners with the community. We provide support to meet students’ and families’ different needs and remove barriers by concentrating resources to address inequities.
integrity
We seek truth, use data to inform decision making, and operate with honesty. We commit to identifying how we can improve and to making active changes ourselves, before seeking changes in others.
excellence
We recognize the inequities inherent within our current educational system, and we actively work toward defining a high bar of excellence, disrupting the status quo and holding ourselves and our partners accountable for outcomes.
sustainability
We work to make enduring positive change. We resist silver-bullet thinking and simultaneously engage in replicating success and promoting innovation. We balance patience with a sense of urgency, and our immediate actions and quick wins are aligned to our long-term strategy.

REI commitments

As an organization, redefinED atlanta commits to:
child paints on purpose page
child raises his hand in class on purpose page
adult helping child paint pottery on purpose page

Attracting and retaining staff with diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experience in public schools and the public school system

Further diversifying our board to include deeper lived experience and perspective from public school parents and under-resourced communities

Creating an inclusive working culture that celebrates difference, promotes universal belonging, and fosters ongoing learning and personal growth

Adopting participatory grantmaking practices to include those with deep lived experience in public schools and the public school system in the decision-making process

Partnering with communities to advance racial justice in education and on other issues, including housing, health, and economic stability

child paints on purpose page

Attracting and retaining staff with diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experience in public schools and the public school system

Further diversifying our board to include deeper lived experience and perspective from public school parents and under-resourced communities

child raises his hand in class on purpose page

Creating an inclusive working culture that celebrates difference, promotes universal belonging, and fosters ongoing learning and personal growth

adult helping child paint pottery on purpose page

Adopting participatory grantmaking practices to include those with deep lived experience in public schools and the public school system in the decision-making process

Partnering with communities to advance racial justice in education and on other issues, including housing, health, and economic stability