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

FBO’s three strategic priorities are defined by the structural and cultural change we seek to disrupt the root causes of inequity and radically accelerate progress for children. They are the scaffolding through which we fulfill our mission, and the sight lines that guide us toward our vision.

In a Better Oregon,

Community Data, Research, and Story Inform Solutions

Supporting communities—especially those historically erased in “official” data—to meaningfully engage in research and use data.

Shifting how Oregon collects, interprets, and frames data to hold systems accountable and better serve children.

Moving beyond traditional messaging campaigns to disrupt damaging narratives and tell a more nuanced Oregon story.

In a Better Oregon,

Investment in Education Is Equitable & Coherent

Demystifying how Oregon invests in education while researching promising models from across the nation.

Embedding, enhancing, and sustaining equity in public investments through legislative advocacy and rulemaking.

Creating opportunities for policymakers and community to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other.

In a Better Oregon,

Decision-Making Is Inclusive & Participatory

Supporting community-based organizations and emerging networks to participate in advocacy and decision-making at local and state levels.

Working with policymakers and system leaders to facilitate authentic community engagement and inclusive processes.

Generating collaborative frameworks, tools, and infrastructure to support and sustain new community engagement models.

 

How We Work

The injustices and challenges that Oregon’s children face defy silver bullets and top-down solutions. They call us to work in multidisciplinary ways and co-create strategies that reach beyond schoolhouse doors.

1

Policy and Advocacy​

Working primarily at the state level, we collaborate with impacted communities throughout the state to analyze, develop, and advocate for policy changes and public investments that create a better Oregon for every child. We believe public systems work best when impacted communities engage in the entire cycle of change, from discovery to policy design to accountability.

Our Advocacy

2

Data and Research

When grounded in shared vision and values, data can be a powerful tool for understanding and combating the pervasive disparities that we know exist for too many children and families. We elevate data and research that discern the root causes of inequity, illuminate strategies that make the greatest impact, and promote continuous reflection and improvement.

Our Research Library

3

Convening

Engaging multiple perspectives and examining issues from different vantage points are critical to driving collective action. We convene Oregonians from all sectors, geographies, and backgrounds to nurture relationships, share learning, form partnerships, and solve problems.

4

Storytelling and Narrative

To foster empathy and build public will, we highlight stories across Oregon that help us understand who we are, how our children are doing, and what gives us hope. By addressing longstanding systemic failures and uplifting the deep-rooted strengths of our children and communities, we can narrate the path to a more just future.