Dear Our Turn Community,
It is with sadness that we announce today that after many years of uplifting the voices of young people in education, Our Turn is closing its doors.
This decision, made after careful consideration by the Board of Directors, comes as a result of shifting funding landscapes in education, youth organizing, and the nonprofit sector at large.
Although this marks the end of this chapter of our work, we are confident that our impact built a foundation for nurturing the potential and uplifting the voices of young leaders of color and their allies in the fight for educational justice. Throughout our journey, we remained deeply committed to advancing education justice by placing young people at the center of change - and we are still committed today.
A Legacy of Impact
Our Turn's legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to educational equity, justice, and liberation. We are proud to have played a role in:
- Amplifying the voices of marginalized youth and empowering them to become leaders in their communities.
- Building a powerful network of young changemakers who are committed to dismantling oppressive systems.
- Creating innovative programs that have fostered critical consciousness, leadership development, and collective action.
- Championing policy changes that have expanded access to quality education for all students.
As Tati Martinez Alvarez, our former Development Fellow, so eloquently put it,
"This entire experience has positioned me to be a more effective advocate for education justice because I now have the skills necessary to take an idea, make a tactical, realistic plan for the idea, and allow it to blossom into fruition."
This sentiment echoes the transformative impact Our Turn has had on countless young lives.
Preserving Our Work
To ensure that the lessons learned and best practices developed during Our Turn's journey continue to benefit the broader community, we are undertaking a series of initiatives:
- We will create a comprehensive report that codifies our program work, capturing the essence of our approach and the valuable insights we've gained along the way.
- We hope to host a virtual convening, bringing together alumni to celebrate Our Turn's achievements and community.
- We will archive our resources and materials, making them accessible to those who continue the fight for educational justice.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to our extraordinary staff, volunteers, partners, and funders who have made Our Turn's work possible. Your unwavering support and belief in our mission have been invaluable. We are also immensely grateful to the young people who have been at the heart of Our Turn. Your passion, courage, and commitment to creating a more just and equitable world inspire us all.
As we embark on this transition, we invite you to stay connected with us through LinkedIn.
In the words of Amelia Federico, our former CO Senior Organizing Fellow,
“Throughout my time as a volunteer, fellow, and senior fellow the most important thing that I have grown in is my ability to impact change and disrupt outdated systems. Our Turn showed me the power of my voice, and avenues to cultivate change in my community.”
Though Our Turn's formal operations are ending, the seeds we have planted will continue to grow and flourish. We are confident that the legacy we leave behind will continue to inspire and empower others to fight for a world where every young person has the ability and opportunity to influence change.
With gratitude and hope for the future,
Kevin Ervin
CEO, Our Turn
