Saphron Initiative is an American youth-led, nonpartisan education advocacy nonprofit with an educational programs wing and political advocacy wing. Founded in 2021 by two Virginia high schoolers, it states that its work encompasses "forging innovative partnerships with schools and civic society" and "engagement with elected officials and policymakers."[1][2][3]
 | |
| Formation | 2021; 3 years ago |
|---|---|
| Type | Education advocacy group |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Affiliations | Network for Public Education (Grassroots Education Network Member) |
| Website | www.saphron.org |
It now operates nationally, with chapters in various states from New Jersey to Hawaii.[4][5]
Saphron Initiative operates a host of remote educational programs with volunteer youth tutors in sync with partnered Title I schools, ranging from after-school activities to gifted enrichment to supplemental learning for struggling students. It has served school divisions across Louisiana, North Carolina, and Maryland, among others.[6]
In 2024, the group launched Edisco, a miscellaneous journalistic publication on its activities and broader education advocacy.[7]
Stances and partnerships
editSeparate from its educational activities, Saphron Initiative has an advocacy wing active in coordinating endorsements and policy positions across its operational regions. The group is a national member of the Network for Public Education's "Grassroots Education Network" alongside In The Public Interest and other, largely anti-school choice organizations.[8] In the past, Saphron Initiative has worked with American Federation of Teachers branch on efforts in favor of collective bargaining for educators, especially in Virginia.[9] It has also backed the PRO Act for multiple consecutive legislative sessions as part of its support of expanded collective bargaining rights for teachers.[10]
In 2022, it co-signed a support letter for California Assemblymember Marc Levine's AB 1694 with Public Citizen.[11] Additionally, it was a part of the support coalition behind California State Senator Thomas Umberg's SB 252 during the 2023 California legislative session.[12] The bill would have prohibited the California State Teachers Retirement System from investing in fossil fuels if passed.[13]
The group also participated in a House Triangle press conference with Congressmembers Mike Thompson, Kathy Castor, and Troy Carter as part of its efforts in support for H.Res.975 in the U.S. House of Representatives.[14]
Additionally, Saphron Initiative has partnered on ActionNetwork.org campaigns with Daily Kos and the Democracy for America Advocacy Fund, with focuses ranging from combatting school voucher legislation to supporting Universal Pre-K and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit.[15]
Endorsements
editThe group has endorsed multiple state, local, and federal candidates in past American elections, including former Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni in his 2024 run for Virginia's 10th Congressional District.[16] Saphron Initiative has also endorsed other candidates on the local and state levels in California, Virginia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Maryland.[17]
References
editCitations
edit- ^ "About Us Saphron Initiative". saphron.org. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Influence Watch - Saphron Initiative". Influence Watch. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Saphron Initiative". www.idealist.org. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "@wearesaphron on Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
Student advocate Julia Saines tapped to lead Saphron Hawaii
- ^ "Saphron Initiative New Jersey". Roundpier. 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Programs". Saphron Initiative. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "We're Launching The Edisco". Saphron Initiative. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "Grassroots Education Network". Network for Public Education. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "American Federation of Teachers Virginia". Twitter.
Excited to have student organizers from [Saphron Initiative] join us as we rally in support of collective bargaining for all public school employees in Fairfax County!
- ^ "Oppose Union Busting + Pass the PRO Act Today!". actionnetwork.org. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "AB 1694 Support Letter" (PDF). Public Citizen. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Senate Judiciary Committee - SB252" (PDF). California State Senate. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "SB 252: Public retirement systems: fossil fuels: divestment. | Digital Democracy". digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ Saphron Initiative (2022-09-23). 9/22 H.Res.975 Press Conf. ft. Schools for Climate Action, Saphron Initiative, Moms Clean Air Force. Retrieved 2024-06-25 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Sign the petition: Keep PragerU out of our schools!". actionnetwork.org. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "Saphron Initiative Advocacy". Saphron Initiative. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "Advocacy". Saphron Initiative. Retrieved 2024-10-06.