Regardless of how we decide to fund C3S, it's important that we make it clear to members and potential funders that we see ourselves as adding to the charter conversation, not dividing the movement. We are not organizing "against" other voices. Instead, our role is to enrich the conversation by adding depth and understanding of our needs and interests. It's important that we recognize the important work and valuable contributions that have been made to date by the other national charter school organization.
Philanthropic funding would be lovely but we had better be prepared to fund this new association by ourselves via membership dues.
Terry, I agree that we need to enrich the conversation. At the same time, we need to honor the contributions of independent chartered public schools. For years, despite requests, the "other' organization has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to groups of charters. It's time to advocate for independent charters. Here's how some wonderful musicians put it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOatO5blnGA