Become a Member

PIE Network members are nonpartisan in ideas and bipartisan in approach, providing a consistent, evidence-based, and credible public voice in the process of education policymaking.

Who Can Join?

PIE Network members and partners believe policy is a critical lever for systems change, establishing expectations, and driving resources to meet needs—policy and advocacy is their primary focus. While PIE Network members’ priorities and strategies are unique to their communities and states, all members and partners demonstrate a commitment to upholding and advancing advocacy that includes but is not limited to driving improvements on the Network’s four policy pillars.

As a member, you will…

Be connected.

Fellow members are working on what you’re working on. They’ve been through what you’re going through. They understand the challenges of your unique role in a way no one else can. Your work is seen and validated. You’ll be less isolated. You’ll get needed perspective.

Think bigger.

Membership in the Network shifts your thinking and expands your mind.  A nonpartisan group with diverse perspectives, members come at the same issue from different angles, in an environment that supports risk tasking and challenging conversation. Members value success and failure equally, so you’ll learn from their mistakes and their wins.

Work smarter.

Membership in the Network makes everyone smarter and more efficient. Members share their best work, sharpest tools, and strongest ideas, helping each other save money, time, and resources. You won’t have to reinvent the wheel. You’ll actually improve the wheel.

Give back.

Membership in the Network provides you with opportunities to lead—to give as well as get. It’s a two-way street. While you’re learning, you’re also teaching.

Logistics

Cost

There is no financial commitment to join PIE Network. Instead, we ask for members and partners time and insight to strengthen the give and get spirit of the Network.

Expectations

There are two organizational commitments that serve as “dues” for membership:

  1. Participation of Lead Executive – The organizations working together through the Network know that the Network’s value is built through a commitment to giving as well as getting. This means a commitment to be present to support colleagues as well as benefiting from the support of colleagues from across the country. Because lead executives set the tone for their teams, we ask leaders of all PIE Network organizations to prioritize attending at least one in-person PIE Network event every year (preferably the Spring Executives’ Meeting and/or the fall Summit). As in-person meetings continue to be hosted virtually, we ask that executives commit to participating in at least three virtual meetings throughout the year. Engagement is reviewed annually and nonparticipating organizations risk losing membership if a clear pattern of disengagement is evident. Note: We hope all staff at member organizations actively participate in Network offerings; however, Network membership is monitored based on executive participation.
  2. Participation in Annual Surveys – We ask for thoughtful participation in multiple surveys. These surveys help connect members with others working on similar issues, elevate issues of collective priority to drive toward solutions and supports, and help Network policy partners know where to invest the most in new policy resources. 

Application Process

Membership Criteria

PIE Network is made up of more than 150 local, state, and national organizations—all focused on K-12 education policy and advocacy. Members unite around four policy pillars (High Expectations, Great Educators, Innovative Options, and Responsive Systems). While organizations may not be working on policy or advocacy related to all four pillars at any given time, members commit to not working actively against any. Organizations interested in membership are asked to share examples of their work aligned to the Network’s policy pillars.

How to Apply

  • The first step is to begin conversations with the PIE Network team. Please complete the below interest form to kick off the process.
  • After initial conversations with the PIE Network team, if both organizations agree membership seems like a fit, we will share an invite-only online application. This application is reviewed by the Network’s Membership Committee and Board of Directors. The application asks for examples of your team’s policy and advocacy work on at least two of the four Network policy pillars.
  • The Network has four application deadlines each year. The Network Board makes official invitations to join. It is worth noting the membership process frequently takes 3-9 months from start to finish.

Membership Interest Form

Please complete the below fields to submit your interest. This will prompt the PIE Network team to reach out for initial conversations. The below form is not the membership application.

Note: We are experiencing a high volume of inquiries. Thank you for your patience.

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