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As you know, CFJ is a lead organization in the State Transformational Assistance Center (S-TAC) for Community Schools. In this role, we co-lead a Community of Practice with the Regional Transformational Assistance Centers (R-TACs) across California to support the implementation of the Community Schools strategy. Our shared goal is to ensure that all schools across the state become racially just, transformative community schools.

In January, R-TACs from across California gathered in San Diego for two days of deep learning, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing as part of the Community of Transformative Practice. The first day, hosted by the Southern Coast R-TAC, focused on the theme of Systemic Coherence—emphasizing that building coherence takes time, patience, and a commitment to human-centered systems. The goal of Coherence is to align programs and strategies, within counties of education, to create a web of support for students across all the systems they interact with. Through thoughtful discussion, participants explored how deep reflection, humility, and prioritizing relationships lay the foundation for authentic collaboration and sustainable systemic change. The second day, led by CFJ and the California Partnership for the Future of Learning (CA PFL), centered on Racial Justice and Authentic Partnerships with students, families, and community partners. The day began with a powerful “I Am From…” exercise from True North’s Belong Circle curriculum, fostering relational connection and setting the tone for a day rooted in humanity and trust. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations, including a panel featuring students, families, and community partners who shared their experiences, challenges, and insights on co-creating equitable school environments.

“I really appreciated the CoTP because it was such a special experience to be with educators who genuinely care about their students and want to be as impactful as possible in their roles. I appreciated the opportunity to give insight into what students face, and that the attendees really thought about what we said and how to implement change into their schools.”
– Evangelina A., San Diego high school senior

The Student Voice Workshop, led by student leaders Eva and Sanjana from our Statewide Student Advisory, was a powerful demonstration of the knowledge and expertise students bring to the table. They introduced two key tools designed to help RTACs support local school teams in building racially just, relationship-centered practices.

• The first tool, the Relationship Window, examines how schools balance expectations and support for students—and the underlying messages these approaches send. When schools take a “to” or “for” approach, rather than working with students, they reinforce the idea that students lack the capacity to solve their own challenges. This tool underscores the importance of dismantling adultism and institutional racism to empower students—especially Black, Indigenous, and other students of color—to co-create meaningful solutions to systemic issues.
• The second tool, the Student Voice Continuum, helps schools assess and strengthen their student engagement practices. It offers concrete examples of how to shift from seeing students as passive participants to active partners in decision-making—from merely informing or consulting students to truly collaborating and sharing leadership with them. These tools challenge schools to reflect on their current practices and adopt racially just, relationship-centered approaches that empower the most marginalized students to shape the solutions that affect their lives.

Throughout the workshop, Eva and Sanjana shared real-life examples of the challenges students face daily—providing invaluable insights for RTAC members, many of whom do not directly experience these realities. Their leadership and expertise resonated deeply, earning them a standing ovation. As RTAC members eagerly connected with them after the session, it became clear that this is the kind of transformation we hope to see across the state: students sharing their lived experiences, adults truly listening, and together, building solutions that create more just and equitable schools.

Take Action!

Don’t miss the opportunity to join us at annual Community Schools Summit to hear directly from our student leaders! [Register here.]

Students can register for free, families/parents receive a discounted rate, and community-based organization staff can contact us for a discount code. This year’s summit will be held in Fresno, bringing together over 3,000 attendees from across California—including students, families, community-based organizations, researchers, advocates, school and district teams, and county education leaders.

Interested in leading a workshop? Submit your proposal here. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER for the Empower Community Schools Summit HERE!Resource to learn more about how to transform your school into a community school: CA PFL Community Schools Toolkit