CYCLE believes that high-quality public schools and equitable educational systems are the cornerstone of an authentic democracy and a just society. Building the schools our communities deserve requires collective power derived from shared leadership and trusting relationships between youth, families, and educators. Educational justice requires the prioritization of the needs, vision, and influence of those most impacted by the lack of democracy, dollars, and dignity in our current public education system—namely, youth and families of color, low-income communities, and oftentimes frontline educators and school staff.

More than just places to learn facts and academic skills, schools are resourced well and equitably to be safe, supportive, open spaces for change, growth, and connection. Youth and families feel a sense of belonging and ownership in and for their schools. Youth have ready, equitable access to the supports they need to succeed in school, with those academic, social-emotional, language, cultural, and other developmental supports and considerations seen as essential, core elements to a responsive education. Community wellbeing and an affirming school culture are recognized as central and prerequisite to student success, and are considered with equal weight to academic pursuits and outcomes. Youth see themselves, their histories, and their lived experiences valued and reflected in the staff, faculty, curriculum, and activities in their schools. Educators and school leaders recognize and embrace the knowledge and assets that youth, families, and their surrounding communities bring to schools. Youth, families, educators, and other community members work in solidarity to make classroom, building, and district level decisions. Public education is respected and upheld as a process and space to provide relevant information, tools, access, resources, support, and relationships to learn about, critique, and work to create just communities.