CPEN was founded in 2004 to continue the dialogue that began with the public hearing process which led to the development of the Charter for Public Education.

There was a belief that a public document such as the Charter needed a group of people committed to advocating for the principles on which we all can agree on for a vision of what quality public education can be, and should be. A group that would continue to engage communities in a dialogue on what is meaningful about learning for all ages.

Five years after the creation of CPEN we remain committed to being a voice for all people who believe in the principles of public education. We are the only organization that all citizens can be a part of, whether you are affiliated with an education stakeholder group or not. Parents, teachers, students, community members, trustees, principals, and everyone who believes in the Charter principles.

CPEN aims to:

• advocate for strong, stable public education in BC
• lobby, communicate and speak out for learners
• promote fully-funded, equitable, accessible public education
• work with colleges and universities to carry our research that illustrates the value of public education
• sponsor respectful debates and discussions on the issues facing public education
• develop and present workshops on topical issues concerning advocacy and education
• organize conferences where supporters of public education can learn from their diverse experiences and share their knowledge and wisdom
• publish articles and studies and intervene in the media to defend the principles of public education
• model participatory democracy, accessibility and equity in all of its activities and projects

For a small individual membership fee $20 or $10, people everywhere can be a part of the movement to build an education system that will meet the needs of all our communities. Your donations of any amount would also be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the Network! We look forward to working with you and your community or organization to bring the principles for public education to life!

2008-2009 Board of Directors

Mike Zlotnik - President
Dileep Athaide - Vice-President
Weldon Cowan - Treasurer
Julianne Doctor - Secretary
Sarah Xu - Membership Coordinator
Pater Clayton - Member at Large
Zach Harper - Member at Large
Geoff Peters - Member at Large
Ruth Scher - Member at Large
Jane Staschuk - Member at Large
Kathy Whittam - Member at Large