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Changing Norms, Inc. is a charitable organization dedicated to helping schools, communities and organizations merge the private, public and legislative sectors. We provide unique opportunities and access to change the norms of young people in urban areas, thereby closing the gap in urban education.
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To promote the social, emotional, and academic health of designated school districts and surrounding communities.
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To initiate an influx of resources and referrals that facilitate safe and confident environments where learning is enabled, supported, and encouraged.
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To collaborated with partners and support the whole child during formative grades by increasing standardized test scores and academic achievement in marginalized communities.
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To stimulate and inspire a leveling of educational gaps, college attainment, and career enhancements for students in traditionally underserved school districts.
Closing Gaps &
Empowering Communities
Salient issues beyond the academic environment impact the foundational development of our communities.
Examples salient Issues:
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Systemic racism
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Mental health issues
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The development of social and emotional wellness
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Socioeconomic status
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Digital divide
Resources are needed beyond the current level of funding and allocation and so our approach acts as the linchpin between school districts and resources. Our proven methods result in improved financial, mental, emotional and physical well being.
We also offer the “Adopt-A-District” model, which pools resources from various stakeholders into a concentrated area, to create a framework that addresses multi-layered limitations.
History & Vision
Since the 1930's, schools that reside in traditionally marginalized communities continue to remain the lowest achieving districts.
How can a nearly century old problem still prevail?
For example, in the 1920's, Harlem was a proud black capital that had risen and was central to highly educated individuals & families. Harlem began to disintegrate due to the Great-Depression and redlining. As an organization, we researched the 2021 city maps and compared them with historical 1938 Redlining City Maps. Our research revealed that this entire area was sectioned as least desirable. It is no surprise that still today, districts just like Harlem with large AFRICAN AMERICAN AND LATIN-X populations are among the lowest performing school districts. Even with gentrification developing in the LIVING SPACES, the demographics of the schools have not changed; they are still segregated and trail far behind their surrounding districts.
Research has proven that systematic racism, heavily populated with public housing and DESPONDENT poverty, have lower student achievement.
Although school leaders, teachers and students may change over the years, the pattern of low performance levels are still subpar when compared to neighboring school districts.
Our initiatives are designed to transform the lives of multi-talented young people.
The Board
Founder & President
With over 25 years as a veteran educator with the New York City Department of Education, Dr. Bonds holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.). She has been instrumental in implementing innovative educational programs and fostering community engagement. Dr. Bonds is dedicated to empowering educators and students alike to achieve excellence.
Bernice Brown
Secretary
Retired - United States Air Force
Retired Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor/LCDC, TAIP Assessor with Bexar County Adult Probation Department.
Michelle Cheney Donaldson
Vice President
Has over thirty years of experience within city and state governments and Corporate America. Over the last decade, Mrs. Donaldson has worked in the education sector while focusing on students with special needs, she also serves as an adjunct professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) Higher Education System. Prior to joining the education sector, Mrs. Donaldson served as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, and as a National Director of Diversity and Inclusion for a Fortune 300 company. Mrs. Donaldson is also President of MCD Consulting, LLC., which provides bridges to solutions for matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Bernadette Wright
Treasurer
Bernadette holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University. She is an adjunct professor and recently retired after working in higher education for 40 years, the last eight as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts at Rowan College at Burlington County. She remains passionate about helping young people discover and realize their academic and career goals. Bernadette is honored to pursue this with Changing Norms, Inc.
The Reason Changing Norms was established.
