The Action Network’s newest program partner is CASA Mississippi which is the sponsoring agency for the new Fostering Mississippi Youth Connections (FMYC). CASA Mississippi, FMYC and the Action Network are in the process of recruiting youth and organizing a kick-off event that will include team building activities by the Action Network training team and information about the launching of FMYC. CASA Mississippi is based in Gulfport and will initially focus recruitment in that area and will gradually expand the group statewide.
Mississippi Joins the Action Network
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Action Network expands to the South
We are pleased to welcome the Virginia Youth Advisory Council as our fourth program partner! This new statewide organization coordinates five regional councils advocating on behalf of Virginia’s 6,712 foster youth. The Action Network is helping youth leaders create a strong permanent infrastructure and build their advocacy skills so they can bring foster youth voices to policy issues at the local, regional and state levels. Our next training is March 19th.
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Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Oregon a Huge Success
In February, after two days of training by the National Foster Youth Action Network training team, OFYC members had 20 individual meetings with Oregon legislators to ask for their support for two bills that would give foster youth free college tuition. They also advocated for greater access to services that prepare youth to succeed as they transition out of foster care and become independent adults. Currently, only 40% of Oregon’s eligible foster youth receive ILP services. OFYC members want to change that. OFYC members know their voices matter in the halls of power: last year they won a major health care victory for foster youth. They now intend to build on that success.
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Momentum Continues: November Update
Momentum continues to build among foster youth who are interested in joining our youth led movement to make transformational change in the foster care system. The Action Network has had conversations with youth and advocates in 12 states about possible new partnerships and should be announcing our fourth program partner in December.
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OFYC Leadership and Policy Conference
2 members of OFYC show a sign they made while another member introduces himself to a policy maker and shakes her hand.
On October 23-25, the foster youth members of Oregon Foster Youth Connection (one of our program partners) held their first-ever Leadership and Policy conference. They had attended the California Youth Connection conference over the summer, and that experience inspired them to plan their own conference. Nine groups of youth presented recommendations in the areas of foster youth rights, Independent Living Program services, and access to higher education to 25 child welfare officials. It was inspiring for all!
This conference takes everything to a whole new level in terms of our understanding of the issues. I have learned so much from the youth of Oregon Foster Youth Connection this weekend.”
- Oregon child welfare official
To help youth prepare, the Action Network provided intensive leadership training focused on team building, telling your story, and conference planning. We also trained the group’s community advisors on how to support the youth’s leadership.
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