Voices for Virginia’s Children is looking for 10-15 young people with lived experiences in Virginia’s foster care system and formal/informal kinship care to participate in “Uplifting Young Voices: Foster and Kinship Care Virtual Advocacy Day” in January 2021. Youth will be a part of a cohort where they will learn how to share their stories and experiences with others and provide feedback on policies that affect them.

The purpose of the cohort is to create a space for youth to have a voice at the table and establish meaningful impact in the systems that have impacted their lives. Youth in the cohort will be provided with an advocacy workshop and media training in the fall, as well as activities that will help them get to know each other. The advocacy day event will include a day of virtual legislative visits, a press briefing, and a virtual round table discussion with key administrative staff to advance reforms in the foster care system. Youth of color and youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Youth must complete an application to be considered for this opportunity. We cannot guarantee this opportunity again. Applications are now closed. Please contact Allison Gilbreath at allison@vakids.org or 804-649-0184 ext. 102 or Courtney Reece at reecec2@vcu.edu for more information.

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2020 Foster Care & Kinship Care Youth Cohort

White Brown interviewing with VPM (Richmond NPR outlet).

Tori Mabry and other cohort members meeting with Delegate Leftwich

Sophia Booker giving remarks.

Youth meet with Delegate Delany to kick off the day.

Application Criteria

• Age: 18-25
• Must have been in Virginia foster care or formal/informal kinship care or child welfare involvement at one point in time
• Must currently reside in Virginia

Participants Receive

• $150 stipend
• Advocacy Training
• Leadership Opportunities

Dates of Events (must attend all to be included)

• December 2nd – 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Advocacy training 101)
• January 6th – 7:00 – 8:00PM (Advocacy training 102)
• January 25th – 12:00 – 1:00pm (Roundtable Discussion)
• January 27th – 8:00 – 12:00pm (Advocacy Day)

 

 

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