Vol. 9, No. 1• November 2004
Advocacy in Action! What a Sight!
by Melinda Medina and Nancy Carter
This summer North Carolina hosted the second national foster youth leadership conference. Coordinated by Independent Living Resources, Inc. and sponsored by SaySo, Inc. (both of Durham), “Advocacy In Action: Becoming A Powerful Voice for Youth” attracted 120 foster youths representing North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and South Dakota. The conference was held July 20–22, 2004 in Research Triangle Park. True to the conference’s theme (“becoming a powerful voice for youth”), workshops were facilitated by youth. Youth facilitators were SaySo members and showed by example that learning how to advocate means being around others who want to make a positive difference in the lives of foster youths.
One workshop, “You GOTTA Vote!” focused on the importance of voting. Youths learned that politicians actually create policies that govern the foster care system. Therefore it is important to vote for politicians who will help support foster care initiatives. The outcome: 19 North Carolina youths registered to vote at the conference with the help of the nonprofit group Democracy North Carolina.
In another workshop, SaySo youths presented their experiences as part of North Carolina’s Page Program. They commented on how one voice made the difference in helping pass the $25 increase for monthly foster family rates. (Editor’s Note: this increase applies to North Carolina’s adoption subsidy as well.) This workshop, which highlighted the impact the Page Program had on SaySo members, was a great reminder to all participants that their voices matter.
Another workshop that inspired youths and adults was, “Do It Like Act 5! Speak Through Acting.” Facilitated by five SaySo youth, this workshop placed adults in the roles of foster youth. The workshop taught participating youth how to create similar skits. It gave adults an appreciation of what it was like to live in foster care.
During the conference youth facilitators offered 20 workshops on topics related to speaking out responsibly. Other offerings included an alumni panel of adults who are continuing to make a difference in the area of foster care despite aging out, a trip to UNC–Chapel Hill, a dance/pool party, and a stunning keynote presentation by George Duvall, a foster care alumni and national speaker from Kentucky (see his article).
By the last night of the conference the youth were ready for the conference headliner, the “Advo-Variety Show.” Youth were confident, comfortable, and ready to showcase their talents. The audience offered their support as youth shared their stories, songs, poetry, and dance. It was a night of tears, laughter, support, and encouragement. It was a conference to remember, a time to cherish, and the start of friendships that will last forever.
Melinda Medina is a member of SaySo. Nancy Carter is the Executive Director of Independent Living Resources.
Copyright � 2004 Jordan Institute for Families
