Vol. 12, No. 1• November 2007

SaySo prepares for a ROYAL celebration

by Nancy Carter, ILR, Inc.

SaySo members will have their BIG day in a castle.

Yes, a real castle! No…we are not headed to Disney World. We’ll be in Jamestown, North Carolina, at Castle McCullough. Traditionally known as a wedding venue, Castle McCullough is diversifying their services. As they open their doors, (excuse me)…lower the drawbridge, on Saturday, March 8, 2008, we will gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of an organization many thought would never come to be: SaySo (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out).

On that day, SaySo’s members and supporters will revel in the fact that it has not only survived but thrived throughout the years! In fact, it has never been stronger or healthier. Today, with over 400 youth members, 11 local chapters, 14 youth board members, two staff members, and the ability to hire six alumni as SaySo Regional Assistants we can say with confidence… SaySo is here to stay!

10 Years of Speaking Out
Flash back ten years. In spring 1998, a group of youths interested in speaking out and some adults interested in hearing what they had to say came together in Burlington, NC. This was the birth of SaySo.

For those that remember, there were some significant obstacles to starting SaySo, including the fact that the public in general finds teens difficult (at best), the transitional nature of foster youths offered challenges in providing consistency, and adults were afraid of what foster youths would say if given the chance.

Well, since 1998 SaySo youths have had many chances to speak their minds! They have proven themselves to be part of the solution – not a group of whining, complaining young people. This monumental occasion of SaySo’s 10th anniversary signifies to SaySo members and adult supporters that:

  • Foster youths do matter
  • Their ideas can solve problems
  • They have talents to offer, and
  • Their voices can make a difference not only for them but for future generations.

Corporate sponsors are being sought to help offset the cost of this 10th anniversary celebration. Interested individuals or businesses may contact Rhiannon Galen, SaySo Program Coordinator (800/820-0001, sayso@ilrinc. com) to request a sponsor packet. Visit <www.saysoinc.org> for more information about this event.

Program Coordinator
SaySo now has a full-time Program Coordinator. Her name is Rhiannon Galen. She has a BSW from East Carolina University and recently received her MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. Prior to working with SaySo, Rhiannon provided both residential and mentor services to teens in foster care. We are so pleased to have her full-time dedication to SaySo and her eagerness to help the organization grow during the next ten years!

Get Involved!
As SaySo prepares for this big anniversary, foster parents are asked to consider how they can encourage their teens and previous foster youths to get involved. Our new website (redesigned July 1) provides the opportunity for youths ages 14 – 24 to sign up. Users will be able to view the popular “For You” video, learn about resources for foster teens, participate in safe online conversations (monitored by SaySo), register for events, receive six annual newsletters (past issues are archived on the website), participate in polls, connect to other links, and so much more.

Reaching Out to Alumni
Alumni are an important SaySo asset. Whether they were previous SaySo members or not, adopted or aged out, alumni offer real life advice and support to current youths. Since July we have had alumni “Come Home to SaySo.” After aging out these young people have found SaySo to be a place of welcome.

SaySo is currently recruiting alumni to be part-time, paid SaySo Regional Assistants, whose job it will be to help with the development and growth of SaySo. Visit the website for a complete job description.
Kesha, one of SaySo’s founding members (she who wrote SaySo’s “belief statement” ten years ago) recently found the site. She was proud to see how the organization has flourished. Kesha also participated in the recent orientation for new board members and provided a concrete example of the shoulders our current youth leaders stand on. SaySo has a rich history and is adding to it every day.

SaySo Happenings!
In addition to our 10-year celebration, SaySo is busy with the following activities:

  1. Completing an educational presentation to support foster youths to maximize the academic success.
  2. Finishing the “For You” guidebook to accompany the video. Both resources will be given to members at SaySo Saturday and will be “downloadable” from the website.
  3. Facilitating a LINK UP youth conference for teens ages 13 – 15 on Saturday, January 26, 2008 in Greenville at Pitt Community College.
  4. Supporting legislation to make SaySo Saturday a state holiday.
  5. Participating in the state Program Improvement Plan.
  6. Coordinating SaySo Survivor 3 (April 2008).
  7. Coordinating SaySo Page week (May 2008).
  8. Participating in and presenting at national youth conferences.
  9. Raising money through the Food Lion Shares program.
  10. Making a difference for young people all over North Carolina.

For more information on SaySo activities, events, and resources visit <www.saysoinc.org>.

SaySo is a busy organization. By using technology as a way to find and connect with our young people, SaySo is stronger than ever. In fact, we’re on the move just as much as our members! If you’d like to support SaySo but you are not quite sure how, call us (800/820-0001). We’ve got a million ideas.

Copyright � 2007 Jordan Institute for Families