Vol. 12, No. 2 • June 2008
SaySo: Still Celebrating After All These Years!
by Nancy Carter
CASTLE MCCULLOCH, Jamestown, NC — On March 8, SaySo (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out) celebrated not only its tenth birthday, but ten years of improvement in services for North Carolina’s foster teens.
Without a doubt, ten years is a noteworthy milestone for a youth-driven advocacy organization made up of young people experiencing their own transitions and challenges. Reaching this milestone speaks to the spirit of SaySo. This organization is creating opportunities for members to learn how to improve their lives and the future of youths who come after them. Many SaySo members have come to realize the issues they speak out about today will impact future youths—and that they have benefited from previous SaySo members speaking before them.
Alumni returned to SaySo Saturday remembering their mission of “yesteryear”—to provide post-secondary educational opportunities, continue Medicaid after aging out, participate in foster parent training, help recruit families who want teens, start a newsletter, have a website, and help legislators know that foster youths are their children and should not allow anyone to make policy about them, without them.
Two hundred people attended SaySo Saturday to celebrate ten years of educational and advocacy success. While the wind blew the doors open, the audience heard from George Duvall, a national speaker from Kentucky, foster alumni, and comedian who brought his humor and insight that connected everyone in the room.
SaySo presented a lifetime achievement award to Joan McAllister for her many years of service to improve the lives of foster teens in North Carolina. Joan has been an adult advisor to SaySo and will soon reach retirement. The group honored her with a standing ovation as she accepted her award.
The Board members acknowledged two new local chapters (Wayne County and Crossnore School) as well as several sponsors for providing financial support for the conference, including the Fenwick Foundation, Bob Galen, Ruth Kravitz, Gina Trianfo, Denise Weeks, and of course Castle McCulloch, which donated the space for this event. Create-A-Cake graciously catered the luncheon, provided the decorations, and beautiful cake at a substantial savings. Clearly this event was unlike any other SaySo Saturday as a result of their contributions.
Some young people entered the Crystal Garden with awe—having never experienced such an elaborate event. This was an experience to remember.
After the luncheon, awards, and keynote, each region made a presentation and announced their newly elected representatives which comprise the 2008-09 SaySo Youth Board of Directors. The following board members will participate in an orientation retreat and commissioning ceremony in June as they begin their one-year terms:
Region 1: Cherish C., Rachel S., Samantha H.
Region 2: Chae C., Jasmine E.
Region 3: Keyona R., Jasper H., Melissa A.
Region 4: Alexis D., Nicole L., Erica F.
Region 5: Brittany H., Deborah J., Shametta W.
Region 6: Chaney P.
Returning: LaRico C. (Co-Chair)
Reneka C. (Treasurer)From an adult’s point of view, SaySo has come a long way in a short ten years. But to a youth, ten years is a lifetime. Their investment in SaySo now will provide them support to finish school, invest in their life, and serve future generations of foster youths. As foster parents and concerned adults in their lives, encourage your young people to learn about SaySo, participate in local activities, join the organization (it’s free), and visit the website often (www.saysoinc.org).
Other SaySo Activities
- SaySo Survivor 3 (April 11-13 at Camp Chestnut Ridge). An annual leadership retreat for 60 youths building on their resiliencies and enhancing their call to share with other youths.
- SaySo Page Week (May 18-23 in Raleigh). SaySo members participate annually for one week working side-by-side with legislators and state administrators. This program has helped lawmakers see our foster youths as people, not numbers.
- LINK Up Youth Conference (July 2008 in Winston-Salem). One of two life skills conferences held annually. Visit our website (www.saysoinc.org) to register and for exact dates.
Copyright � 2008 Jordan Institute for Families
