Why this Topic Matters to Us
Connections and coalitions with grassroots movements matter because real change in child welfare starts with the people who are living it. Grassroots groups include youth, families, and community leaders who know what’s really going on and what needs to change. By working together, we can share real stories, create fair policies, and build better systems that support kids and families. These partnerships make sure everyone’s voice is heard and no one is left out. When people at all levels are included, we can create real change that helps young people and their communities thrive.stem.
When child welfare programs partnered with local and grassroots groups, 99% of the changes they made lasted even after the funding ended. These partnerships included an average of 20 community organizations working together to support kids and families.
(Steps to Hope, 2024)
Learn from Lived Experience
"From my experience over the past few months, I’ve learned how important it is to know which grassroots organizations are in your community. Agencies don’t always take the time to research or show up to local events. We need to be paying attention not just to what’s happening locally, but also nationwide and then share that knowledge so people understand what resources and support are out there”
— Churmell Mitchell, Parent, South Carolina
