Advocacy
At The Mockingbird Society, we advocate with and on behalf of Washington state’s children and youth in foster care and street dependent youth who rely on us to provide the support necessary not only for them to survive, but to thrive. We must remember that these children are OUR children and they deserve the same opportunities that youth from healthy families have; including safe housing and living environments, as well as the support necessary to successfully transition into adulthood.
The Mockingbird Society does not benefit financially from any of the services, agencies or programs for which we advocate. We represent an independent voice on behalf of the children, youth and families impacted by the child welfare system. We are a leading advocate for foster care reform based on youth-inspired solutions, powerful coalitions and public support for every child’s right to a safe home and a bright future.
ASK-Y
The Mockingbird Society’s advocacy coalition, known as ASK-Y (Advocates for System Kids and Youth), engages a network of service providers, foster parents, youth and community members to introduce, support and advocate for public policies that place a high priority on the well being of children, youth and families in foster care.
Youth Advocacy Day
The Mockingbird Society and The Mockingbird Youth Network sponsor the annual Youth Advocacy Day which brings hundreds of youth and alumni of foster care to the State’s Capitol each year. Youth Advocacy Day contributes to building a strong, positive peer network and support system for youth, as well as local Chapter development, civic engagement and leadership development training.
The Mockingbird Youth Network Youth Representatives and Chapter Participants spend months preparing for Youth Advocacy Day, leading trainings and workshops on proposed legislation, current issues and trends related to foster care.
Advocacy Resources:
Print The Mockingbird Society’s 2012 Advocacy Agenda (.pdf)
Safe Housing Fact Sheet (.pdf)
Adolescent Services Fact Sheet (.pdf)
Advocacy Tips and Tools (.pdf)
Legislative Testimony Outline (.pdf)
Tips for Talking with Your Legislator (.pdf)