MESSAGE FROM KIA FRANKLIN
It’s been almost a month since I returned to work from maternity leave, and I’m still quite sleep-deprived and missing the long stretches of time with the baby. That said, alongside copious amounts of coffee, I’ve received daily energizers from Stand’s community of changemakers who are committed to building more equitable and affirming systems for children and youth statewide.
While current events have brought on a sense of heaviness and grief for so many of us, I count joy in the dedicated leadership and service orientation of the Stand WA team (pictured below during our November strategy meeting). I’m humbled and emboldened by the dynamic and brilliant youth advocates we collaborated with this month at CHOOSE 180, LYAC, and the NAACP Youth Council. And I’m filled with gratitude for fierce education leaders like Doug Judge and Natasha Fecteau Minger, whose commitment to serving students is unrelenting and inspiring. These folks, and many more, give us a renewed sense of community, connection, and collective purpose to carry ahead as we prepare for a busy legislative session in just over a month.
Last but absolutely not least, this generous community affirmed our efforts last week by participating in Giving Tuesday. Thank you for the collective act of generosity! It is a gift that will lead to collective impact for children and youth across our state.
Stay Stargazing!
Kia
NOVEMBER highlights
RECAP: COMMUNITY TOWN HALL
Last week’s Community Town Hall was incredibly honest and inspiring! Hearing from the panelists and community members who shared their sincere concerns for Washington’s youth gave us a renewed sense of community, connection, and collective purpose. Even though 2023 is coming to a close in a month, this is only a starting point for the work we’ll do together.
UPCOMING EVENT: ADVOCACY TRAINING
Would you like to learn about becoming an advocate who can influence legislators and push for change? The advocacy training THIS Wednesday, December 6 at 4pm will teach you everything you need to know! Can’t attend? We encourage you to register so you’ll be able to receive a recording of the training and receive upcoming advocacy opportunities.
What We’ve Been Reading:
- Treehouse Report: Ending the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline
- ACLU WA Blog: Diversion in the Juvenile Justice System
- Ready WA Student Story: Tips for First-Gen College Students: Exploring Majors
- Building Changes Report: Students Experiencing Homelessness in Washington’s K–12 Public Schools: Trends, Characteristics, and Academic Outcomes, 2015-2022
Do you know any 9th graders? We want to hear from you!
