Our Voices Matter

Our Voices Matter (OVM) works with youth in the foster care system providing a venue through which they can build leadership skills, articulate their vision for their own personal future, educate the public, and directly impact policy and legislation.

How do we do it?

Youth in care are organized and are taught leadership skills to work with other youth in the child welfare system. They then become the activists and organizers where, as an entity of all youth, start creating change by studying and learning both the legislative process and the child welfare system, and then advocating policy change. This is a for youth campaign lead by youth. The youth will actually be making an impact in the very system of which they are part. In addition, this program provides an opportunity for youth to create a community of themselves and a vehicle for them to advocate for their rights.

Who are we looking for?

Young people who are in foster care or out-of-home placement are the driving force of this program. Adults are there to provide guidance and support, but it is all about the youth. Youth in care are the experts about being a young person in foster care or out-of-home placement. Each person owns a story and each story can change the system so that other youth will not feel alone in this process and will not be denied access to their rights.

Why should youth join Our Voices Matter?

This program is all about youth and what they want out of the experience. It is a place where they can meet other youth in care. Then they will have the chance to be an advocate and an activist for themselves and their community. As youth develop leadership skills, they represent, advocate and are held accountable to their constituency as a constituent. This is the basis of systemic change.

Please contact Lola Adebara with any questions or to arrange for OVM youth to work with your organization or group at 612-746.5133.