Stand in Solidarity
Across my time with Foster Advocates, I’ve been struck by a recurring theme, highlighted recently by Donovan in our LGBTQ2S+ Leaders group:
For so long, I’ve had to compartmentalize myself and separate my identities to be useful in advocacy work. In LGBTQ+ groups, that’s all I was. But being a Foster deeply impacted my gender and sexuality journey; I was pushed back into the closet for a few years because of foster care. I’m not just Indigenous or a Foster or a trans person—those experiences all intersect. It’s empowering to be here [with Foster Advocates] as my full self and be given the space to do so—because this is my lived experience.
As Donovan named, none of us show up in parts, and we can’t show up in our full power if we are not able to sit in our full identities. For our team, we know our movement is powerful, and made more so because of your gifts, because of our next value:
Solidarity is why our organization, directed by early Foster leaders, names and claims Foster as a significant cultural identity. As a non-Foster in this work, standing in solidarity means showing up in my commitment to change-making with Fosters everyday.
Because let’s be clear—Fosters are the experts. I hope they feel that reaffirmed in every programming opportunity with us, from topic design programs to our Fellowship, to our Community Board. I am honored to work alongside our network of Foster leaders and create programming and research structures where they feel fully supported to develop their leadership and advocacy skills; prepare to share their story from a place of power, not of pain; and direct Foster Advocates in the questions, issues, and policies to prioritize.
Those impacted by the systems must be given true power to direct systems change, while not being alone in change-making work.
We can’t wait to share with our Foster leaders (who are also getting these emails!) how many folks stepped up and into solidarity beside them as we move our vision forward. Join us with a gift if you haven’t already— there is so much power in our numbers!
In Support,
Elena
Associate Director
PS: Your giving really matters. And so does your voice! We’d love to hear what these values mean to you. Comment on the values on our social media and boost these posts to show your solidarity!