National Foster Youth Institute

It's graduation season and we want to celebrate everyone in our community who is completing school, a training, a certification, or accomplishing any other big goal in their lives congratulations! Earlier this month, we had the honor of virtually celebrating our own staffmember, Jose Canizal, who graduated from Rio Hondo College with a degree in Electrical Engineering! As we all know, alumni of foster care face a lot of barriers to completing a postsecondary education, so we know this moment is extra special for so many people. Feel free to post your own graduation photo in the comments and let our community celebrate YOU!

*Instructions for how to apply are on our website!* NFYI is currently seeking a director of development for our Los Angeles or DC office. Remote work is also a possibility. This is an opportunity for a creative self-starter to take a leadership role in support of NFYI’s mission. Visit our website for details and for instructions on how to apply: https://nfyi.org//NFYI-Director-of-Development-Announcemen

WATCH as our Policy Manager Kenny Chancey and others talk about how a Universal Basic Income of $1,000/month for youth transitioning out of foster care would improve their transition: https://youtu.be/q_fAIMAx7hE The Universal Basic Income for Transition Age Foster Youth Act made it through the California Senate and is in the Assembly. Thanks to End Child Poverty CA, Children's Defense Fund CA, Senator Dave Cortese, Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, 64th District, Asm. Evan Low, and San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin for seeing the power of investing in TAY!

Did you get your application in yet? All current/former foster youth between 18 and 30 are invited to apply for our very first Virtual Congressional Convening next month! For four days this summer you'll spend a few hours a day with a group of young advocates who are ready to change foster care across our country -- and Members of Congress who are eager to help. This free training and advocacy opportunity includes all materials and a food stipend. Apply NOW: https://forms.gle/YaWKDWHVr2KuDNoC9

Our first Virtual Congressional Convening is coming up NEXT MONTH. And ALL current/former foster youth between 18 and 30 are invited to apply to join us and talk to Members of Congress about how to improve the child welfare system for foster youth and young adults transitioning out. Get details and apply to join us: https://forms.gle/hZbqGtjUM4HzaS5w9

Happy #Pride2021! Did you know that 11.2% of foster youth are LGBTQ twice the rate of the general population? For Pride Month, we're lifting up LGBTQ #fosteryouthvoices and committing to doing our part to make the child welfare system a safe space for ALL children, teens, and young adults.

Join NFYI on Wednesday for a post-election conversation and an opportunity to process the results (or lack thereof) together. No matter who you voted for or supported, this has been one of the most consequential and divisive elections in modern history. We'll provide a safe space for discussion and thoughts about what this election means for child welfare advocates. Based on member requests, we're holding two virtual conversations: one focused on Republicans and the other on ...Democrats. Sign up: Democratic Discussion https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86457075322 Republican Discussion https://us02web.zoom.us//tZ0pcO2hrD4oH9yG2U510-adkSMTuGIle

Today’s to do: GO VOTE! www.vote.org

More examples of #FosterYouthVoices leading the way and helping change policies for our futures.

WATCH: Our #FosterYouthVoices virtual Town Hall with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressmember Karen Bass. https://www.youtube.com/watch

With great regret but sincere best wishes for her future, NFYI announces that Executive Director Sally Fairman has resigned her position. Rebecca Louve Yao, who previously served as NFYI’s National Organizing Director and currently serves as Development Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director.

We're thankful for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressmember Karen Bass for prioritizing the needs of #FosterYouth especially during the pandemic. https://imprintnews.org//pelosi-meets-foster-youth-s/48906