Alia

Right now, over 6,000 children in Minnesota are separated from their families in foster care. 80% of these removals stem from preventable challenges like poverty, racial bias, mental health struggles, and substance use. Alia is investing in Minnesota communities, working to keep families safely together by creating conditions for all children to thrive. We are building a movement driven by the belief that families belong together. Help us do what love would do. Make a gift to support us this #GivetotheMaxDay at https://hubs.ly/Q02Z2bmP0 #FamiliesBelongTogether #MinnesotaStrong

It's easy for us to feel disconnected even when surrounded by people. Deep down, we all crave a sense of belonging, of being truly seen, understood, and accepted for who we are. Did you know that having a close friend at work can create a sense of belonging and make you feel safe? Gallup research shows that strong workplace friendships lead to: ? Increased feelings of support and respect: Knowing someone has your back can make a world of difference. ? Higher job satisfaction: When you feel connected, you're more likely to enjoy your work and want to stay. ? Improved wellbeing: Strong relationships are essential for our mental and emotional health. At Alia, we're working with organizations to help build a culture where connection thrives among staff and teams. When we feel safe, supported, and valued, we can achieve amazing things together! #childwelfare #workforcewellbeing

We are capable of remarkable resilience, and one of the most profound sources of strength comes from knowing we’re not alone. At the heart of our workforce resilience and belonging work is a simple yet powerful truth: connection empowers us. In the face of even the most daunting challenges, the knowledge that we have others to lean on can transform moments of vulnerability into opportunities for growth, solidarity, and change. #workforcewellbeing #powerofconnection

Voting isn’t just a right – it’s a way to shape our future. No matter who you are or where you’re from, your vote matters. Take a moment to head to the polls, bring a friend, and make your voice heard today. Learn more about voting at https://hubs.ly/Q02WVj9P0 #GoVote #YourVoteMatters

In the heart of Rock County, Wisconsin, there exists a haven for Black women impacted by Rock County Human Services called the BeeHive. This is not a typical support group or advisory board; the BeeHive is a safe space where Black women can come together to share their stories, support one another, and find strength in their shared experiences. It’s also an opportunity to sit at the decision-making table to improve family outcomes. Born out of a co-design initiative between Rock County Human Services, Alia, and the community of Beloit, the BeeHive is a powerful reminder that Ethical, Equitable Co-design is not just a good idea but an essential tool for creating a more just and equitable world for children and their families. Read more about how the BeeHive started in this blog featuring our Associate Director of Community Engagement LaMikka James! https://hubs.ly/Q02WkZD20 #RockFamiliesFirst #communitycodesign #childwelfare

The child welfare system continues to confuse poverty with neglect, perpetuating cycles of trauma and injustice. We need to move beyond punishing families for their financial challenges and start supporting them with the resources they need to stay together. It's time to co-design UnSystems that focus on prevention, equity, and real support for families. Our mission is to create conditions where children and families can thrive together—without fear of being torn apart. If you want to learn more about our work or explore ways to collaborate, contact us or visit our website. Let’s build something better, together. #PovertyIsNotNeglect #FamilySupport #UnSystem

We've learned through our work equitably & ethically co-designing with community and child welfare systems that readiness work is needed on both sides to prevent additional harm. On the system side, this requires system staff and leaders build the mindsets and behaviors needed to authentically engage with, build trust with, and humble themselves to impacted families, while minimizing harm. Dear Workers and Dear Leaders are two family engagement resources that help leaders and workers within child welfare understand the context of their position and prepare them to bring family voice and power to the system. Visit our website to learn more about these resources and download at no cost: https://hubs.ly/Q02VjjGT0 Interested in going deeper with these resources for the leaders and staff in your organization? Let's connect!

At Alia, we ethically and equitably co-design to bring the lived expertise and endless wisdom of those most impacted by the system together with those who hold power—knowing those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. We use the words “Ethical” and “Equitable” to bring attention to the fact that co-design must attend to ethics and equity within the design process. This way of co-design begins long before bringing two groups together—readiness is required to prepare (both the system and community) to reduce harm and increase the likelihood of success. Read to learn more about Equitable, Ethical (2E) Co-design and the essential readiness work: https://hubs.ly/Q02TF65-0

As part of their new webinar series "A Way Forward," the American Bar Association is hosting a conversation today (12:30pm CT) on Minnesota’s African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act which was signed into law in July of this year. Join to learn more about the efforts behind this legislation and what it means for child welfare systems in Minnesota, from speakers including Kelis Houston, Representative Esther Agbaje, and Joanna Woolman.