The Joyce Foundation

Staying grounded by thinking about a wonderful but busy season and the work that lies ahead. Some highlights were: ??Talking with district leaders at a Domestic Policy Council convening about the need for more timely data and research to address the #chronicabsenteeism crisis. ?? Moderating a panel on #equitablefunding for public schools at the Council of Michigan Foundations conference with MI state senators and our fabulous grantees Advance Illinois & EdTrust-Midwest. ??Sharing the investment strategy behind the #DualEnrollmentResearchFund at the Grantmakers for Education conference. ??Discussing the opportunity to expand access to #dualenrollment to drive Black student success at Chicago State University’s IL Center for Educational Equity convening. ??Hosting a University of Chicago Consortium Investor's Council meeting that highlighted research on #multilinguallearners and where we need more data to better support this rapidly growing, diverse population. ??And finally, for the first time, bringing together my Great Lakes advocates (w/ help from @EdStrategyGroup) to examine regional college-going and workforce trends and trade notes on their work to advance much-needed state policy on #collegeandcareerreadiness. Regardless of who is in what office, students from historically marginalized communities should have access to free, public education that prepares them for college AND career success. The strategies and tactics may differ, but the mission remains. Thankful for the grantees, funder friends, and other partners who are part of this work.

Join us this Friday, Nov. 8, at 1:00 p.m. CST on the Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan. Released in July 2024 by the White House Office of Science and Technology, the research plan aims to address gaps and support federal efforts under Executive Order 14096 on Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All. Our distinguished panelists include?Melissa Smarr, Ph.D., Daniel Morales-Doyle, Skyler Kriese, and Norrel Hemphill. The panel will be moderated by Marisol Becerra, PhD, Joyce Foundation Environment Program Officer. ?? Learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/grBbHy_N.?

Now, more than ever, protecting independent journalism is crucial to preserve transparency and accountability. Funders, join the upcoming MIF briefing on November 12 to discuss how we can protect and empower journalists in these challenging times. #Philanthropy #FunderBriefing #Journalism

??? Joyce Foundation Democracy Program Officer Melanie McElroy sheds light on our grantees’ efforts to protect voting rights across the Great Lakes. With over a decade of experience organizing around election protection, Melanie oversees efforts to make voting more accessible, including access and engagement in Native, multilingual and disability-rights communities. From Michigan’s strong reforms like no-excuse absentee voting to Illinois’ groundbreaking in-jail voting programs, she highlights the importance of voter-friendly policies and accessible information. For voters, here are some key takeaways: - Check your state’s election website for a sample ballot and research down-ballot candidates. - Familiarize yourself with ID requirements in your state. - Remember: If you’re in line when the polls close, stay in line!? - Finally, seek the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline’s help by calling or texting 866-OUR-VOTE. Visit www.866ourvote.org for more information. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUA9R_sv.

?? We’re thrilled to share that our President and CEO, Dr. Julie Morita, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine! ?? This prestigious honor recognizes her incredible dedication to advancing health equity and her respected role as one of the nation’s leading voices in public health. With over 20 years in public health leadership—including her groundbreaking work in Chicago to address racial and ethnic health disparities and lead the city’s first health equity plan—Dr. Morita has made an enduring impact in the city. We’re so proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with her! Read more about this exciting news here:?https://lnkd.in/gXfSqCT9.

Terrific, timely assistance here for journalists and newsrooms prepping for whatever legal challenges arise on Election Day and beyond. The Joyce Foundation has been partnering with Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to get the word out about its pro bono legal services. #RCFP has expanded its hotline and rapid-response capacity to be on-call 24/7 in swing states like #Michigan and #Wisconsin. It's updated its Election Legal Guide (in English?and?Spanish), and its "Police, Protestors, and the Press"?guide, and it's disseminating a DOJ report?on law enforcement best-practices to protect newsgathering rights at protests. It's also outlined responses for short- and longer-term issues, including denials of access or government interference in editorial independence, libel and defamation lawsuits, prior restraint, and more. Let's hope things go smoothly. Meantime, please help spread the word!

Our Democracy Program Director Carrie Davis addresses frequently asked questions about the #election and what to anticipate in the days ahead, including the post-election period. For insights on the voting process and how to access accurate information, check out the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gax-BXzM. For more information on elections in your state, we encourage you to contact the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE or www.866ourvote.org. #GreatLakesRegion #Democracy #voting

20th Anniversary Spotlight on Ty Defoe and Larissa FastHorse ? Their boundary-breaking comedy “For the People” centers on the stories and experiences of the #TwinCities Native community, in particular, the Dakota and Anishinaabe-Ojibwe people. As 2020 #JoyceAwards recipients, Ty and Larissa, alongside Guthrie Theater, brought this powerful vision to life. “For the People” follows a 20-something fighting to secure funding for an Indigenous wellness center. “Thanks to The Joyce Foundation, we were able to pursue a long term, truly collaborative process with the local Indigenous community. We do not believe that work about a community should be done any other way and appreciate the funding and time that the Joyce Awards gave us.” — Ty Defoe and Larissa FastHorse Last fall, “For the People” made Guthrie history as the first mainstage production written by Native playwrights about Native people. And on its final day, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan officially declared it “For the People Day”! Follow along as we celebrate #JoyceAwards20 and our many honorees this year! ??: Photos: Jaida Grey Eagle. Courtesy: Guthrie Theater. #LarissaFastHorse #TyDefoe #IndigenousArt #GuthrieTheater

Gun violence in the United States affects communities everywhere. All age, racial, and income groups across the country are feeling the impact, with gun violence threatening the places where we live, learn, and work. It is a nuanced, multifaceted problem that, unaddressed by key business leaders and philanthropists, will continue to devastate individuals and communities alike. The Joyce Foundation partnered with Milken Institute to release a new roadmap showcasing how philanthropic and business investment can work to alleviate gun violence and prevent it. "Philanthropy has a long and important history of pushing forward progress on addressing the epidemic of gun violence in this country," said Julie Morita, president and CEO of the Joyce Foundation. “Bringing more foundations and businesses to the table is critical to help build on these successes and save lives.” Learn more: https://bit.ly/AdvanceGVP. #GunViolencePrevention #SaferCommunities #PublicHealth #NextGeneration Madeleine Cashin Kellen Silver Hilary McConnaughey Page Emily Musil

Join us and researchers John Maki and Heather Warnken for an important discussion on strategies for sustaining and expanding Community Violence Intervention (CVI) funding. With the unprecedented rise in CVI investments, researchers will discuss balancing these efforts with policing and other long standing public safety institutions. This session will also cover effective strategies for accessing public funding for survivors through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victim Compensation Program. ?? Register to learn and connect with other leaders in the field: https://lnkd.in/gh94F6fC