The Mockingbird Society

MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY? has officially launched in Santa Clara, California! The MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY? team recently supported some amazing partners in Santa Clara County with launching their first constellation (their first gathering is pictured in the second photo). We're thrilled to see these partners building lasting connections and communities of mutual support for young people, families, and foster caregivers!

As legislative session continues, we'd like to update you on our Lead Legislative Agenda Item, SB 5082, which would create a housing assistance program for young people enrolled in Extended Foster Care (EFC). We knew from the start of this session that the successful passage of our bill would be an uphill battle, particularly because of the state's significant $13 billion budget deficit. Because of the obstacles we faced this session, as well as our intentional decisions not to make concessions that could jeopardize the intention of the bill, SB 5082 did not make it into the Ways and Means Committee, and will not be passed this session. However, the community support for this bill and the powerful testimonies shared by young people throughout session demonstrated its importance, and has positioned us well for future advocacy around EFC. Looking ahead, we already plan to bring this bill back in the 2026 Legislative Session. In the words of our Public Policy & Advocacy Director, Charles Smith, "This is not the end-- it is part of the journey toward ensuring young people in Extended Foster Care receive the housing stability they deserve." Read the full update on SB 5082, learn more about bill, or hear the amazing testimonies from our young people throughout this session here: https://lnkd.in/gQTWGxpG

As Black History Month comes to a close, we continue to celebrate the powerful ways that Black activists, leaders, and advocates have impacted youth and young adult welfare in Washington. We also celebrate and show our gratitude to the following individuals, who are just a few of the countless Black leaders that continue to advocate for change in these systems: ??Dr. Ben Danielson, Center Director of Allies in Healthier Systems for Health and Abundance in Youth (ASHAY): https://ahshaycenter.org/ ??Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children's Alliance ??Dr. Natalie Ellington, Founder and Executive Director of Eileen & Callie's Place ??Degale Cooper, CEO of YouthCare Seattle ??Fahren Johnson, Executive Director of Amara ??Paul Lwali, CEO of Friends of Youth ??Simon P. Foster, Deputy CEO of King County Regional Homelessness Authority ??Lorea Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle ??Pela S. Terry Ed.D., Executive Director of Atlantic Street Center ??Rev. Kiti Ward, Founder and Executive Director, The Agape House: theagapehouse.org ??Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary's Place

Youth Advocacy Day 2025 The Mockingbird Society Grateful to stand alongside young leaders who are shaping the future with their passion, lived experience, and advocacy. This year, our lead agenda item is SB 5082, a critical bill addressing homelessness for young people in Extended Foster Care (EFC). If passed, these bills would create a state-funded housing voucher program, ensuring housing stability for youth in state care.

Last Thursday, young advocates from?The Mockingbird Society?gathered in Olympia from all across Washington to unite under one simple request:?house your youth. We lobbied in favor of?Senate Bill 5082 / House Bill 1429, which would introduce a housing program within?Extended Foster Care, a crucial step in ensuring that young people aging out of care have a stable foundation to build their futures. I had the privilege of?being a group lead in these discussions with our elected state officials, sharing personal experiences, data, and the undeniable reality that housing insecurity should never be a barrier to success. Advocacy isn’t just about policy, it’s about hearing from the people it governs. And last week, we made sure those in power heard?our voices?loud and clear. #FosterCare #YouthAdvocacy #HousingForAll #WAleg #EFC #TheMockingbirdSociety

Thanks to each and every young person, community partner, and ally that attended Youth Advocacy Day 2025! ?? It was a truly powerful day of advocating for change ??

On February 13th, I had the honor of leading The Mockingbird Society's 2025 Youth Advocacy Day. It was a day full of love (Valentine's Day inspired ????), laughter, grace, dedication, and adaptability. I am incredibly humbled by all of the participation of young people, community partners, funders, legislators, and allies who joined us from all corners of WA State. This year brings much uncertainty - but one thing I know for certain, is that there is a community of people that care deeply about equity, change and impact for systems of care. That is what keeps me aligned in this work every day. My deepest gratitude goes to Synchronicity Events, which helped facilitate and plan this wonderful event in partnership, as well as Michael B. Maine, MBA Photography for the amazing photos. Thank you, Secretary Tana Senn, for being so flexible in the chaos of the day, speaking to our participants, and supporting us. Thank you to all of the community partners who came from their day-to-day work and took the time to attend. A thank you to Senator Emily Alvarado for hopping into our gathering and speaking to us all in the Capitol building. A huge thank you to the staff at TMS who supported me in this event. And most importantly thank you to the young advocates and performers that took the time to come to Youth Advocacy Day and make it exactly how this day was envisioned to be. The work does not end here, but I know we are on the right path to where we need to be. With love,

Members of the Treehouse team are in Olympia today as part of The Mockingbird Society's Youth Advocacy Day. Youth Advocacy Day is when Mockingbird Society's youth and young adult network, staff, and community partners go to Olympia during the session and advocate for youth voice to be centered in the legislative process. We are proud to be there to support! #WAPolicy #TreehouseForKids #MockingbirdSociety #YouthVoice

Amazing work being done through our MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY? partners at The Fostering Network! ?? ??

Youth Advocacy Day 2025 is just ONE WEEK AWAY ?? Our team can't wait, and as you can see, some of the key details are falling into place ??????????