Amplifying lived experience
FMC’s Youth Voices Rising program began in 2016 as a journalism training program for young people with lived experience in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. Through its live and virtual workshops, contributor curriculum, writing contests, events and calls for submissions, Youth Voices Rising amplifies the perspectives of dozens of young people each year.
Since its inception, more than 300 Youth Voices Rising pieces have been published in The Imprint and Fostering Families Today. To learn more, reach out to our Youth Voices Rising team.
Our mission
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Live & virtual workshops with community partners teach youth how to thoughtfully share their perspectives on current events and policy issues.
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Calls for submissions on current events or specific topics. Youth receive editing support and are paid for their work.
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For aspiring journalists, organizers and advocates who want to explore the power of journalism and what it’s like to work for a nonprofit.
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Free online discussions about topics relevant to both youth and the people who support them. See past events on YouTube: @TheFosteringMC
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Our annual backpack drive, called Pack to the Future, provides school and dorm supplies to college-bound foster youth.
To train young people who have experienced foster care, juvenile justice, homelessness or all three how to produce impactful journalism that can change the systems that held — and in many cases still hold — inordinate power over their lives.
Current Initiatives
Empowered Journalism Workshops
Workshops teach youth how to thoughtfully share their perspectives.
Youth-led Online Events
Free online panel discussions and events that allow young people to speak their truth about their experiences in foster care and the justice system.
Writing Opportunities
Writing opportunities where youth get paid for published pieces and one-on-one editing support.
Pack to the Future Backpack Drive
Annual backpack drive for college-bound youth with foster care experience.
Get Involved
The very first Youth Voices Rising workshop in FMC’s downtown LA office, January 2016.
Follow Youth Voices Rising
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