Julian Thompson

💥💥💥The Under 3 DC coalition is grateful to see DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson and DC Councilmembers reverse Mayor Bowser’s elimination of the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund by restoring $280 million over the 4-year financial plan, $70 million in funding to the program for the 2025 fiscal year, including $12 million for HealthCare4ChildCare. The District of Columbia's early learning community is comforted in knowing the DC Council recognizes how vital the program is for child care, and going from zero dollars to where they landed was no small feat, especially in such a challenging budget year. However, some fundamental challenges lie ahead for early childhood educators. Pay cuts are still likely to be on the table, along with a potential pause on HealthCare4ChildCare enrollment this fall because of next year's $17 million funding gap (OSSE will spend $87 million this fiscal year). We look forward to working with members of the DC Council and OSSE in the upcoming months and future budget years to ensure that the Pay Equity Fund is designed, funded, and implemented to meet the needs of our educators and meet the goal of pay parity with DC Public School teachers. The DC Council-sanctioned Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund Task Force is now responsible for recommending changes to the Fund that will ensure the program is as fair and efficient as possible to reduce spending while minimizing harmful impacts on educator salaries and benefits. Not to be forgotten is the Child Care Subsidy program that did not see the DC Council restore the $10 million Mayor Bowser slashed from its budget. In a region where working families from across all income levels depend on child care, this funding reduction will slow the progress the District is making toward ensuring more families have access to high-quality, affordable child care. #

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2024 Cara McClure cara@faithandworkscollective.com Faith & Works gearing up to #FreeBlackMamas in time for Mother’s Day Ahead of Mother’s Day, Faith & Works Collective has joined a coalition of racial and criminal justice organizations across the country to bail out Black folks who would otherwise spend Mother’s Day in a cell because they are unable to afford bail. Since 2017, Faith & Works has freed 20 Black Mamas and caregivers from cages, providing services ranging from assistance with groceries to gaining their cars from impound and more. In the past few months, across the nation, our elected leaders are fanning the flames of fear, baselessly claiming that bail reform poses a threat to safety. Instead of addressing the root causes, we’re seeing an attack on community bail funds and an increase in pretrial detention populations. If we removed pretrial detention and money bail, it would create a fairer and more just system that doesn’t punish people for their poverty. Black women are jailed at twice the rate of white women, and many are the sole caretakers and providers for their families. When Black Mamas cannot afford to make their bail, they sit in cages, many lose their jobs, housing and even their children only to be found innocent. The cost to the children Black women and caregivers nurture, the partners they love and the communities they hold is incalculable. In the face of this, we stand united, knowing precisely what keeps our communities safe. It is not fear-mongering but a collective commitment to solutions. Through May 12, Faith & Works will reunite as many Black Mamas and caregivers with their families as possible so they can be home safely in time for Mother’s Day. Across Alabama, there are almost 47,000 people in cages, and nearly 1,000 of those held in the Jefferson County jail have not been convicted and are presumed innocent. Most people are in cages because they are poor, Black, and in a time of crisis, whether it is a mental health crisis, an addiction crisis, an economic crisis, or an accumulation of crises. Instead of treating people with dignity and addressing the underlying cause of the crisis, our government responds to Black people in crisis by criminalizing and incarcerating them. What if jails across Jefferson County were a little less crowded this Mother’s Day? Let’s work together to make that happen. #FreeBlackMamas. Help us bailout as many Black Mamas as possible this Mother’s Day by giving at www.freeblackmamasbham.com ####

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2024 Cara McClure cara@faithandworkscollective.com Faith & Works gearing up to #FreeBlackMamas in time for Mother’s Day Ahead of Mother’s Day, Faith & Works Collective has joined a coalition of racial and criminal justice organizations across the country to bail out Black folks who would otherwise spend Mother’s Day in a cell because they are unable to afford bail. Since 2017, Faith & Works has freed 20 Black Mamas and caregivers from cages, providing services ranging from assistance with groceries to gaining their cars from impound and more. In the past few months, across the nation, our elected leaders are fanning the flames of fear, baselessly claiming that bail reform poses a threat to safety. Instead of addressing the root causes, we’re seeing an attack on community bail funds and an increase in pretrial detention populations. If we removed pretrial detention and money bail, it would create a fairer and more just system that doesn’t punish people for their poverty. Black women are jailed at twice the rate of white women, and many are the sole caretakers and providers for their families. When Black Mamas cannot afford to make their bail, they sit in cages, many lose their jobs, housing and even their children only to be found innocent. The cost to the children Black women and caregivers nurture, the partners they love, and the communities they hold is incalculable. In the face of this, we stand united, knowing precisely what keeps our communities safe. It is not fear-mongering but a collective commitment to solutions. Through May 12, Faith & Works will reunite as many Black Mamas and caregivers with their families as possible so they can be home safely in time for Mother’s Day. Across Alabama, there are almost 47,000 people in cages, and nearly 1,000 of those held in the Jefferson County jail have not been convicted and are presumed innocent. Most people are in cages because they are poor, Black, and in a time of crisis, whether it is a mental health crisis, an addiction crisis, an economic crisis, or an accumulation of crises. Instead of treating people with dignity and addressing the underlying cause of the crisis, our government responds to Black people in crisis by criminalizing and incarcerating them. What if jails across Jefferson County were a little less crowded this Mother’s Day? Let’s work together to make that happen. #FreeBlackMamas. Help us bailout as many Black Mamas as possible this Mother’s Day by giving at www.freeblackmamasbham.com ####

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We should be clear that our movements and movement leaders are targets for right-wing disinformation, legislation, strategy, and violence. And those attacks are well-funded.

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As diversity programs face increasing legal challenges, this case marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for racial and gender equity. The Fearless Fund’s efforts have been a beacon of hope, addressing the stark reality that less than 1% of venture capital funding reaches businesses owned by Black and Hispanic women. This is infuriating, but we cannot let it slow us down. #Equity #SocialJustice #FearlessFund #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #DEI #VentureCapital #SupportBlackBusiness

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As we approach the possible reopening of Shuman Center, it’s clear that the path forward must prioritize the holistic development of our youth beyond mere incarceration. As an expert in program development through strategic collaboration, I advocate for integrating comprehensive supportive services for both juveniles and their families. The key to breaking the cycle of recidivism lies in addressing the root causes of youth behavior, many of which are deeply intertwined with family dynamics and trauma. I propose assigning life navigators—dedicated case managers—to each youth. These navigators will provide essential services, including partner referrals, program participation tracking, mentorship, and follow-ups for at least 6 to 12 months and beyond as needed. This structured support system ensures continuous engagement and addresses both immediate and long-term needs. Despite differing visions for the facility, it’s crucial to recognize that short-term detention does not equate to neglecting the broader needs of these young individuals. While Adelphoi focuses on immediate safety and court processing, integrating supportive services through third-party providers ensures that we don’t miss the opportunity to offer rehabilitation and positive development during this critical period. County Executive Sara Innamorato’s vision of holistic services, including mental health and educational opportunities, aligns perfectly with this approach. With the integration of wraparound services and experts, we can enhance service delivery and maintain rigorous oversight of programmatic activity and outcome metrics while addressing concerns about privatization, transparency, and accountability. Imagine the impact of a solution-based approach that transforms the Highland Detention Center from a place of mere confinement into a catalyst for positive change. By addressing trauma, supporting families, and providing continuous care through life navigators, we can foster true rehabilitation and prepare our youth for successful reintegration into society. #YouthDevelopment #JuvenileJustice #HolisticSupport #CommunityEngagement #Rehabilitation #AlleghenyCounty https://lnkd.in/eCg884Si

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"The fact that Black and BIPOC news outlets are struggling to keep their doors open is backed by research. A report by the National Trust for Local News and Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY’s Center for Community Media found that 53% of community media outlets “serving racial, ethnic, or linguistic communities” surveyed said they expected to go out of business within five years if current revenue trends continue. And it’s echoed in the Center for Community Media’s mission statement: “Communities of color and immigrants often rely on their own news outlets as the only trusted sources of information. Yet these news outlets remain largely invisible to mainstream media, public officials, the nonprofit sector, advertisers and philanthropic organizations.” Local and affinity group based journalism and news outlets are vital players in growing and nurturing a sense of civic engagement. In metro Atlanta I applaud: Atlanta Civic Circle Saba Long Sean Keenan Kristal Dixon Stephannie Stokes Thomas Wheatley Aallyah Wright Canopy Atlanta Atlanta Community Press Collective Capital B Atlanta and any others I have missed for their focus and dedication to sharing stories, making civic processes more clear and engaging, training and platforming citizen journalists, elevating the lived experiences of our neighbors. Fifty three percent of community focused news outlets closing in the next 5 years due to lack of funding is unconscionable. Funders should be fully invested in this part of the racial equity ecosystem; narratives and news will be what educates future generations about what happened and what we did or didn't do in response. Run them their checks!! https://lnkd.in/eQFABgtk

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We’ve been thinking and talking about ways to advance racial equity through innovative funding strategies at the RWJF for years. But our exploration of how we can specifically leverage endowment funding in a new way signals a shift for us. So, I want to call out key resources and share more background around this new strategy in hopes that we can all learn from each other and collectively advance social change that is both sustainable and equitable. ➡️ Elevating flexibility in grant funding — As my colleagues Marjorie Paloma, Daniela Phayme, and Kelly Simone wrote in a recent blog for the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), this cross-foundation approach can allow grantees the flexibility to invest and spend grant funds over the long term to achieve sustainability and meet their missions. Read their blog: https://lnkd.in/eHsWaVaV ➡️ Examining perspectives and practices — Both CEP and The Bridgespan Group recently released reports on endowment funding. CEP’s new research examines perspectives and practices of foundations when it comes to endowment funding. Bridgespan’s case study examines how RWJF is using endowment funding as a grantmaking tool, providing a deep dive that other funders can learn from. Read the CEP and Bridgespan reports here: https://lnkd.in/eFXbVSvZ and here: https://lnkd.in/gdsRjGwv. ➡️ A set of tools — Lastly, I was excited to moderate a recent conversation on funding nonprofit endowments among leaders from our partner organizations and the Schott Foundation for Public Education. We all shared that there are a diversity of tools that can support nonprofit partners as they think about their long-term fiscal and financial wellbeing. For perspectives on this topic, watch the recording: https://lnkd.in/ezFyT-hN As is clear from these resources, our field is emerging in employing this new tool in grantmaking for social justice. But we are eager to listen, learn, and share more — especially from our grantees — that may unlock the transformational potential of endowment funding. 

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Civic data that leads to civic action → Atlanta POV is back with our June survey on childcare. Please participate and share with your networks across the region. 📢 Attention metro Atlanta parents! 📢 We know that summers with the kiddos can be a mix of fun, hectic schedules, and...extra expenses. Through Atlanta POV, we're conducting a survey to better understand your summer childcare needs. Childcare costs impact other household expenses, and can influence your ability to save for the future, change homes, and more. By sharing your experiences, you can help shape local funding, policy, and program decisions to better support families like yours. 👉 Link: https://lnkd.in/eHK-Mj8u

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I’m ready - are you with me? With deep appreciation for the teams at PolicyLink, Civil Strategies, and to Midy Aponte for sharing - here’s to transforming the #Nonprofit sector and #NonprofitLeadership: “Nonprofits will need to build from a past rooted in charity and move toward a model of liberation—a future where our laws, regulations, customs, and institutions are structured so all people can thrive.” #Leadership #Leaders #Management #Liberation #RacialJustice #SocialJustice #AntiRacist #AntiOppression #LFG

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One thing is clear...Black professionals in child welfare need allies and co-conspirators to help them install new policies that disrupt the deeply embedded structural and institutional racism engrained within helping systems. This BLACK PAPER inspires people to link arms with Ujima leaders and become the allies and co-conspirators we need to bring about change. https://lnkd.in/eqQPzXDk

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It’s been such a privilege to help research, design, and release the latest report from Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity: The State of Black Business. This is a foundational report for our joint initiative between Third Way & National Urban League. We dove into publicly-available data from the Federal Reserve, US Census Bureau, and other various sources to focus on Black-owned employer businesses with at least two employees. And we took an expansive look at their attributes, performance, and challenges. The State of Black Business uncovers a dozen insights that illustrate significant disparities in access to capital, market opportunities, and resources. For example, we found that Black-owned businesses are: * Growing…Slowly: Seeing year-over-year growth but are still drastically underrepresented. * Small: 97% have less than 20 employees, and 3-in-4 have fewer than five employees. *Young: Likely to have been in existence under two years. *Flying under $100k: Taking in less revenue than other businesses. *Often Shut Out of Financing: Far more likely to experience pervasive barriers to accessing capital. *Infrequent Contract Recipients: Inadequately represented among government contract awardees. Report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e588SMwS It’s been wonderful working with Imani Augustus Rachel Evans Madeline Burke Stephanie DeVane Tara Murray Dennis G. Serrette on this vital research.

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Chief Justice Paul Newby proclaimed April 2024 as Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Month in North Carolina. As we celebrate, I reflect on my GAL appointment in 2014 and how my own history has deepened my commitment to the safety and well-being of children. I am grateful to my colleagues, S. M. Kernodle-Hodges and Morag Black Polaski, ACP, NCCP for their service as GALs as well. This month also brings to mind a curious historical footnote from a time when child welfare took on a different form. This shows just how far we have come in our advocacy for children's best interests. Before 1920, children were occasionally sent through the US Postal Service. Specific criteria had to be met for this to occur. For instance, the child had to be under 50 pounds, and postage stamps were affixed to their clothing as payment. Often, this method was more economical than train travel. During their journey, these children typically rode in the mail cars of trains, where they were looked after and fed by the mail clerks. One notable case involved sending a child over 700 miles from Florida to Virginia using only 15 cents in postage. I appreciate my mail carrier, but mail doesn't always make it from its origin to my house or vice versa. Can you imagine sending children? https://lnkd.in/eVYA-vbr Today, the story reminds us of how far our advocacy for children’s best interests has come. Yet, despite our progress, many children in North Carolina still face challenges in the juvenile court system related to neglect, dependency, and abuse. They need champions. If the idea of making a real difference resonates with you, consider volunteering as a GAL in North Carolina. Your advocacy could be the turning point in a child’s life. If you are interested in volunteering as a GAL in North Carolina, visit: https://lnkd.in/ed2P-Vtz If you are from another states, visit here: https://lnkd.in/gSEHgEtP Learn more from NC Courts: https://lnkd.in/epiRm6fk

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Public health + state policy friends - this webinar will have really valuable information about addressing the opioid crisis through public education. The Ad Council's work has impacted public health crises from drunk driving to seat belt safety, and can do it again for the opioid epidemic. Register below!

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This #Juneteeth, I’m reminded of just how much has been lost to racism in all its forms. While certainly not the only important measure, according to the Black Wealth Data Center hosted by Prosperity Now, racial wealth inequity has cost our economy $16 Trillion (yes, that’s with a T!) just in the last two decades. To put that nearly unfathomable number in context, the 20-year war in Afghanistan is estimated to have cost the US $2 Trillion. So that’s about the equivalent cost of 8 wars in Afghanistan. And that’s just in the past two decades. Now consider how much that number increases if you go back through the centuries…and even to the beginning in 1619… But the good news is that we don’t have to keep losing to racism. We can address racial wealth inequity. As a nation, we have the tools and the capacity. This #Juneteenth holiday, I hope for a future where we have the will.

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Looking forward to joining Tracy Sabol on EWTN News tonight at 6pm & 9pm ET to speak about the plummeting birthrates & how a federal #PaidFamilyLeave plan could help support families after the birth or adoption of a child. 23% of mothers go back to work within 10-14 days after having a baby with fathers going back even sooner. Without paid leave, it is difficult for families to spend those crucial first few weeks and months together, bonding as a family. Currently, birthrates in the US are at 1.62 live births per woman. We need 2.1 in order to maintain our population, but studies show women would prefer a rate of 2.7. It is encouraging to know Members of the House and Senate have joined together as part of the Bipartisan, Bicameral Paid Leave Working Group to craft a plan to support families. Learn more about why so many conservatives support paid leave here: paidleaveforfamilies.com https://lnkd.in/eJFEEkj8

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