Vol. 11, No. 2 • May 2007

New Video Extends a Heart to Foster Youths

by Nancy Carter

Just when you think you’ve seen everything from SaySo, a video is produced AND it’s available to view for free on the group’s website (www.saysoinc.org).

The video, “For You,” provides heartfelt messages for youths in foster care. Six older youths (ages 15-23) are featured in the video, which is divided into sections that can be viewed separately or in chronological order. Sections include: LINKS, Support, Legal Issues, Health/Sexuality, and SaySo. The video was produced with financial support from the Fenwick Foundation.

SaySo created this video to reach the thousands of youths in foster care around North Carolina who may never get a chance to participate in SaySo events or even meet other teens in foster care. The content was determined by the SaySo Board of Directors (foster teens), with priority given to those issues that can be confusing or rarely discussed with social workers or foster parents. The video introduces a few of those issues to support youths in their growth through foster care.

A “For You” guidebook will be produced next year and made available on the website. It will contain a complete listing of resources, policies, advocacy ideas, suggestions, and responsibilities of older youths involved with the foster care system. It is SaySo’s hope that the video and guidebook will answer many questions and provide youths with the support to set goals, learn decision-making, and practice advocacy skills as active participants in their future.

Although the intended audience is foster youths, adults will find the material helpful for training, education, and recruiting foster and adoptive families. To purchase “For You” on CD, e-mail [email protected] or send a check for $10 (includes shipping/handling) to SaySo, Inc., 411 Andrews Road, Durham, NC 27705.

On the Road to a Decade
We have started planning a year of celebrations as SaySo approaches its tenth anniversary. “On the Road to a Decade” began with an annual conference and ninth birthday party on March 3 in Jamestown. This kickoff commenced with the debut of the “For You” video, a newly designed website, and logo. At the close of the full day conference complete with regional meetings, workshops on advocacy, support, finances, building local chapters, and understanding the legal language, youths elected 17 members to the 2007-08 Board of Directors.

Seeking Regional Assistants
SaySo will soon employ young adults (18 – 26 years old) who are or have been in substitute care. These “Regional Assistants” will be hired to work part-time promoting SaySo events, connecting with members and aged-out youths, helping establish chapters, attending conferences, coordinating events, and assisting with a range of statewide agencies requesting SaySo involvement. This position could provide supplemental income for people who have finished high school and are able to meet with youths in their region. To learn more visit the SaySo website or e-mail [email protected]. SaySo began hiring in April and will continue until all six positions are filled.

Nancy is the Executive Director of Strong Able Youth Speaking Out.

Copyright � 2007 Jordan Institute for Families