ND4Y 2024 Week of Action's Grassroots Festival panel.
Support Collective Care
Dear John,
True to our name, the National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy collaborates with youth who are experts in the policy areas we aim to transform: economic justice, mental health, and community safety. We work in partnership with young people on everything from drafting legislation to promoting advocacy through the arts.
We also work to embody our vision of thriving communities, where joy is abundant and everyone has what they need. We are launching our Collective Care Fund to do just that.
Much of our young leaders’ expertise comes from personally experiencing harm done by our country’s economic, mental health, and carceral systems. The effects of that harm, along with the impacts of racism and other systems of power, often lead to financial challenges – a medical bill, a delayed student aid payment, or a lost job that can derail anyone’s best-laid plans. We expect these needs to grow in 2025, when public programs are cut and the youth at the center of our work are under increased threat.
Young people show up for us every day. When they experience hard times, our Collective Care Fund will help cover emergency expenses and support basic needs. And when they experience the joys of life – like a graduation or a new child – the Collective Care Fund will add a bit to the celebration.
We set a goal of $10,000 to get the fund off the ground. We know our community can reach it: You are one of over 4,000 people receiving this message. If just half of you give $5, we’ll be there.
We’re not asking you to dig deep, or even to support our direct policy and advocacy work (though we won’t be mad if you do!). We’re asking you, as a member of our community, to do what community does.
Why give $5? For the same reason you go to the polls to add your vote to millions of others. The same reason you join a protest to add your body to the crowd. The same reason you sing in a choir, sign a petition, check on your neighbor, offer a seat to someone who needs it. Among all the little ways you already embody community, we invite you to add one more.
Can you put $5 toward collective care by December 31?
In solidarity and community,
Nia West-Bey, Executive Director
