Highlights from First Star's National Conference + Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday is Coming

Make a positive impact by donating to First Star or hosting a fundraiser via social media, email or text! A fundraising toolkit that includes instructions, downloadable social media images and templates for captions and emails can be found at https://www.firststar.org/how-you-can-help/

We hope to raise $25,000 through the end of 2022 to support education access for youth in foster care and to provide micro-grants to support alumni of First Star as they navigate early adulthood. Join us in making a positive impact in our community!

Donations received at any time between now and the end of 2022 will count toward the $25,000 goal. Ways to give:

Text GIVING2022 to 44-321

DONATE FOR GIVING TUESDAY

First Star 2022 National Conference

We are delighted to report that the First Star Network was able to gather in person for a return to our annual conference in Sacramento, October 25th-28th. We were joined by stakeholders including Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen. Our three days together were characterized by the spirit of Sankofa: focusing on learning for the wisdom gained over the past several years to ensure a strong future for First Star. As CEO Lyndsey C. Wilson noted, "It was so nice to reflect on the past few years and come together to collaboratively determine the strategic direction we will take together as a network moving forward."

Conference highlights included a Q&A with David Ambroz, a long-time First Star friend, about his riveting new memoir A Place Called Home, and a session of learning from the experiences of First Star Sacramento State Academy scholars and caregivers.

2022 First Star Brilliance Award

During the conference, we were proud to present First Star Kent State University Academy Director Danielle Green-Welch with the 2022 First Star Brilliance Award, honoring those who have gone above and beyond to serve our scholars. Danielle leads the way at the First Star KSU Academy with the support of her team to uplift scholar engagement and success. Danielle founded the Scholars Advisory Council, centering student voice and bringing attention to the issues that are most important to youth in foster care. We’re so fortunate to have someone with Danielle’s charisma, character, strength, and visionary leadership as part of our First Star family! Congrats on being this year’s First Star Brilliance Award recipient!

Alumni Program

First Star is seeking a mission-driven professional to support the organization's alumni services and community development. The Alumni Program Assistant’s primary responsibilities include supporting resource distribution, communications, and events. The ideal candidate has experience with program administration, graphic design, social media management, and event planning. Experience working with transition age youth (TAY; ages 16-25) who’ve experienced foster care or multi-system-involved youth is preferred.

Application Link

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