At StriveTogether, we aren’t just proving what is possible; we’re proving what is measurable. Today, I’m proud to be sharing a new framework and guide for measuring the impact of systems on getting better, more equitable results for youth and families. Systemic inequity creates opportunity gaps particularly for children, young people and families of color.…
One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network rose to the challenge of meeting immediate needs while pursuing efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps and…
The StriveTogether Theory of Action™ guides the Cradle to Career Network in building the civic infrastructure required to improve outcomes for youth and families. The nationally validated framework is the foundation of the Network’s approach. Over the years, the Network has taken a continuous improvement approach, revising the theory of action periodically to reflect insights…
One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. The Cradle to Career Network rose to the challenge of meeting immediate needs while pursuing efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps and advance…
One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. The Cradle to Career Network rose to the challenge of meeting immediate needs as they pursued efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps and…
One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. As we approach this anniversary, we’re reflecting on how cradle-to-career partnerships across the country have relentlessly pursued efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps…
We are approaching a tipping point in our work to close disparity gaps and improve outcomes for children of color and children living in poverty. The precipice of change is built on a mountain of efforts, and many have persisted in this important work to bring us to this point. And like all critical moments,…
Each new year encourages us to consider what’s possible. It’s like opening a book of blank pages, each page waiting for a story to unfold. What narrative will take shape in the coming weeks, months and year? Leftover angst from 2020 may cloud any optimism typical at the start of a new year. As Stacey…
This blog originally appeared on Independent Sector’s website. A community is more than the sum of its roads, bridges and electricity grid — what we traditionally think of as infrastructure. It is also the connection among its residents, connections that remain even as the skyline changes. It is the involvement with local elections, the inspiring…
This year, racial injustice and the public health crisis of COVID-19 have pushed the Cradle to Career Network™ in new ways. Network members have adapted to community needs by serving as data experts, conveners, racial equity champions and policy advocates in the work to improve cradle-to-career outcomes. In a new report, we share bright spots and…
Nikole Hannah-Jones ended the 2020 Cradle to Career Network Convening with a powerful message for the audience of more than 1,400 community changemakers: Keep pushing and bring along allies to reconstruct the architecture of racial apartheid. Hannah-Jones is the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the New York Times Magazine’s “The 1619 Project,” which shares the history…
Akia S. Callum is the director of community impact and marketing at Waterbury Bridge to Success Community Partnership. She has almost a decade of experience as a community organizer, political strategist, social justice advocate, educator and branding consultant. Akia is leading our closing discussion with Nikole Hannah-Jones at the 2020 Cradle to Career Network Convening. …