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Raising Child Care Fund Releases Report Showing Impact of Parent Organizing in Increasing Public Support of Child Care Access as Federal Funding Ends

Posted on

For Immediate Release

April 17, 2024

WASHINGTON – Today, the Raising Child Care Fund (RCCF) released a report on grassroots groups’ remarkable work to secure adequate funding for child care and early education. The country is in dire need of stable funding for early childhood education, and the report notes how the RCCF raised more than $17 million in five years to support grassroots groups in their advocacy for accessible, affordable child care and education. The report is available here.

“We know that educating young children is non-negotiable,” said Rachel Schumacher, director of the Raising Child Care Fund. But we can’t give our children the education and care they need without advocacy. The Raising Child Care Fund is proud to have invested in grassroots groups who wake up every day determined to build public will for adequate funding for early childhood educators, providers, parents and communities.”

RCCF grantees are having an impact, and their recent victories are noted in the aforementioned report. Grantees include Parent Voices in California, Louisiana Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Kids Count on Us in Minnesota, OLÉ in New Mexico, The Ohio Organizing Collaborative/CEO Project in Ohio, and the Coalition for Social Justice in Massachusetts, and more.

“Through years of deep organizing of parents, educators and child care providers, we built strong relationships with elected officials, and held them accountable for how their policies impacted children and families,” said Karin Swenson, child care provider and organizer with Kids Count on Us.

“When parents, providers and grassroots groups fight for our children’s future, they win,” Schumacher said. “This is essential given cuts in pandemic-era funding for child care.”

During the pandemic, the federal government released over $50 billion in child care funding including $24 billion in the American Rescue Plan Act which states used to stabilize 200,000 child care providers. This benefitted as many as 9.6 million children. Advocates have been urging Congress to extend this support and create a stronger system for children, families and providers. In the meantime, a small number of states took action after hearing from RCCF grantees and other advocates:

  • The California state budget included $2.9 billion for child care for the next two years. These funds include $100 million a year to eliminate family fees for most families receiving child care assistance.
  • Minnesota’s state legislature allocated $366 million in 2023 and over $1 billion in continued funding to sustain programs like the Great Start Compensation payment program for early educators.
  • A coalition for children, families and child care providers, advocated for and won $475 million in Massachusetts to continue initiatives to support providers and boost compensation.
  • New Mexico used $100 million of the permanent fund to support early childhood programs for children aged zero to five. This win was the result of a ballot initiative in 2022.
  • Louisiana’s budget included $52 million for child care. This was the largest investment in child care in the state in almost a decade.

While these efforts are noteworthy, more must be done to support children, families and providers. Child care workers are the workforce behind the workforce, and it is imperative they receive the support they need to remain on the job.

“We have come so far in five years and are committed to continuing to push for just and equitable outcomes for kids, families, and the workforce,” said Rebecca Gomez of the Heising-Simons Foundation.

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WATCH: Mother-Daughter Duo in Atlanta Discuss Their Fight for Prison Reform, Impact of the Carceral System on Women

Posted on

For Immediate Release

March 6, 2024

ATLANTA – United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women kicked off Women’s History Month with a short film on the carceral system’s impact on women.

“Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration” centers the story of Michelle Morrison, an Atlanta-based Black woman victimized by the carceral system. It weaves together her story of incarceration, the atrocities of the carceral system for women of color, and how the support of her mother, Cynthia Morrison Holland, a leader in United Women in Faith, helped her overcome the odds. 

The film was shot, produced and directed by Ania Freer, an award-winning Australian-Jamaican filmmaker and founder of Goat Curry Gallery. The story begins with the 2007 arrest of Michelle on felony counts of murder due to driving a friend who was involved in an altercation that resulted in homicide via gun violence. Despite not participating in the violence, Morrison was charged on 12 counts of felony murder and received a life sentence, requiring a minimum of 30 years in prison. This over-sentencing aligns with the disparities inflicted on Black women who are incarcerated at 1.6x the rate of white women, and account for one-third of the female prisoners serving life sentences.

This film shares the intimate journey of one faith-filled mother who overcomes incredible odds to win her daughter’s freedom. In doing so, Never Giving Up: Cynthia and Michelle, A Mother, A Daughter and the Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration invites the whole church, and especially Christian women, to join this mother-daughter duo in the ongoing work of ending mass incarceration.

The film also touches on the abuses women face in the prison system and the terrible conditions. “That place is terrible. If you don’t have a strong support system, or strong belief system, or a strong foundation in God you will rot away” explains Michelle.

But, at the end, this is a story of persistent and faithful action in the face of overwhelming injustice as lived by one mother who was committed to “never giving up” on her daughter. Despite the sentencing, Cynthia never forgot or abandoned her daughter. She supported her through her thirteen excruciating years of incarceration and ultimately secured her release by getting her daughter’s sentence reviewed and modified by a state-level integrity task force. Michelle continued her education, even throughout her incarceration, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Life University. Michelle believes that “having a mom that stood beside me, came to see me every weekend, and never gave up meant more to more to me than anything.”

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United Women in Faith is a faith-based organization that aims to help connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership, development, creative fellowship and education to inspire their local and global communities.

 

 

 

 

Ohio Child Care Providers and Parents Secure Major Changes to the Child Care & the Development Block Grant

Posted on

For Immediate Release

March 5, 2024

COLUMBUS – Ohio families can breathe a little easier thanks to the hard work of several child care providers and parents affiliated with The CEO Project, a division of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative. The group submitted testimony in August 2023 on proposed rule changes to the Child Care & the Development Block Grant and outlined ways the federal government could better support children, families and child care providers. On Friday, March 1, the federal Office of Child Care responded to the testimony and granted many of the things the child care providers from Ohio sought.

The Office of Child Care specifically wanted input from child care providers in Ohio, Georgia and Colorado about the impact of proposed changes on parents and providers. The CEO Project convened 12 leaders from cities such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Lima and Youngstown for input; 5 of them shared testimony with federal officials. They also urged child care advocacy organizations in Minnesota and other places to also submit testimony.

As a result of their advocacy, the Office of Child Care agreed to:

  • Ensure equal access to child care by limiting copayment to 7%. (§ 98.45)
  • Structure payment based on enrollment not attendance. Rather than require it outright, there is qualifying language “to the extent possible” but it is a step forward. (§ 98.15)
  • Increase parental choice via the use of contracts and grants. (§ 98.30)
  • Assume presumptive eligibility for 3 months prior to establishing eligibility. At a Lead Agency’s option, a child may be considered presumptively eligible for up to three months and begin to receive child care subsidy prior to full documentation and eligibility determination.

“Every child care worker knows what its like to care for a child, only to find out months later that the parent is not eligible for subsidized care, and the provider therefore doesn’t get paid. This isn’t right and the new rule change will give the state time to determine eligibility and will help ensure providers are not working for free,” said Tamara Lunan, director of The CEO Project.

“These changes are a major win for Ohio children and families, and could not have happened without the courage of parents and providers with The CEO Project,” Lunan added. “The CEO Project is the first ever grassroots effort led by women of color childcare providers in Ohio organizing for structural change to the childcare system. In July 2023, we urged our network of child care leaders with The CEO Project and our national partners to collect comments from other providers and parents about the proposed changes. We then submitted those comments for consideration to federal officials. We wanted to highlight the true impact of the rule changes on ordinary child care providers and parents who desperately need accessible early childhood education and care. This work is the direct result of childcare providers reclaiming their power and fighting for their communities.”

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Revolve Fund Has Generated $10.9M in Additional Capital Access for People of Color-Led Businesses and Nonprofits

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 29, 2024

BALTIMORE – With over $2 million in philanthropic dollars raised since 2020, Revolve Fund has helped entrepreneurs of color secure $10.9 million in additional capital for their businesses and nonprofits through direct leverage, co-investment, referrals, and strategic guidance. Founded and managed by James Wahls, Revolve assists entrepreneurs of color and other organizations committed to supporting entrepreneurs of color that have been historically underfunded by traditional financial systems.

Initially piloting strategies in Baltimore, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, Revolve Fund has provided grant funding to entrepreneurs nationally. Moreover, with a grant from the Surdna Foundation, Revolve is further expanding by developing and implementing an U.S. Southern pilot strategy in partnership with other similarly committed organizations, funders, and investors.

“For entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders of color, systemic barriers and racial and ethnic wealth gaps continue to disproportionately prevent their businesses and nonprofits from obtaining equitable capital access,” Wahls said. “Revolve intentionally deploys catalytic ‘friends and family-like’ or institutional funding, which are critical factors for entrepreneurial success.”

Research indicates Black families and other families of color often have less disposable income for funding businesses and nonprofits. In 2019, the median net worth of white families was 7.8 times that of Black families. Additionally, Latino-owned businesses are more likely to experience funding shortfalls than white-owned businesses.

Revolve Fund offers recoverable grants and strategic business support directly to organizations or collaborates with community development financial institutions, nonprofits, venture funds and business incubators and accelerators. This approach is designed to foster capital access without creating financial harm while maximizing Revolve’s industry expertise and grantees’ sourcing, underwriting and portfolio-monitoring capabilities.

Revolve Fund will continue its capital fundraising over the next 18-36 months. Revolve’s past and current funders include the Annie E. Casey Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Open Society Institute – Baltimore, PNC Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

As Revolve Fund’s managing director, Wahls brings over 15 years of experience in the philanthropic, impact investing and legal sectors. With stints at the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan, Wahls has managed or co-managed $250 million-plus in impact investing allocations comprised of grant, equity, debt and direct investments. In addition to Revolve, notable strategies he has designed or led include the Baltimore Small Business Support Fund and the Detroit Entrepreneurs of Color Fund. Wahls also executed investments nationally in affordable housing, financial inclusion, quality job creation and community development.

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Ohio NAACP Hosts Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 28, 2024

The nation’s leading civil rights organization unveiled 2024 legislative priorities

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Conference of the NAACP hosted a Legislative Advocacy Day on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The one-day event was held at the Ohio Statehouse and included members of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP as well as other local voting rights advocates. The group of roughly 50 Ohio NAACP members then participated in a photo unveiling of former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Rhine McLin, who also served as mayor of Dayton.

“Today was a great day for the Ohio Conference of the NAACP,” said Tom Roberts, president of the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP. “We met with several legislators and their staff and shared our policy priorities. We also discussed the importance of increasing Black civic participation and engagement ahead of the 2024 election cycle.” 

Top policy priorities discussed during state legislative meetings included:

  • Voting Rights
  • Economic Development
  • Police Accountability

“It was important for our members to see and engage legislative leaders. It was a delight to see

and celebrate the honorable Rhine McLin, who has given so much to our state and our fight for democracy,” Roberts continued.

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

 

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Race Forward and Americans for the Arts Announce ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 20, 2024

NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced a Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy which will be held Sept. 27 – Oct. 5, 2024 in communities across the country. The new initiative leverages arts, culture, and creativity to emphasize the need for a just, multiracial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president, Race Forward. “This is an opportunity to deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activities.”

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will comprise:

  • A week of events and activities that bring together local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future.
  • A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists to explore ways to use arts and culture to advance the multiracial democracy we’re trying to build. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
  • Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
  • Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

Race Forward and AFTA will accept proposals from local organizations—local government, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice nonprofits—that want to participate in this exciting initiative. Through a competitive process, 12-15 local communities that represent the diversity of our country will receive $25,000-$40,000 for cultural organizers and community partners to design and implement projects. Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will also be encouraged and open to organizations not requesting funding. 

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Florida Legislature Attempts to Mandate the Teaching of Communism in K-12 Schools

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 16, 2024

 

ORLANDO – When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis forbade advanced placement courses in African American Studies, Rev. Rhonda Thomas of Faith in Florida created toolkit and encouraged congregations to teach Black history themselves. More than 500 congregations signed up to teach using her toolkit. Now, she is responding to another challenge. The Florida legislature is considering bills which will mandate all Florida public schools (K-12) to teach about the history of communism, including communist policies in Cuba and Latin America. The measures under consideration are SB 1264 and HB 1349.

“The mandate is an attempt to cast anything that doesn’t fall within the governor’s worldview as communist. It is an effort to indoctrinate Florida’s youngest minds,” Thomas said. “It is also a missed opportunity to teach Black history.”

Rev. Thomas and partners will host a convening Feb. 29 through March 2 to plan their response and prepare for the upcoming legislative session. For more information, or to speak with Rev. Rhonda, please contact press@spotlightpr.org or llyons@faithinflorida.org.

“The state’s priorities are off track and out of alignment with Florida and the rest of the nation,” Thomas concluded.

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United Women in Faith to Release Short Film, “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration”

Posted on

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2024

United Women in Faith Will Host Screening and Media Call on the Impact of the Carceral System on Women

ATLANTA – United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women end Black History Month and kick off Women’s History Month with a short film on the carceral system’s impact on women. “Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration,” highlights the harrowing impact of America’s carceral system on Black women. The film was shot, produced and directed by Ania Freer, an award-winning Australian-Jamaican filmmaker and founder of Goat Curry Gallery. 

“Never Give Up” centers the story of Michelle Morrison, an Atlanta-based Black woman victimized by the carceral system. It weaves together her story of incarceration, the atrocities of the carceral system for women of color, and how the support of her mother, Cynthia Morrison Holland, a leader in United Women in Faith, helped her overcome the odds.

The story begins with the 2007 arrest of Michelle on felony counts of murder due to driving a friend who was involved in an altercation that resulted in homicide via gun violence. Despite not participating in the violence, Morrison was charged on 12 counts of felony murder and received a life sentence, requiring a minimum of 30 years in prison. This over-sentencing aligns with the disparities inflicted on Black women who are incarcerated at 1.6x the rate of white women, and account for one-third of the female prisoners serving life sentences.

This film shares the intimate journey of one faith-filled mother who overcomes incredible odds to win her daughter’s freedom. In doing so, Never Giving Up: Cynthia and Michelle, A Mother, A Daughter and the Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration invites the whole church, and especially Christian women, to join this mother-daughter duo in the ongoing work of ending mass incarceration.

The film also touches on the abuses women face in the prison system and the terrible conditions. “That place is terrible. If you don’t have a strong support system, or strong belief system, or a strong foundation in God you will rot away” explains Michelle.

But, at the end, this is a story of persistent and faithful action in the face of overwhelming injustice as lived by one mother who was committed to “never giving up” on her daughter. Despite the sentencing, Cynthia never forgot or abandoned her daughter. She supported her through her thirteen excruciating years of incarceration and ultimately secured her release by getting her daughter’s sentence reviewed and modified by a state-level integrity task force. Michelle continued her education, even throughout her incarceration, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Life University. Michelle believes that “having a mom that stood beside me, came to see me every weekend, and never gave up meant more to more to me than anything.”

United Women in Faith is a faith-based organization that aims to help connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership, development, creative fellowship and education to inspire their local and global communities.

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New Profit Invests $1.6 Million into 16 Organizations, Including Memphis Artists for Change

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Jan. 30, 2024

New Profit Invests $1.6 Million into 16 Organizations, Including Memphis Artists for Change

MEMPHIS – The arts-centered, community and economic development organization, Memphis Artists for Change (MAC), today announced it received an award from New Profit for its work in Memphis. MAC is a Black-led, place-based advocacy organization that champions community-directed change in underserved neighborhoods. Founded and run by Tameka Greer, MAC provides a vehicle for artists and community members to advocate for positive change. The recognition from New Profit includes a $100,000 grant, access to coaching and development, and inclusion into a network of like-minded leaders. New Profit is a national venture philanthropy organization dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity. It invested $100,000 each into 16 innovative organizations – including MAC – for their work driving economic mobility.

“As a Black woman, it is deeply gratifying to be recognized for our work but also to receive funding to deepen our impact,” Greer said. “Our work at MAC has always centered around partnering with the community to improve the quality of life for her residents. We cannot advance change without the support of donors and funding institutions, so this award is deeply meaningful.”

From its Arthouse Café, to its transitional housing for women recently released from incarceration to its advocacy to preserve and expand democracy, to its work to hold utility companies accountable for unreasonable rake hikes and their impact on working people, MAC is a trusted voice and partner in Memphis.

“With this funding, we will continue to meet critical needs in our community, promote community engagement within the artistic and non-profit community, and mobilize Memphis residents to protect public values,” Greer said.  

In addition to leading Memphis Artists for Change, Greer is also a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative.

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Every Movement Needs a Soundtrack: 28 Artists Unite to Raise Money for Baltimore Changemakers

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Jan. 30, 2024

BALTIMORE – CLLCTIVLY today announced the return of its second annual ‘28 Days of Black Futures.’ The crowdfunding campaign is designed to advance narrative power, platform local artists, and raise funds for Black-led social change entities in Baltimore. It coincides with Black History Month, but offers a unique spin. In addition to focusing on Black historical figures who no doubt made a difference, CLLCTIVLY will spotlight local artists who will incorporate the principles of Nguzo Saba. Each artist will write a cypher, one for each day of February. The effort will be produced by Von Vargas, a multi-faceted musician, songwriter and DJ. JP Morgan Chase & Co. is a presenting sponsor. 

“There can be no overstatement of the importance of music in propelling social and racial justice movements,” said CLLCTIVLY founder Jamye Wooten. “Music is incredibly important in fueling movements, raising critical issues and ensuring our communities feel seen and heard. We are excited because this effort will highlight the ingenuity within the Baltimore region, while giving Baltimore residents an opportunity to financially support Black-led changemakers.” 

CLLCTIVLY will showcase local artists and their cyphers via its website, social media and press outreach. It will then host a culminating event on March 9 featuring these artists as well as the beneficiaries of the funds raised during the inaugural ‘28 Days of Black Futures’ campaign. 

“Our community has a wealth of creative, trailblazing, and thoughtful leaders,” said Krystle Starvis, COO of CLLCTIVLY. “We rest on the shoulders of those who came before us, and will intentionally honor the past, the present and future. We are excited to platform local changemakers and invest in their work and vision. 28 Days of Black Futures will enable us to do just that.”

 Sometimes the only thing that determines how high a person ascends, or how much they can accomplish, is the resources and support they receive from their family and community. And historically, Black business owners have struggled to raise capital and start, grow and sustain their businesses. “This project will enable all people – persons who live in and outside of Baltimore – to make donations of any amount and fuel the work of changemakers.” 

“CLLCTIVLY is determined to ensure that no dream is deferred by raising funds and investing in Black-led organizations and changemakers,” Wooten concluded.

 

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CLLCTIVLY is a place-based, social change organization that centers Black genius, narrative power, social networks and resource mobilization. It was developed following the death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody on Feb. 2015.