Voting & Advocacy
In this blog, FSM Intern Sarah shares what voting and advocacy mean to her
Oversharing: The Hidden Shame of Advocacy
Brina Williams, BSW and Foster Care Advocate, explores the shame response related to oversharing. This blog was highlighted nationally by The Imprint and Fostering Media Connections as part of Foster Youth Voice Month in 2022.
The Importance of Advocacy & Voting
Terry, an advocate and Educate Tomorrow Changemaker attending Aquinas College, weighs in on advocacy and the importance of voting.
The Power of Voting
Jordi, an advocate and Educate Tomorrow Changemaker attending Grand Valley State University, writes about what voting means for him.
Voting and Inspiring Change
Brea, an advocate and Educate Tomorrow Changemaker attending Grand Valley State University, writes about the importance of voting and being inspired to make changes for her community.
Meet the Changemakers Terry
Terry is a Changemaker currently attending Aquinas College.
Meet the Changemakers: Jordi
Jordi is a Changemaker that is currently attending Grand Valley State University.
Meet the Changemakers: Brea
Brea is a Changemaker attending Grand Valley State University studying Social Work.
Meet the Changemakers: Khaled
Khaled is an FSM Changemaker that will be attending the Western Michigan University Seita Scholars program in Fall of 2022.
What’s Next? By Arielle D.
2020 FSM Student Ambassador, Arielle D., writes this month about the things she's learned about setting herself up for success for virtual learning this Fall! Read her blog!
Needing In-Person Connection in a Global Crisis
2020 FSM Student Ambassador, Arielle D., writes this month about navigating mental health and the importance of in-person connection during quarantine. Read her blog!
Inspirational Quick Speak 2020 By Gabby M.
Inspirational Quick Speak is a blog that focuses on staying positive, motivated and trying to always see the better half in all situations. Most people only see things in black and white, but I love to waddle through the grey. Yes, it does exist! We experience so much in our lifetime, and even more with the youth of today. Young people who have experienced foster care no longer have to feel like no one understands what it’s like. I do. I’ve seen, I’ve heard, it’s happened to me too. This blog is for me to reach the other youth who are like me, and I like them. We’re in this…
The Lens Podcast: Discussions on the Child Welfare System
Co-hosted by former foster youths Arielle, Gabriella, and Rachel, The Lens Podcast project provides a platform for foster youth and alum to connect to a community of peers and discuss aspects of the child welfare system. Learn more and listen to full episodes here!
Mars, Meet Earth
Mars, Meet Earth is a blog written by FSM Ambassador Mars B. while studying abroad. As Mars says, it's all about "getting to know more of the world outside of what I've always known, which is a very small part of everything!" Mars' study abroad was unexpectedly cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, but lots of lessons were still learned. Mars shares them below!
Becoming the 3%: Life After Graduation and Next Steps to Success by Alexis L.
We talk a lot about how difficult it is for youth with experience in foster care to get to and through college, and that's really important, but what happens after graduation? Young people with experience in foster care graduate at very low rates (3-10% estimates) compared to the general population, and the need for support extends beyond college after gradution. This blog focuses on "what comes next" after graduation and provides ideas for next steps to success in career and life!