Collective of Young Mothers and Women Organizing for Education, Justice, Leadership and Success Mission * Vision * Goals * Herstory
Sistas on the Rise Collective Leadership Circle Youth Leaders & Adult Staff Stipend & Paid Board of Directors Leadership Circle Volunteers Sistas on the Rise Organizational Structure
Young Women & Mothers Collective Leadership: Decision Making, Planning & Implementation
SURVEYS SAY: TOP 5 REASONS 7 out of 10 young moms not graduating from high school 1) CHILDCARE 2) INFORMATION AND SUPPORT 3) FAMILY/RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE 4) HOUSING 5) JOBS
Organizing Campaign Goal #1: Preserve and Increase number of childcare slots, locations and/or vouchers available to young mothers Alliances * Coalitions Actions * Meetings
Organizing Campaign #2 Ensure Young Mothers Rights and Responsibilities are known and made available to youth, parents and school personnel
ISSUES: Jobs, Housing & Relationship Violence Peer to Peer Support and Community Discussions Developing housing and/or young mom drop-in centers After-school Leadership Development and Success Program (Personal to Political, We Women Keep Our Skies From Falling & New Blood) Stipend Leadership Circle & Internship Positions
Do you think Sistas on the Rise Approach Works? safe space, childcare, opportunity, training and encouragement! ORGANIZATIONAL: 65% of active members graduate and go on to higher education; 2 were valedictorians NATIONAL: $25 million allotted to each state CITYWIDE: CHILDCARE $37.4 million re-allocated to ACS Eliminated NYC Proof Of Paternity Requirement for childcare services NYC Chancellor Joel C. Klein issued a commitment to keep 4 LYFE centers OPEN!
CHALLENGES… Recession & Economic Situation; Cycling out of most foundation’s grant opportunities; Securing New Funding Closing of the Pregnant and Parenting Schools; Build a new organizing and outreach strategy Young Mother Attendance Consistency and Retention Collective Members Accountability and Organizational Restructuring Administrations (Key Decision Makers) Willingness to meet with young moms
Thank you ! New York Women’s Foundation And all Sistas on the Rise Supporters, You make us Stronger!!!
Organizational Coordinator “Zera” Catrina Davis Collective of Young Mothers and Women Organizing for Education, Justice, Leadership and Success