This year, we're reimagining our work.
Like many nonprofits, the last few years have marked tremendous transitions within Mockingbird’s operations, staffing, and so much more. But as difficult as the pandemic was for our organization and sector, it was devastating for the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. And because we serve one of the most vulnerable communities of all—youth experiencing the foster care system and homelessness—we are committed to building back stronger than ever.
Policy wins are only the first step in transforming these systems. To create lasting change, we must be present at implementation tables—holding politicians and government agencies accountable. We must be intentional in our outreach to communities disproportionately affected by these systems, like BIPOC and LGBTQI+ youth. And in our efforts to elevate and empower youth voice, we must equip our staff with the tools, training, and support to create safe spaces for all youth participants.
Visioning for change means leading with the end in mind, so we have marked 2023 as a year of reflection, rebuilding, and reimagining our organization to better position us for the work ahead. The Mockingbird Society’s next chapter will prioritize advocacy with accountability and an uncompromising commitment to our values and belief this work can only be done in partnership with our youth and the greater community.
Please join us on this journey through a gift to GiveBIG and our ongoing Reflect | Rebuild | Reimagine campaign.
Introducing Reimagine 2023
Mockingbird's Legacy & Vision
As we launch our Reimagine 2023 campaign, we want to begin with reflection and healing as an organization and as a community. Part of reflection is learning about and learning from our organization's history, as well as thinking through how the legacy of advocacy work in this space impacts our vision moving forward.
In this conversation, Mockingbird Executive Director Natalie Lente and Mockingbird Founder Jim Theofelis sit down to discuss their passion for this work, the vision and heart of Mockingbird's work, and their hopes and dreams for the future of the organization.
Live Lunch with Young Leaders & Natalie Lente
Young leaders sat down with Mockingbird Executive Director Natalie Lente for a live-streamed lunch hour Q&A! Natalie asked these young people about their advocacy efforts, what motivates them as activists, and what their experience with Mockingbird has been like. In turn, the young people asked Natalie about herself, her leadership, and the future of Mockingbird’s work.
Support Young Advocates Today
Sharn, Mockingbird's Director of Youth Programs, shares about the work that her department does, Mockingbird's vision for the future, and ways that you can support the work of young advocates today.