Generations United and Casey Family Programs
GRAND Voices Member Description

With the support of Casey Family Programs, Generations United is continuing to build the GRAND Voices initiative. GRAND Voices are a select group of kinship caregivers who have a range of expertise and personal experience as relatives, and/or close family friends who have raised children when their parents have been unable to do so. Our GRAND Voices are from 46 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 tribes.

The GRAND Voices initiative serves as a strategic partner with Generations United and Casey Family Programs to inform kinship policies and practices and to reveal family needs and service gaps. In addition, they:

· Connect with other caregivers

· Advocate on behalf of kinship caregivers to promote improvements to the child welfare system and other supportive services both inside and outside the child welfare system

· Provide input on draft publications and other materials for kinship families

· Model the value of caregiver engagement

· Foster leadership development

The GRAND Voices initiative is designed to ensure there are strong caregiver voices in shaping programs, policies and strategies that result in better outcomes for children and families. Our GRAND Voices will participate in quarterly advisory meetings and be invited to participate in a range of supported awareness raising and educational activities.

The GRAND Voices initiative launched in mid-2014 as a pilot with only five members and has grown to include members in almost all the states and 12 tribes. They have testified at Capitol Hill briefings, met with staff of members of Congress and key Congressional committees, spoken at a White House convening, served on the federal Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Advisory Council and provided input on proposed legislation, draft publications, and essential data collection. GRAND Voice engagements vary by each individual member’s interests, expertise, and the opportunities available through Generations United and Casey Family Programs. We are continuing to add GRAND Voices and look forward to receiving your application to join us. We hope to have members in all 50 states within the next couple of years.
GRAND VOICES:
1. Actively advise Generations United and Casey Family Programs on kinship policies, practices, publications, and ways to engage GRAND Voices

2. Participate in at least 4 advisory meetings by computer and/or phone per year

3. Serve as a representative voice* for kinship caregivers in promoting improvements in policies and practices inside and outside the child welfare system through supported activities (with travel costs covered) such as:

a. Communicating with state and federal legislators through in person meetings, phone calls, letters or electronic communications
b. Raising awareness with the media by sharing personal stories, and submitting opinion editorials or letters to the editor
c. Serving on advisory councils or working groups at key agencies
d. Testifying in legislative hearings or educational briefings
e. Meeting with Generations United to prepare for and debrief after participation in events for GRAND Voices.
f. Contributing blog posts or other written reflections about events attended as part of the GRAND Voices initiative

If invited to travel for GRAND Voices events, travel, lodging and meals will be covered, and GRAND Voices will receive a small stipend. Generations United does not provide individual advocacy, legal assistance or advice, or case management services.
*Note: GRAND Voices do not conduct lobbying activities when representing or being supported by Casey Family Programs


Application Disclaimer for the GRAND Voices Initiative

At Generations United, we honor the power of lived experience, storytelling, and community. The GRAND Voices initiative reflects our belief that when caregivers share their wisdom, they help create a more supportive and inclusive world for all grandfamilies and kinship caregivers.

Thank you for applying to this important initiative. Before submitting your application, please take a moment to review the following information:

Every story matters, and we truly appreciate each person who takes the time to apply. While we wish we could include everyone, space in the GRAND Voices initiative is limited. Selection is based on current needs, geographical location, ensuring a broad range of perspectives, and how applications align with the goals of the initiative.

If you are not selected this time, please know it is not a reflection of your worth or your story’s importance. We warmly encourage you to stay involved with Generations United through our newsletters, online events, and future opportunities to share your voice and experience.

Participation in the GRAND Voices initiative is a volunteer, storytelling, and advocacy role. Generations United is not able to offer legal advice, case management, or individual advocacy support.

We are grateful for your interest in being part of Generations United’s mission, a caring community where voices are uplifted and change is made, together.

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