Dear Mockingbird Supporter,

Thank you for standing alongside young people as they build leadership, shape solutions, and create change in the systems that affect their lives. 

Youth homelessness can be ended. Foster care can be transformed. The current outcomes of these systems are not inevitable; they are the result of decisions, policies, and systems that can be changed. 

In these challenging times, Mockingbird is not lowering our expectations for what is possible. As housing and economic instability place greater pressure on young people, we are working even harder to develop young leaders, elevate youth and young adult voices, build momentum, and continue to change the systems that impact their lives.  

As we reflected on what this moment requires of us, we made the intentional decision this year to step away from hosting our annual Fall Fundraiser. Instead of one event, we are investing in something larger and partnering with communities across Washington state to build sustained momentum.  

That is why we are launching Commit 2026, an invitation for our community centered on building community and collective action around lived experience youth-led change.  

Commit 2026 asks a simple question: “How can you use what you have to help transform foster care and end youth homelessness?" 

Through this campaign, we are inviting our community to make commitments of time, resources, advocacy, connection, or financial support that advance youth-led change. 

Now is the time to commit to supporting the future of young advocates and leaders, and we invite you to join the movement.  

With gratitude, 

Yvonne-Monique Aviva 

📰 News From Our Community 📰

Virtual Co-Design Conference: Strong Foundations Build Strong Futures

At the heart of the current climate one thing has become true. Programs, services, policies, and infrastructure is at risk. Communities across the country are navigating uncertainty, instability, and systems that are often stretched beyond capacity. It’s at times like this that we must build strong foundations. 

When we are given the opportunity to build, we must build with intention. Like a contractor building a home, how can we ensure that our foundation is strong and can last for years. This applies to systems, programs, and policies. We need systems, services, and programs that are not just responsive to today’s challenge, but resilient enough to support future generations. Strong futures are not built by mistake, they are built through trust, shared power, meaningful participation, and true collaboration with the community. 

Co-Design offers a pathway toward building foundations that last. By centering the voices of lived experience, building strong relationships, and creating spaces where communities actively shape solutions, We can develop programs, services, and policies that are more equitable and sustainable. 

The 2026 Virtual Co-Design Convening Invites participants from across the nation to explore what it means to build intentionally during uncertain times. Together we will analyze how strong foundations are created within organizations, communities, partnerships, and systems and how those efforts can lead to stronger futures for all of our communities. 

This convening aims to inform, educate, and inspire those of us who want to build collectively.

NO HATE in WA State: Vote no on I-001 & I-638

Mockingbird is a proud endorser of NO HATE in WA State, a campaign endorsed by parents, educators, health care professionals, students, unions, and community organizations working to defeat IL26-001 and IL26-638. 

The goal of this campaign is simple: to reject the hate, bullying, and harassment of Washington  students—regardless of their race, gender, family situation, or ZIP code.

This November, VOTE NO on I-001 and I-638, two poorly written initiatives that remove common sense protections for child abuse victims and put girls at greater risk of harm.

Thank you for your support. To stay connected with us, follow us on social media or visit our website. 

With gratitude,

The Mockingbird Society

🌟 Learn, Connect, and Give 🌟

Have questions or want to get in touch with us? Reply to this message or email laurenmorelli@mockingbirdsociety.org.