An essential part of creating change is advocating on behalf of those you serve. Oftentimes, creating widespread change requires a coordinated effort known as an "advocacy campaign": a campaign to educate, change attitudes and improve public policies in order to strengthen the community.

The Michigan Nonprofit Association is offering, "Building Successful Advocacy Campaigns: Changing Attitudes, Policies, and Communities" a training series designed to give you and your organization the tools you need to build a successful and effective advocacy campaign. From the basics of nonprofit advocacy (to make sure you know the legal do's and don'ts for advocacy and lobbying) and communicating with the media and the general public, to coordinating volunteer networks and coalitions, these sessions will provide you with the necessary knowledge base and resources for starting an advocacy campaign or strengthening the efforts you already have in place.

For more information on the trainings, including dates, times, locations, and how to register, click here

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Michigan's Children provided leadership to the Child Welfare Improvement Task Force that was established in April of 2008 as a result of Children's Right Lawsuit and the Settlement Agreement that followed. The task force was charged with developing comprehensive recommendations for improving the child welfare system.

Barriers to a successful transition were identified in the areas of permanency, physical and mental health, and educational achievement. To eliminate these barriers, the task force agreed on the need to implement several initiatives, including eight major, interrelated change priorities that should be acted upon concurrently to improve the child welfare system.

For more information on the change priorities and the initiatives being put in place to support youth transitioning to adulthood, download the latest edition of Issues for Michigan's Children by clicking here.