Board Member, Gabrielle Rodriguez, writes article “Foster Youth Deserve a Seat at the Table” for The Imprint

“I joined [At the Table] in July; there are now nine of us on the board. One of my first tasks was voting on the organization’s statement of values. This statement would shape the organization’s philosophy and practices of working with students. Mike and two former Dorm Project employees wrote the first draft. The nine board members read the document and provided feedback. 

I suggested adding that we are committed to long-term consistent support. I shared my own experiences of having to start over with new workers and tutors time after time, and how hard that makes it to form the kind of relationship needed for effective tutoring. 

Now, our statement of values states, “We make long-term commitments to our students. We recognize the importance of consistent, stable relationships in promoting student success and well-being. We do not eject students from our programs because they are struggling, and we work hard to avoid reassigning students to new staff wherever possible.”

For the first time, I did not need to over-explain, justify or defend my suggestion. Instead, my perspective was respected, and my suggestion was applied. It felt good knowing that my voice held weight and that what I’d learned the hard way could help future students. I finally have my seat at the table; even better, I am not the only “foster kid” representing. 

As a board member, I take the influence and power I finally have seriously. I know that my input could change the educational path of foster youth. I want New York City youth in care to know that there are people on their side who have walked in their shoes.”

Read full article here: https://imprintnews.org/opinion/foster-youth-deserve-a-seat-at-the-table/51299.