WHY IS CREATING AWARENESS BENEFICIAL?
Creating public awareness is a key factor when it comes to making a change in the functioning and the execution process of the foster care system as a whole. Some of the domains to raise awareness are: holding speak-up sessions and collecting opinions to a crowd at an event, finding sponsors who are interested in contributing to this cause monetarily, prepping for starting and managing a campaign. Making a documentary on the foster kids and uploading it on youtube or any means of social media will help raise awareness of the flaws of the foster care system. Create a website to raise awareness in order to help foster children and getting involved in the foster care system. Generate a propaganda to raise awareness by distribution of brochures and pamphlets or even in social media. Creating a reform foster care bill and get people to sign the petition will urge the government and the foster care agencies to better the system. Conduct or participating in marathons related to the foster care system. And finally, instead of spreading personal stories of the foster kids, spreading awareness about their existence will help people come together and make a difference in the lives of the foster children. Creating a public awareness will be beneficial for the entire foster care system which constitutes members like foster parents, children, group units, volunteers, group homes, NGO, and other support institutions. The most impact would be on every role that plays into the foster care system.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?
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Choose a topic or goal: Raise awareness on the flaws in the foster care system.
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Find resources: Analyze the topic and research potential samples. Ex: identify support, finance, time, and marketing and promotional materials.
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Segment audience: Segment the audience based on the role they play in the foster care system.
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Create a schedule of events, programs, and initiatives: Plan and organize events. The general idea of planning should answer the questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
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Find a sponsor, form a team, and then conduct events and programs. Periodically conduct campaign events by delegating tasks to team members, helping them stay involved.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED RESULTS?
It takes a little effort to change its negative perception on people. Not only does it improve the system as a whole, but it also makes an enormous difference in the lives of the foster children. The tiny efforts that is invested in conducting campaigns and events to raise awareness about the flaws in foster care system would definitely manifest into a full fledged reform or revamping of the defunct foster care system. This project would open the minds of all people, prompting communities to step up and generate a solution for this problem. If not all, at least some of the frequent challenges within the foster care system can be addressed and eradicated. Although this project is mainly implemented for the foster care system and everyone involved in it, this also pertains to engender a belief in people that foster children can have a brighter future ahead.
I have created an online petition for pertaining to reforming the Foster Care.
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What is a petition?
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A petition is a document signed by numerous people, requesting for government or other officials to take legal action on a particular issue.
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In the petition I have constructed, I have advocated for a chance to revamp the foster care system by requesting for background checks on foster homes, more financial and other support for aged-out foster youth, amenities and budget for the foster care system, and training for foster parents.
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Through petitioning for reform bills, the entire system could be revamped and would be more supportable for foster children.
