Legislative Advocacy Committee Updates
The Legislative Advocacy Committee is a board-level committee at CASA of Los Angeles that focuses on identifying legislative advocacy opportunities that support children and families in child welfare/juvenile justice and the sustainability of the CASA program. If you have questions about the Legislative Advocacy Committee, please contact Board Member and Chair of the Legislative Advocacy Committee, Audrey Handelman.
Help us with our advocacy! Action steps for CASAs:
- Please VOTE in the upcoming election. If you’re working with a CASA youth who is eligible to vote in the upcoming election, please encourage them to register and vote!
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Vote “Yes” on Measure J (see info below!)
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Do you have a relationship with your supervisor? Let us know if you can help with outreach to the board of supervisors.
Recent Legislative Advocacy Committee Highlights:
Board of Supervisors: CASA/LA is expanding our outreach efforts to the board of supervisors to help them understand more about the CASA program and our needs. If you have a relationship with your supervisor and want to help, let us know!
Reimagine LA (Measure J): CASA/LA recognizes that children and families in Los Angeles need access to more community supports and resources like mental health services, housing and youth programs. CASA/LA has signed on as a coalition member in support of Reimagine LA, a local ballot initiative that will ensure that 10% of existing locally controlled revenues will be directed towards community services and alternatives to incarceration. We encourage our CASAs to learn more about this initiative and to vote “Yes” on Measure J in November!
SB912: CASA/LA wrote letters of support to both the legislature and Governor Newsom in support of SB912, which provides protections and support for young adults (18-21) who are aging out of foster care during the pandemic. Our CEO Wende Julien and CASA Dave Stein also gave testimony in front of the legislature in support of this important advocacy need. The bill is currently awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature!
Supreme Court Amicus Brief: CASA/LA submitted a statement of interest to an amicus brief in the case of Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia. In this case, the Supreme Court is deciding if taxpayer-funder foster and adoption agencies can exclude same-sex couples from fostering or adopting. CASA/LA is advocating against these discriminatory policies and advocating for children to have access to any qualified home.
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CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Harm Reducation
When: Thursday, October 8 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
Substance Use
When: Thursday, October 15 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
Teen Dating Violence
When: Tuesday, October 20 at 12-1:30 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 1.5
Introduction to Juvenile Justice
When: Thursday, October 29 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
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If you are interested in watching a recorded video of a past training that you missed, reach out to Betsy Ann Mudd (bmudd@casala.org). We may have what you are looking for!
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You're Invited to the Quarterly Volunteer Forum
At CASA of Los Angeles we are all about transparency and connection. That's why we would like to invite you to our quarterly volunteer forum. Amidst this unprecedented time in our world, our work still continues . Please join us to reflect on recent successes, where we are in current strategic initiatives and discuss our goals ahead. The quarterly volunteer forum provides you with a platform to share your thoughts and feedback on your volunteer experience. It's also a great opportunity to have a dialogue directly with CASA/LA CEO, Wende Julien, and other staff members on topics that truly matter to you.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
4-6 PM
Online via ZOOM
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VIRTUAL CASA CONNECTIONS
The work of a CASA volunteer can be isolating. Sometimes it's hard to remember that you are a part of a group of over 1000 volunteers all working to make a difference in the life of a youth living in foster care. There is a wealth of wisdom and experience in our ranks and Virtual CASA Connections are an avenue to help CASAs connect with each other and tap into that potential. Connections will be organized according to the age of the youth to foster greater commonality among cases and areas of discussion.
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BOOK CLUBS
Coastline Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, November 17 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading: "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, November 10 at 7 PM
We're Reading: "The Compton Cowboys: The New Generation of Cowboys in America's Urban Heartland" by Walter Thompson-Hernandez
Want to host a book club?
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JUSTICE JOG RESULTS!!!
Saturday, August 29th was the kick off of the 13th Annual Justice Jog. However, this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event had to be virtual. Now, 30 days later, the Justice Jog: Virtual 5K/10K QuaRUNtine Challenge was a resounding success and an unbelievable (and unique) experience for all who participated. With over 23 teams and 215 participants, this year's Justice Jog Virtual Challenge has ended up raising more money for CASA/LA than we could have ever dreamt possible. So far, we have raised over $93,000!
Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts including GLA ALA (Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators). Special shout out to Capital Group who raised over $13,000 and our very own CASA/LA team that raised over $5,500. We also want to thank all the CASA volunteers that participated including Bob Kellogg, Laura Thede, Taylor Polidore and many, many more! We couldn't have done it without you!
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WINE. FOOD. ART. CHARITY.
SAVE THE DATE :: FEBRUARY 4 - 7, 2021
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Calling for Holiday Donations!
With the holiday season quickly approaching, we're preparing by gathering items for CASAs to distribute to their youth. If you are interested in organizing a gift card drive or if you have connections to a company or organization who can donate new items (clothes, toys, shoes, etc.) we would love your help!
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Help your youth register to vote!
Check out The Civics Center for youth-friendly voter registration materials and sign up for one of their voter registration workshops!
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You can visit our website for the most up to date version of our court report writing handbook and templates for your court report. In-service trainings on this topic are held quarterly. |
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CASA/LA cares about the well-being of our advocates. As a volunteer, you have access to our EAP program for anonymous telephonic counseling. Company code: CASAOFLA
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Join the CASA resource forum in Muut to search/share resources, communicate with other CASAs, ask questions, and get updates. Read the following instructions to begin. |
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Visit Litmos to access webinars on transitional age youth, early childhood, etc.
Look in your advocate email for an invitation from CASA/LA or contact your supervisor.
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Take a look at our volunteer handbook for any CASA/LA policies regarding anything from conflict of interest, mandatory reporting, boundaries, or posting on social media. |
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“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Sen. Cory Booker,
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