November news & updates
November 22, 2021| Issue 10
Thank you for attending our 9th Annual State of Our Children Address & Report Card Release
Nearly 100 change makers attend the 9th Annual State of Our Children Address
This year marked 10 years of ROC the Future's existence. 10 years of collective impact. 10 years of cross-sector partnership. We are Rochester’s collective impact table focused on educational success. With more than 70 leading organizations and community partners, we have made progress on the way we come together to support kids.

Nearly 100 change makers came together to celebrate this momentous occasion. As we look to the future we know that there is much work ahead and we are committed to the betterment of all kids.

Each student in our community deserves an educational system that will prepare them for success. ROC the Future is all of us working together. ROC the Future is you. Together, we will ensure that all children thrive regardless of race, place or circumstance.
Congratulations to our State of Our Children Award Winners!
For a third year in a row, we have recognized community champions for their work to support children, cradle to career.

Learn more about this year's winners in the following categories:

  • The Jacque Cady Annual Advocacy for Children Award 
  • Parent Leader Award 
  • Organizational Partner Award 
News from StriveTogether
The new StriveTogether Theory of Action™ is here!

The StriveTogether Theory of Action™ provides a roadmap for building the civic infrastructure necessary for systems transformation.

The milestones inform necessary collaboration of cross-sector leaders from systems like education, housing, healthcare and more to get better results for youth and families.
Community Engagement Spectrum

Centering the voices of those most impacted by decision making is crucial for creating equity and transforming systems. This community engagement spectrum can help Cradle to Career Network members holistically assess the roles, contributions and decision-making power of youth, families and the community across all of their work as they move toward shifting power.
Youth and Family Engagement
New Cohort of Youth Leaders 

On Saturday, October 16th, ten youth leaders from across the county engaged in an orientation to join Cohort 2 of the Youth Leadership Coalition (YLC). The YLC is a youth led collective impact initiative designed to elevate youth voice in systems transformation. Leveraging a network of partners, justice fighters and systems changers, we support capacity building to train future youth leaders to dismantle systems of inequity that ignore the power of youth voice.
Building Momentum with the Wildly Important Goal

ROC the Future reached over 30 parents for our Wildly Important Goal while attending the City of Rochester’s ROC the Block Job Fair on October 23 at East High School. 
Parent Blogs
Last year, Sara Taylor and a group of parents found themselves overwhelmed navigating the mental health system for their children experiencing a psychiatric crisis. They decided to take action to address some of the inequities and barriers across the mental health system.
My name is Rebecca Hetherington and I am the mom of 3 boys (2 in RCSD and 1 future), the Parent Representative on the RCSD School Board Finance Committee and the Secretary of PLAC as well as a small business owner (Instant Monogramming, Inc) in the city of Rochester.

Being a Parent Leader in the Rochester City School District can be a challenging and an often-lonely road to travel.
News from KaBoom
Lifting Teen Voices in Rochester, NY

The new adventure course at Grand Avenue Park is brightly-colored, consisting of parkour-inspired equipment like climbing ropes and walls, cargo nets, and obstacle courses. Before, says Kayshawna, age 14, there were no recreation options designed specifically with teens in mind.
New Video of Adventure Course

In Rochester, KABOOM! came together with partners to create a new adventure course where teens can challenge themselves, have fun with peers, and feel like they belong. With teens themselves at the helm of the design and community engagement process, Grand Avenue Park was transformed into a multi-generational gathering place that contributes to a thriving, healthy community.
Upcoming Events
Community Within: Black Child Play as Response and Protest

Date: Saturday December 4, 2021

Time: 9-10:30a

Healthi Kids is partnering with ROC the Future to bring you an interactive workshop. Facilitated by mother and daughter duo Julia Brazier and Dr. Ariana Brazier from ATL Parent Like a Boss Inc. This informative and interactive workshop highlights the various ways that Black children, particularly Black children living in poverty, play. The workshop works with participants through dialogue, physical play, multimedia components, and critical inquiry to analyze the ages and stages of play necessary for holistic child development, as well as the racialized and classed ways in which play is deprived as Black children age and grow. Finally, we consider the ways that Black children use play to respond to and protest against institutionalized racism.

The workshop is open to all RCSD educators, community partners and families. Family leaders who attend will be provided a stipend for their time. Registration is capped at 60 people.
PlayROCs FREE virtual family play day!

Date: Saturday December 4, 2021

Time: 11-12:30p

Healthi Kids is partnering with ROC the Future to bring you a PLAYROCs virtual play day event! Facilitated by mother and daughter duo Julia Brazier and Dr. Ariana Brazier from ATL Parent Like a Boss Inc. Your whole family is invited to join in a playful celebration of Black joy and literacy! This intergenerational event will be both interactive and informative as families engage in special games and dialogue around the book Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

Families who attend will receive the book Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. Registration is capped at 30 people.
ROC the Future in the News