"People often say, with pride, I'm not interested in politics. They might as well say, I'm not interested in my standard of living, my health, my job, my rights, my freedoms, my future or any future. If we mean to keep any control over our world and lives, we must be interested in politics."

Martha Gellhorn

Network members' voices bring good news and share highlights from around our community

Recapping the 2024 Vital Village National Community Leadership Summit: Carrying forward "Radical Connection and Renewal for Collective Liberation"

Earlier this month, Vital Village Networks hosted the 11th National Community Leadership Summit, embracing the theme of "Radical Connection and Renewal for Collective Liberation.” This year’s Summit unites diverse communities to explore innovative approaches to enhancing child, family, and community well-being by fostering genuine connections and partnerships.


The Summit provided a space for thought-provoking, action inspiring conversations about the inherent collective nature of this work, highlighting the importance of self and community care. With that impetus, we have launched the Social Justice Mediation Institute (SJMI) Training application and the nomination period for our 2024 Unsung Hero Awards


The SJMI Training is designed to equip community leaders with essential skills to mediate conflicts effectively and advocate for social justice, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. The Unsung Hero Awards honor individuals who are dedicated to maximizing the well-being of children, families, and communities. Recognizing these unsung heroes not only highlights their invaluable contributions but will also inspire others to engage actively in community-building efforts. 


Through these initiatives, Vital Village Networks underscored the necessity of nurturing well-connected communities that are trained, supported, and empowered to face challenges and inspire growth. Join us as we continue our commitment to radical connection, emphasizing the importance and the power of our collective as we create transformative outcomes. Visit our online nomination form to honor your unsung heroes today! And don’t miss your chance to apply for the 2024 SJMI training through our website portal.

SJMI Training Application
Unsung Hero Nomination Form

Connect with Vital Village Networks at these upcoming events

Launching BMC's Hybrid Baby Café!

Mondays, Starting October 21st | 4:30 - 6:00 pm ET

The Baby Café is designed to be a welcoming space for new parents and caregivers, providing lactation resources, support, and a sense of community. It will be staffed by volunteer professional Lactation Counselors. We are excited to return to an in-person environment! However, the option to participate virtually via zoom remains available and you can register here.

Register for Virtual Attendence Here!

Peer Learning Cluster: Collective Visioning for 2025 on Peer Leadership Strategies to Promote Advocacy

Tuesday, November 12th | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm ET

Join us Tuesday November 12 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm ET for an interactive and collaborative group visioning session focused on peer-led strategies to promote advocacy. This co-design process will create space to identify group priorities, build consensus on advocacy strategies, skills, and approaches to advance equity for children and families that the Peer Learning Cluster (PLC) community would like to explore in 2025. We will also discuss additional leadership opportunities for PLC members.

Register Here

Save the date! Upcoming Network Connection Meetings

We will be hosting our next Network Connection meeting on Wednesday, December 16th. Event details and a registration link will be shared via email, on social media, and on the Vital Village Networks calendar. We hope to see you there!

Greater Boston Birth Equity Coalition, 2024 Community Convening

Saturday, November 16th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET

The Greater Boston Birth Equity Coalition (GBBEC) invites you to attend their Community Coalition Meeting on Saturday, November 16th from 2:00 - 4:00pm at the Roxbury Public Library in Nubian Square. This is an opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about birth equity and maternal health in the community. You'll meet the GBBEC Servant Leadership team, provide guidance on their strategic priorities, and get involved in the next steps. Register through Eventbrite today! You can learn more about the GBBEC on the Vital Village website.

Register Here

Check out available resources to children and families

We are Now Accepting Nominations for the 2024 Vital Village Unsung Hero Awards

We are excited to announce that Vital Village is accepting nominations for the 2024 Unsung Hero Awards. Each year, we honor members of the network as Unsung Heroes- those who have extended themselves beyond expectations in their community and organization as a leader in maximizing child, family, and community well-being. We are accepting nominations for this year's honorees through Friday, November 1st at 11:59 pm ET. Submit your nominations using our online form.

Learn More and Nominate Here

Applications are open for the 2025 Community Food Systems Fellowship

We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 Community Food Systems Fellowship Program until November 8th, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. This national fellowship is intended for local leaders working to advance just and equitable community food systems. Interested in learning more about this opportunity? Join the upcoming virtual information session on November 5th at 4pm ET. Apply using the online form, or use this link to nominate someone who may be a good fit. You can also check out the 2025 Request for Applications and FAQ on our website for additional information.

Learn More

Applications for the 2024 Social Justice Mediation Institute (SJMI) Training are Open!

This is a free, virtual 40 hour training where attendees will learn about mediation and have the opportunity to practice their developed mediation skills through a 6-month service learning pathway. The program seeks to resolve conflicts in our community while addressing underlying issues of race, class, and gender. Applications deadline is Monday November 4th at 11:59 pm ET.


Training dates and times:

Weekend 1: Saturday, Dec. 7th, Sunday, Dec. 8th, and Monday, Dec. 9th

Weekend 2: Friday, Dec. 13th, Saturday, Dec. 14th, and Sunday, Dec. 15th

Times All 6 Days: 9:00 am - 12 pm & 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm ET


Learn More and Apply

Now Accepting Applications for the National Birth Justice Fellowship

Applications are now open for the National Birth Justice Fellowship! This 18-month fellowship supports local changemakers who are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at reducing health inequities and injustices experienced by birthing families, particularly among populations that have been historically marginalized. Be a part of building a national, community-led birth justice network Applications close on Friday, November 22nd.


Join us for an informational webinar on Tuesday, October 29 at 12:00 pm ET to learn more. Register here.

Apply Here

Events, resources, and opportunities by our partners and community organizations

BPL By Bike: Fall Pop-Ups

South End Library

Spend time outside of the South End Library to browse and borrow books, sign up for a library card, and learn more about what the library has to offer! Learn more here. No registration required.

Date & Time:

Every Thursday in October | 10 am - 1 pm ET

Location:

South End Library Park | 685 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02118

Learn More

Fall-O-Ween Children's Festival 2024

Boston Parks and Recreation Department

Celebrate fall and the approach of Halloween with a festival hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department! There will be music, giveaways, arts and crafts, and more. Learn more here. No registration required.


Date & Time:

Friday, October 18th, 2024 | 5 - 8 pm ET

Location:

Corner of Charles and Beacon Streets, Boston, MA, 02108

Learn More

Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts Resource Virtual Showcase

SEL4MA (Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts)

This showcase is organized by SEL4MA (Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts), where Social Emotional Learning leaders and other national SEL experts present in a virtual conference. Included in the day will be interactive presentations, live breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Learn more here.

Date & Time:

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 | 8 am - 3:30 pm ET

Location:

Virtual Event on Zoom

Learn More

Let's Talk about Credit!

Boston Center for Working Families

A good credit score saves you money by opening the door to cheaper loans, better credit card offers, and greater job and housing opportunities. Fortunately, a credit score doesn't depend on how much money you have; it only depends on you ability to follow some basic rules. In this workshop, you can learn: The formula to increase your credit score, how to read a credit report, and how to start working one-on-one with a Financial Coach! Register on Zoom.

Date & Time:

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 | 10 - 11 am ET

Location:

Virtual Workshop on Zoom

Register Here

Check out job, volunteer, and grant opportunities available in our community

Library Aide (Part-Time)

The Boston Public Library | Grove Hall Branch

The Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library is looking for mature, dependable individuals to sort and check in materials, answer questions from patrons, and operate library equipment among other related tasks. Knowledge of a foreign language is desirable. Learn more about the opportunity here.

Learn More and Apply

Volunteer Opportunity: Haley House

23 Dartmouth St | Boston, MA, 02116

Volunteer to prepare meals and serve food in the soup kitchen, food pantry, and cooking classes! Create healthy food for those who are in great need of it, alongside others who want to do the same. Volunteer opportunities occur every day but have a limited availability of volunteer slots.

Become a Volunteer

The Boston Foundation's Safety Net Grant

Application Deadline: October 21, 2024

The Safety Net Grant Aims to support non-profit organizations that provide various types of social services which respond to marginalized communities essential and unmet needs. They define essential needs as, "resources that restore health, wellness, safety, and belonging for individuals and famility in crisis." Grants are $50,000 paid in two equal annual installments. For more information, click here.


With questions, email safetynetgrants@tbf.org, or call (617) 338-4508.

Learn More

Managing Stress in Your Job Search Seminar

October 31st, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12 pm ET

Virtual via MassHire: Downtown Boston Career Center

Looking for a job but overcome with stress? Join a webinar hosted by MassHire to cover two strategies to reduce a stress that the magority of unemployed individuals also report experiencing. These include changing your perspective, and taking action. Registration is free. Learn more about the opportunity here.

Learn More and Register

Financial Literacy and Child Wellbeing

Financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing not only economic success but also the overall wellbeing of children. In the U.S., many families face challenges teaching children financial skills due to their own lack of understanding, resulting in a cycle of poor financial decisions. This issue, particularly prevalent in low-income households, has long-term consequences for both economic stability and children's mental health.


Key Statistics

  • Youth financial literacy: Studies show that only 24% of millennials demonstrate basic financial literacy (Ramsey Solutions)

Fig 1.



  • Parental influence: Children raised in financially literate households are likely to develop sound financial habits, contributing to reduced stress and economic stability later in life (Consumer Finance Gov).
  • Educational gaps: Currently, only 25 states require personal finance as part of their graduation requirements (Ramsey Solutions).

Fig 2.



Solutions


  • Integrating financial education in schools: Starting financial literacy education as early as elementary school can foster responsible habits. Evidence suggests that high school graduated who receive financial education see improved credit scores and savings behaviors (Consumer Finance Gov).
  • Parent and child joint programs: Creating programs that involve both parents and children can help reinforce financial lessons at home, improving outcomes for the whole family (Consumer Finance Gov).
  • Community resources: Providing access to financial coaching and community-based education can support families with lower financial knowledge and resources.


Conclusion


Investing in financial literacy education for children can lead to long-term improvements in child wellbeing and economic outcomes. With the right tools and policies, we can equip the next generation with the financial knowledge they need for a stable and secure future.

For more data and detailed insights, you can explore resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau​ (Consumer Finance Gov) and Ramsey Solutions​ (Ramsey Solutions).

 

References:

  1. (N.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/financial-literacy/financial-literacy-crisis-in-america
  2. (N.d.). Retrieved from A review of youth financial education: Effects and evidence (consumerfinance.gov)

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