#DonateYourSmallTalk
encourages people
to mention
foster care
in everyday
conversation
FosterMore, a coalition of entertainment, media, business and philanthropic organizations working to deliver a better future for America’s foster care youth, kicks off today its #DonateYourSmallTalk campaign just in time for May National Foster Care Month.
The premise for FosterMore’s #DonateYourSmallTalk is simple: talking about foster care can help millions of kids who are currently in the foster care system or were in the system at some point in their lives.
With more than 400,000 children currently in foster care, FosterMore’s #DonateYourSmallTalk aims to keep foster care children, foster youth and foster care families top of mind.
Instead of talking about the weather, the weekend or lunch plans, FosterMore is encouraging people to donate their small talk time to foster care. The goal is to inspire dialogue and action around foster care action that could impact lives.
mcgarrybowen created a series of quick spots to demonstrate this simplicity. Edited by Cutters, they use everyday situations to get the point across with ease.
TAXI #DONATEYOURSMALLTALK
“We are proud to launch the #DonateYourSmallTalk campaign where through the power of words and conversations, we ensure foster care children are at the center of everyday conversations and more importantly, set up for success when they grow up,” said David Ambroz, founder of FosterMore. “Like all children, foster children and youth have dreams, aspirations and unlimited potential. Foster youth need not only loving and safe homes to live in, but also resources that can create paths of opportunities.”
Foster homes and foster parents are critical for children who are displaced temporarily or permanently. In the United States 184,000 households have at least one foster child younger than 18, and each day approximately 700 children enter the foster care system. More importantly, foster care youth also have dreams. A recent study found about 70 percent of foster youth plan to go to college.
FosterMore shines a light on the amazing potential of kids and families in the foster care system, and empowers all foster kids to reach their dreams through education.
The “Give Back” scholarship
In addition to #DonateYourSmallTalk, FosterMore is partnering with Give Back to issue $5 million in college scholarships to foster youth who are in high school in California, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
The Give Back scholarship, together with federal and state financial aid, covers tuition, standard fees, and room and board expenses.
Give Back will select 250 students over the next four years, and the scholarship is contingent on their acceptance to one of the 29 partnering colleges. Give Back provides mentoring, college readiness programs and scholarships to students who face adversity every day and are academically driven.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with FosterMore to help high-achieving foster youth fulfill their dream to go to college with our scholarship program,” said Robert Carr, founder of Give Back. “Education provides children with elevated opportunities for success, and every child, no matter their circumstances, should be able to attend college.”
FosterMore encourages everyone – whether to become a foster parent, offer resources or simply donate their small talk – to play a part in ensuring that foster youth receive the support, nurturing and guidance they need to succeed in life.
About FosterMore
FosterMore is a coalition of entertainment, media, business and philanthropic organizations working to deliver a better future for youth in foster care. FosterMore’s goal is it rebrand America’s foster youth by showcasing their accomplishments and potential, while securing success for their academic success and creating a pipeline of potential foster parents. The organization strives to become the internet’s “go-to resource” for anyone looking to learn more about foster youth and serve as a conduit to local organizations across the country. For more informationwww.fostermore.org.
About Give Back
Give Back provides college scholarships and mentoring to students who have faced economic hardship and other adversities. Since 2003, Give Back has prepaid more than 1,500 scholarships, an upfront contribution of more than $36 million. With its unique financial model, dedication to college preparation, and high standards, its helps students achieve upward economic mobility and build stronger communities. For more information www.giveback.ngo.
Credits | #DonateYourSmallTalk
mcgarrybowen
Account
Laurel Flatt, President
Marisa Bernstein, Account Director
Muriel Neary, Account Executive
Strategy
Anna Conroy, Group Planning Director
Creative
Kurt Fries, Chief Creative Officer, Chicago
Andres Arlia, Creative Director
Christian Liu, Creative Director
Production
Mark Olson, Executive Producer
Tracy Tran, Production Manager of Content Studio
Madison Amalfitano, Associate Producer
Send your campaign updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
