It is an unfortunate reality that there is a disproportionate number of children of color who are in the foster care system. Being cognizant of this reality, we here at the Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation and the Mecklenburg County Guardian ad Litem Program have set diversity and inclusiveness goals. We are trying to increase the numbers of volunteers who are male, and volunteers of color.
We greatly appreciate our current volunteers, but it has been shown that children are more likely to connect with someone who is similar to them, and the people they are usually exposed to. We are now attempting to target some of our recruitment efforts at these demographics. We will NEVER turn down a female volunteer, or volunteers who are not of color, but there is a great need for more men to join our organization!
We have set goals to increase our number of male volunteers by 5% by December 31, 2011, by focusing on holding more male recruitment events similar to ones we have had in the past, partnering with Big Brother Big Sisters. We hope to increase the number of Spanish speaking volunteers by 5% by Dec 31, 2011. We are aiming to have more exposure in local Spanish newspapers and radio stations. We are also hoping to examine the growing disparities for children of color in the foster care system.
Do you know any outlets or organizations that could help us in our recruitment goals?? Let us know! We are always looking for new ways to recruit volunteers, new media outlets to spread the word, and of course new partnerships and collaborations!
