Voices for Change
An Opportunity For Foster Youth To Creatively Express Their Thoughts About Foster Care
The Virginia Poverty Law Center, in collaboration with Voices for Virginia's Children, FACES of Virginia's Families and Art 180, announces "Voices for Change", an art, writing and photography contest for youth in foster care. Youth between the ages of 12 and 21 who are presently in foster care in Virginia or who were adopted out of Virginia's foster care system after August 15, 2007 are invited to submit an original essay, poem, painting, drawing or photograph that describes their experiences in foster care or their ideas for change. All entries must be received by August 15, 2008.
During the summer months, the sponsoring organizations will host one-day workshops for youth in foster care with local writers, artists and photographers. At each workshop, local writers, artists and photographers will meet with the young people and teach short seminars to help build the youth's confidence and encourage participation in the contest. The following is a list of workshops dates and locations:
| July 8 | Salem | Roanoke College |
| July 25 | Big Stone Gap | Trinity United Methodist Church |
| July 30 | Richmond | Mary and Frances Youth Center, VCU |
| July 31 | Harrisonburg | Rockingham Memorial Hospital |
| August 1 | Alexandria | Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria Campus) |
| August 7 | Lexington | R.E. Lee Episcopal Church |
| August 8 | Norfolk | Good Shepherd Episcopal Church |
Youth must register for the workshops in advance. There is no charge and lunch will be provided. For more information on the workshops and to register, contact Laura Shepherd at laura@vakids.org or 804-649-0184, ext. 23.
For the complete "Voices for Change" brochure, click here.
For a printer friendly contest entry form, click here.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors:
- The Freddie Mac Foundation
- Marks and Harrison
- Ritz Camera
- Virginia Department of Social Services
Links to "Voices for Change" co-sponsors: