June 2020
E-Newsletter
Events, Information and Resources from Family Voices of MN
Resources, information and other parents who understand what you are going through
We Stand Against Racism
The history of racism has taken its toll every day on our nation’s black and brown children and families. Black people have historically had far fewer opportunities for living wage employment, quality education, health, mental health, and access to other services.
 
We know that it is only when those who are impacted by our national, state, and local policies are equally heard and represented that we can address longstanding inequities, change polices and overcome historical and current trauma and disparities.

This is a moment for Family Voices of Minnesota as an organization and us as individuals to stop and reflect on how we can do better. We are committed to listen, learn, and stand united with black families, colleagues, neighbors, and friends as we all work to end structural racism. We believe Black Lives Matter .

~Carolyn Allshouse, Executive Director, Family Voices of MN
Talking with Young Kids about Racism, Police Brutality, and Protests

Raising a brave generation of children requires open, honest, and age appropriate exploration of race, racism, justice, equality, and anti-racism.  It is an emotional time right now, marked by challenge, pain, and grief. This eBlast from Family Voices National shares some ideas, tools, and resources organized by types of action we can take along with our children:  listening and empathizing; acknowledging and talking; and activism . Engaging in some of these actions may help towards turning pain and grief into hope!
Webinar Short!
Supporting Kids' Mental Health During the Pandemic
Did you miss last month's parent panel webinar "At Home With Kids During Covid"?

Check out this quick clip of Parent Support Navigator, Terri Boettcher, discussing ways to support kids' mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Access the free, on-demand, full version of this webinar and others at www.familyvoicesofminnesota.org/archived-webinars
Stay Connected for Your Well-Being
A recent survey of MN families raising children with extra needs confirmed that we are feeling more isolated than ever.
Explore opportunities to stay connected through our virtual groups and connect with other parents. Choose from a quick Community Coffee Break or one of our long running Parent Groups. All of our programming is built with you, the parent, in mind.
We hope to see you soon.
Spread the Good News
If you find this newsletter to be helpful to you and your family, please consider forwarding it to other families raising children with special healthcare needs. Now, more than ever, we need to stay connected. We are in this together.