Social Justice Collective

Let's talk about Targeted Universalism

If you’re free tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., come join the Social Justice Collective as we explore the concept of Targeted Universalism and how we might apply this approach in our work at CPPR.

Jevan Bremby, research project coordinator, sees this framework as a way to help our partners realize their visions, like, “All children thrive” or “Every child enters school ready to learn.”

In these examples, he says, “You have to acknowledge that not all children are starting from the same place. For us to meet these goals, there have to be strategies we employ for certain groups. This means targeted strategies that may not result in an equal distribution of services, but do result in equitable distribution of services.”

He hopes we can find ways to help our partners grapple with these issues and find ways to meet their broad goals by ensuring that everyone has the equitable and just supports they need.

“At CPPR, we are privileged to have the ear of the people who have the clout to make these decisions,” he says. “If we are not using our position to influence for good, or prompt them to ask more thoughtful, critical questions, I think we are abdicating our responsibility. My hope is that if we get enough people asking those kinds of questions, and being critical about those successes, that is how we ultimately change organizational culture and succeed in our mission.”

SJC meeting info

Thurs., Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m.
URL: https://kansas.zoom.us/j/92131030915
Meeting ID: 921 3103 0915
Passcode: 216658

Learn about Targeted Universalism

Here’s the video Jevan shared during Connect that gives an overview of Targeted Universalism.

Here’s an article with a bit more info.

1-800-CHILDREN

CPPR'ers working to make resource hub equitable and inclusive

When the 1-800-CHILDREN Call Line + Resource Directory relaunched Nov. 4, it not only had a new look, it also sported robust tools that will better support diverse families and communities across Kansas. In case you are not familiar, 1-800-CHILDREN (previously the Parent Helpline) has been serving Kansas families since 1993. It provides judgment-free, 24/7, confidential information, connection to local resources, and supports.

CPPR has played a key role in the updating and rebranding of the statewide call line and resource directory, as part of our work with the PDG implementation grant. We are providing backbone support and technical assistance to our partners at the Kansas Children’s Service League, who operates the call line and resource directory. Here’s a link to the site.

Stories are already rolling in about how this resource is helping families, says Danielle Brower, research project coordinator. But we’re not done. Right now, our group is hard at work ensuring the resource directory is equitable and inclusive of the needs of all Kansans:

Resources in people’s preferred language. Instead of expecting all parents to navigate the site in English, we selected software that translates the site into more than 100 languages so they can search for resources in the language they are most comfortable using. This enables users to both search and navigate the resource directory in their native language. Additionally, 1-800-CHILDREN call line staff utilize the language line and have bilingual staff on their team.

Users will be able to self-select filters. Danielle says we are currently exploring ways to customize available filters so people can self-select priority areas within the resource they are looking for. For example, a parent who needs LGBTQIA+ resources could check that option, then receive resources that meet those criteria.

Culturally supportive search function. Since parents from different cultures may use different search terms on the site, Danielle says they are looking at ways to refine the site's search component to respond to their queries.

Post-Election Briefing

Jackie weighs in on the impact on early childhood

Thanksgiving Re-examined

Adapt your traditions.

This year, your usual Thanksgiving celebrations may be upended by the pandemic. Out are those large gatherings of friends and family and traveling to see loved ones. Here are a few way CPPR’ers are showing resiliency and modifying their celebration this year:

• Gathering at the Christmas Tree Farm. Instead of gathering with her extended family for a large Thanksgiving meal, Ashley Lafond, administrative associate, and her family will meet up at a local Christmas tree farm instead. Together, they will enjoy hot cocoa and hunt for the perfect tree.
• Solo Art Retreat. Eliza Bullock, marketing strategist, shares, “I am trying to embrace the fact that I will be alone for the first Thanksgiving ever. I opted out of joining my family on the east coast, which was a tough but necessary decision. Rather than staying home and feeling sorry for myself, I’ve organized a solo art retreat and am taking myself to a minimalist cabin for three days around the holiday. I’ll be taking the time to reconnect with myself, my passions, and to just spend some time being quiet.”

Honor Native Americans.

For First Nations people, Thanksgiving can be a very sorrowful day, a reminder of the genocide of Native people, theft of their land, and assault on their culture. In this article How to Really Honor Native Americans on Thanksgiving, Liana Boulles says, “I’m not saying one can’t enjoy the holidays. Rather, Thanksgiving is a chance to examine a far more nuanced, tragic history that is always glossed over in favor of comfort. It’s a chance to hear the side of real Natives, who face the same genocide as their ancestors hundreds of years ago.”

Gather safely.

Here is how the CDC recommends you make your gatherings as safe as possible.

Rest and relax.

We're all tired these days. Here’s the Everything is Exhausting podcast Jackie shared about during our Connect meeting. Consider using this time off to rest your body, mind, and spirit.

Land O' Links

One-click access for your most often used CPPR links