*|IF:MERGE|* Dear *|FNAME|*, *|ELSE:|* Dear FOCS Community, *|END:IF|*
This year has been too long, so we'll try to keep it brief. We are so grateful to continue our parent groups and family events with you virtually. With every surprise guest appearance of our kiddos, every "you're muted," we know that behind it all was deep love for our community of families of color.
We also know that the lasting economic and health impacts of this pandemic won't disappear with the vaccine, especially not for families of color.
So while we're celebrating the end of 2020, we're also taking time to rest so that we can sustain our work to adapt our services, keep our parent groups free, and nourish the soil that grows our community.
You, our generous advocates, raised $3,300 this month! Will you help us raise a total of $5,000 by the end of the year? Whatever you are able to give, whether it's five or five hundred dollars, we graciously welcome you to add a holiday gift to FOCS as part of one of the many ways you have shown up for your community this year.
Take care, stay safe, and we'll see you soon!
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Great board members wanted!
Our board members champion the importance of community leadership and understand that FOCS needs a strong and effective board to fully realize its potential for good and serve our families and communities well.
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We’re looking for a few talented and conscientious volunteer board members. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership skills, and are interested in exploring this opportunity, please submit your resume below. Our dedicated FOCS board strives to be a model of governance performance. The ideal Board member is dedicated to enhancing women of color leadership; and has a deep understanding of our FOCS community and its need, passion for our mission, willingness to commit time for board meetings, committee meetings, and special events.
Board members are expected to serve a minimum of one (1) two-year term on the Board, with option to renew. They also serve on at least one Board committee.
Typical duties expected of a board member include:
- Attends regular board meetings (every other month)
- Serve on a Board committee and attend its meetings (every other month)
- Attends full-day annual board retreat in the Fall
- Reviews monthly financial statements of the organization
- Participates in fundraising
- Makes an annual monetary contribution to FOCS, in an amount that is personally meaningful
In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities above, our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying financial resources and partnerships with other organizations necessary for FOCS to advance its mission.
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* Just announced! *
MIXED-RACE / MULTIRACIAL FAMILIES
For mixed-race/multiracial parents with children of any age; monoracial parents of mixed-race/multiracial children ages 0-2 who have previously completed a FOCS Newborns/Waddlers group; and monoracial parents of mixed-race/multiracial children ages 2+
Fridays | 2 - 4 pm
February 5 - March 26
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Virtual Family Programs
We're closing out the year with a variety of offerings, from learning about the Covid-19 vaccine, a healing space for BIPOC survivor parents and caregivers, and talking technology use and sexuality with children of color ages 8-19.
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WHEN
Monday, December 28
1 - 2:30 pm
WHAT
Join FOCS for a community conversation about the recently announced Covid-19 vaccine! Local maternal health expert and repeat FOCS' guest presenter Rokea Jones will discuss how pregnant and birthing families fare in the current climate, and will be available specifically to answer questions about birthing during Covid-19. We will also discuss King County Public Health's roll-out phases for the vaccine and what access points are available for families of color. This event is for BIPOC families and birthworkers.
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WHEN
Saturday, December 19
10 am - 12 pm
WHAT
Are you a BIPOC survivor raising children? Then this workshop is for you! Parents who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence will gather in a contained space to share their stories, understand and refine their healing journey practices, and discuss the four stages of parenting and breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma!
***this space will center Black, Indigenous and People of Color, trans and queer, sick and disabled Parents and caregivers of color (and their children) who are survivors of violence***
Please let us know any access needs you have! Live captioning (CART) will be available.
If you have any questions please contact LOURDEZ@apichaya.org
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WHEN
Thursday, December 17
6:30 - 8:15 pm
WHAT
Join FOCS staff, Planned Parenthood sexual health educators, and other parents to discuss responsible technology use, healthy media consumption, and the impacts on child development and sexuality. This workshop is for parents & caregivers raising children and youth of color ages 8 – 19. Participants will learn tips and tools to support their children to use technology in ways that support their self-esteem and sexuality throughout their lives.
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WHEN
Mondays | 4 - 4:45 pm
November 2 - December 21
WHAT
Mindful Mondays: Mindfulness Practice for BIPOC Youth & Families facilitated by Space Between
In need of some melanated mindfulness? Join us for Mindful Mondays, an 8-week mindfulness series for BIPOC Youth & Families facilitated by Space Between! Each week, Space Between will lead us through a 30 minute mindfulness practice for adults and school-age youth, followed by 15 minutes for Q+A for the parents/caregivers.
BIPOC youth are welcome to join any/all sessions, with or without a parent/caregiver.
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FOCS Wins a BECU People Helping People Award!
FOCS is so honored to receive $30,000 to support our mission to build a strong community by supporting families of color through equitable parent programs, resource sharing, and fostering meaningful connections.
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BECU program surprised FOCS staff and board members by scheduling a "site visit follow up" and told us the great news. Thank you to everyone who voted!
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2020 Gift Guide
Seattle Green Book Black Business Directory
Seattle Black Santa 2020 on 12/20
100 Black Parents. Free, RSVP only
Holiday food boxes for Rainier Beach families
Ujamaa Food Circle. Delivery begins Dec 29, on the day of Ujamaa in the annual
African American celebration Kwanzaa.
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