KConnect is a collection of area organizations dedicated to creating systemic change. It held its PACE forum, which stands for Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement. This year’s theme is Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
“We are seeking to unify our community with conversation and dialogue around some of the bright spots here in Kent County and ways that we might be able to build in the gaps as we experience sweeping federal, state, and local level changes.”
That’s VP of Policy, Advocacy and Community Engagement at KConnect, Dr. Shyla Young. She says the forum is grounded in the organization’s vision that every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their starting point. It’s a vision that mirrors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream, says forum speaker and West Michigan Policy Strategist for the ACLU Liz Balck.
“We’re not there yet, but I think these types of events really help us take those steps that we have to take. It’s hard work, but we have to do the work, and really, we can’t do it alone. We have to do it together, intentionally, communally.”
Both women say they hope the 80-plus attendees appreciate the importance of supporting kids from crib to career, no matter who they are or where they come from.
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