Join Juliana in supporting the Mockingbird Society

Support the work of young advocates.

I first became aware of Mockingbird’s work nearly ten years ago, when I was working as a case manager supporting youth in foster care. In that role, I witnessed the deep complexities and inequities of the child welfare system—and I was struck by how Mockingbird tackled these challenges not just through services, but through big picture, youth-led, systemic change. It was powerful to see an organization so intentionally center the voices of the young people most impacted by foster care and homelessness. In January 2024, I was honored to join Mockingbird’s Board of Directors.   

This year, I had the privilege of attending the annual Youth Advocacy Day, where more than 50 young people gather in Olympia to share their stories with legislators. Having advocated in Olympia myself as a teenager on issues related to mental health, I know the courage it takes to be vulnerable and the strength it takes to turn lived experience into advocacy for policy change. Seeing this next generation step into that power was incredibly moving.                    

I also attended Mockingbird’s annual event last fall and was deeply impressed by how the organization lives its values. In response to youth feedback, they moved away from the typical fundraising model and reimagined the event entirely. Instead of a formal banquet, they hosted it at a local museum and park, featuring food trucks and youth-led performances in music, poetry, and dance. It was welcoming, joyful, and centered in community.                    

Mockingbird is not only changing systems—it’s changing how we show up for young people. I feel lucky to support their mission.                                    

For Mockingbird's GiveBIG 2025 campaign, I have set a goal to raise $1,000 to support Mockingbird's work. Support the advocacy efforts of young people by making a gift today!

Your gift for GiveBIG 2025 will provide tangible support to young people in the following ways...

• Co-creating community with YYA by creating Affinity Spaces for young people. These spaces will provide additional opportunities for young people to practice hope, self-advocacy, and community. Gifts for GiveBIG will help to bring mental health professionals to these spaces, provide food for young people attending, and cover the cost of venues and community building activities.
• Building YYA skills as changemakers by providing compensation for young people to engage in advocacy and learning opportunities. Gifts from GiveBIG will fund stipends for young people, making it possible for them to attend chapter meetings, advocacy workgroups, feedback sessions, engage in opportunities with our community partners, and contribute to our youth-centered publication, The Mockingbird Times. Funds raised during GiveBIG will also support learning opportunities for young people, including training and curriculum to support their personal development.  
• Elevating YYA voices in impactful spaces by building resources for our 2025 Youth Leadership Summit. Gifts from GiveBIG will fund stipends to compensate young people as they plan and prepare for Youth Leadership Summit in early August. During the Summit, young people will have the opportunity to speak directly with systems leaders, present their ideas for solutions to challenges they face, and garner support for their advocacy work.

More About The Mockingbird Society

Over the years, Mockingbird has won 70+ major policy reforms in Washington state, changing the outcomes for over 200,000 children, youth, and families and prompting more than $252 million in state investment in services and support. 

Mockingbird focuses on positive youth development in support of advocacy—being visible and vocal—which has been identified as a “protective factor” for at-risk youth and young adults. Our community-building activities support our young advocates by bolstering their confidence in their abilities, values, and voice. The skill of self-advocacy is powerful in building youth's leadership and awareness that they can have a role in not only improving their individual circumstances, but also enacting societal change.