July CASA Story Activation Update
Can you believe it’s been three months since we were together in-person kicking off this campaign? You’ve done an incredible job getting CASA Story off the ground. Thank you to all who’ve started outreach to their legislators. Together, we’re spreading the CASA Story across Texas.
New Media Resources
You’ll find July publicaciones en redes sociales y una alerta de medios en el Portal del programa CASA Story. The media alert is centered on how summer months leave children, especially those in foster care, without the trusted adults and resources they depend on. It emphasizes that CASA volunteers provide advocacy year-round. Pitch ideas include:
- An explanation of why school-based resources are critical for children and youth in foster care
- Connection to a volunteer who showed up for a child over the summer when their schedule and sense of normalcy changed (Optional add-on: include a school leader, teacher, counselor, etc. that your program has experience working alongside)
- State of Child Welfare in Texas (Texas CASA is available for interviews in person or virtually, based on location.)
Feedback Opportunity: CASA Story Communication Resources
As we plan for fall CASA Story materials, we’d love your feedback on the media alerts, social media tools, and stock photo options that are currently part of the campaign. Please share your feedback on the April, May, and June communication resources. Your input will help us build and refine the CASA Story campaign.
Reuniones con legisladores
Por favor, ponte en contacto con publicpolicy@texascasa.org if you have any questions about the CASA Story Program Strategy Legislative Matrix or need support. As a reminder, the matrix includes our recommendations for spring/summer outreach by program and information about legislators for each program/service area and legislators shared by CASA programs.
As you meet and engage with legislators, please be sure to complete the Legislative Visit Feedback Form. This helps our team track outreach efforts, identify follow-up opportunities, and better coordinate statewide advocacy strategy
Public Policy Team Updates
We’re excited to announce that AD Tincopa joined Texas CASA last week as the new Public Policy Specialist. AD has dedicated her career to serving youth and families across Texas, bringing experience from education, legislative, and state agency settings. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Policy and Administrative Practice. AD has also served as a CASA volunteer in Travis County for two years and is excited to continue advancing CASA’s mission through statewide policy and advocacy efforts.
Stephanie Battaglia, who’s served in this role for four years, is heading to law school in early August. She’ll be with us until then, sharing her vast knowledge and experience with AD. We’re so grateful for everything Stephanie’s done to support the CASA network and the children and families in Texas impacted by the child welfare system. Help us wish Stephanie well as she gears up for her next adventure. We’ll miss her dearly.
Prioridades legislativas
Texas CASA’s Legislative Priorities for the 90th Legislative Session will be voted on at this week’s Texas CASA Board of Directors Meeting. These priorities were informed by the CASA network’s input. More information to come soon
Ana O’Quin, Public Policy Director, and AD Tincopa, Public Policy Specialist, will lead a Public Policy Institute at the upcoming Advocacy in Motion conference in September about Texas CASA’s Legislative Priorities. Registration for the conference opens next month. Look for their session on Wednesday afternoon, 9/11.
Comparte tu historia
We’d love to highlight your stories of impact throughout the CASA Story campaign. Please email the following types of stories to communications@texascasa.org.
- How CASA volunteers change lives
- Tu experiencia con el lanzamiento de CBC
- Your experience seeing and managing more severe cases
Thank you for your continued dedication to the volunteers and children you serve. We’re truly inspired by the work you do every day.
