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Our V.O.I.C.E
V.O.I.C.E by People Matter exists to influence policy, inform systems, and start reform. By giving a voice to the children, youth, young adults, and their families most affected by our silence. What good is the use of speech if one does not know how to speak and the other does not know how to listen.
"Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king. He is an independent force in the world. Abandoned by his party, betrayed by his friends, stripped of his offices, whoever can command this power is still formidable." - The Scaffolding of Rhetoric, written in 1897 | Winston Churchill
V
Vision
VOICE
We see beyond policy. Vision means reshaping how Texas and the nation perceive trauma, foster care, and youth equity. It’s the long view of legislation that outlives us and systems that actually serve.
O
Outreach
VOICE
We build bridges between legislators and youth, between caseworkers and educators, between the local and the state. Outreach ensures we never operate in silos; we bring every stakeholder to the same table
I
Inclusion
VOICE
Every voice counts from youth in care, teachers, families, and advocates. Inclusion is not symbolic; it’s structural. It’s the commitment to designing policy with the people most affected, not just for them.
C
Change
VOICE
We drive it, not wait for it. Change is measurable, legislative, and cultural. It’s the shift from reaction to prevention, from funding deficits to trauma-informed investments.
E
Empowerment
VOICE
The outcome of everything we do. Empowerment is when a young adult who aged out of foster care walks into a state building and knows they belong there because we made the system listen.
JG
Jeremy Garman
VOICE
“Fostering is not about us. It never was and never will be. Foster care is about serving, loving on others, and being the one constant in a child’s life when they are going through a really hard time.”
Get Involved
Join the V.O.I.C.E movement by getting involved. Whether you support us through donations, volunteering, sharing your story, or purchasing merch for the world to see. Each effort goals towards the goal of pushing forward the changes we want to see. The greatest strength one can have is the ability to speak for themselves. Join the V.O.I.C.E movement and together we can change the world.
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Donate
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Volunteer
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Share Your Story
#MYSTORYV.O.I.C.E
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Purchase Merch
#MERCHV.O.I.C.E
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Words from the Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs - Noah Dean
Growing up I was always told I was more shy or introverted. I had the same story as many people "Oh I open up more when I'm comfortable around you." That mixed with the awkward teenage years and not knowing how to speak up led to mental health and other issues. The issue wasn't just my silence it was the lack support I thought I wasn't getting. I didn't know how to use the voice I was given to speak up for what I needed.
Those experiences and stepping out of my own world helped me to discover my passions. When given the proper support system I was able to discover my voice. It gave a vision for my future. Which lead me reach out and getting the help I needed. Which lead to finally feeling included in my own life. Creating the changes I wanted to see and finally feeling empowered by my new found sense of freedom.
Donate to the V.O.I.C.E Movement
Make a donation
Donate at least $20 and receive a free T-shirt and social media shout-out. Each donation to the V.O.I.C.E movement allows to teach and fight for the voices of those who need it most. Your donation goes directly to the issues and effort of People Matter.
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