We believe sharing data helps bring positive and lasting change for Baltimore families.
We recognize that it is critical to approach our work through a racial equity lens. The Racial Equity Analysis Tool supports our efforts to advocate for policy changes in a way that mitigates the impact of racism entrenched in existing structures by accounting for stakeholder input, unintended consequences, root-cause transformational ability, and questions of implementation in the development of legislation.
Unfortunately using the word equity has become too prevalent and confused with the practice of diversity. Yes, representation is critically important, but the pure truth of equity lies within the who and the how power is being yielded. — Demaune Millard, President & CEO
Family League is taking a deeper approach to our advocacy efforts by rooting our work in the Community Health Needs Assessment, developed in partnership with Morgan State University's School of Community Health and Policy and through the generous support of the Bainum Family Foundation and the Goldseker Foundation. Recurring themes in conversations with stakeholders included crime, education, housing and food access, transportation, public health, jobs/employment, inequity in community, family-focused supports, structural racism, and supports for immigrant communities.
Priorities 2021–2024
Through our Strategic Planning Process, we prioritized three of the eight areas of Maryland's Results for Child Well-Being from the Governor's Office for Children:
Children Are Successful in School
Family League supports policy that improves student attendance, supports high-quality expanded learning opportunities, and improves school climate.
Families Are Safe & Economically Stable
Family League supports policy that provides equitable access to a living wage and opportunities for economic security.
Communities Are Safe for Children, Youth & Families
Family League supports policy that ensures safe environments that allow children and families to thrive.
Maryland Results for Child Well-Being
Family League understands the interdependence of all the Results Areas of Child Well-Being and continues to work with partners and community to improve outcomes across all domains, including: Babies Born Healthy; Children Are Healthy; Children Enter School Ready to Learn; Children Will Complete School; and Youth Will Have Opportunities for College or Career Readiness.
Additional Policy Areas
Family League's advocacy spans education, child care, out-of-school time, child welfare, economic security, food access, housing, health, immigration, and police reform / criminal justice — each mapped to the Maryland Results for Child Well-Being and pursued with partners across the city and state.