By Juli Metzger, Board Member, IYI—
Muncie, IN—The fourth annual Delaware County State of the Child, presented by the Indiana Youth Institute, will focus this year on using data to advance equity. Sponsored by the United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counites and Ball State University, the virtual summit is set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 12.
Presentation of the 2021 Indiana KIDS COUNT Data Book, which covers issues like family stressors by race and ethnicity, and issues for working families, will focus this year on equity and inclusion data. The 90-minute workshop dissects the latest information and in four breakout sessions – led by community members – will examine how to address positive change. Join the event for analysis by IYI data experts and a thoughtful discussion about what drives the numbers and determines outcomes.
Community thought leaders will lead discussions on:
- Family and child literacy
- School discipline, expulsion rates and juvenile justice
- Family engagement and multi-generational influence
- Health equity and access to preventative care
Among the participant leaders are Tony Harvey, Chief Information Officer for Muncie Community Schools and board chair of United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties; Jenni Marsh, president and chief executive officer for United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties; WaTasha Barnes Griffin, chief executive officer of the YWCA; Bryan Ayers, chief executive officer of Open Door Health Services; Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, chief executive officer and director of public education for Muncie Community Schools and Wilisha Scaiffe, Ball State University educator and Muncie P3 Director of Family Engagement.
“State of the Child” is a series of town hall discussions, led by staff of the Indiana Youth Institute and hosted by thought leaders in communities across the state. The events empower youth advocates and community-wide advocacy by shining a light on data, which can drive decisions that affect policy – locally and on the state level.
Youth workers, youth advocates, as well as community stakeholders, are invited. The event is free and open to the public. The workshop counts toward continuing education units.
The Indiana Youth Institute is a leading advocate and voice for the state’s youth worker field. They provide innovating trainings, critical data, and capacity-building resources, aiming every effort at increasing the well-being of all children.
Register here to join the 2021 Delaware County State of the Child event. The event will be livestreamed on the Facebook page for United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties and on the Facebook page of Indiana Youth Institute.
