FBCYICN – Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks

Dear Members, Staff, and Community of FBCYICN,

It is with a full heart that I write this note of gratitude and departure.

As you may have heard, I am leaving my position as Local Development Coordinator here at the Fed to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Mills College in Oakland, California, which starts in August.

When I started working at the Fed in December of 2011 I had been working for nearly 15 years with young people and communities for social change. This is work that I love and have incredible passion for. At the same time there was a nagging dream that kept tugging at my sleeves when I was quiet: the dream of doing a masters in the craft that I love so much and that I have found so much empowerment through. So while I started what has become an incredibly fulfilling work experience here at the Fed, I spent all my time outside work preparing and submitting applications to schools all over Canada and the States. In March when I got word that I had been accepted into this particular program, it was a dream come true. Now, as I step closer to this dream, it is bitter sweet because it means leaving this amazing organization, and the people in it, as well as my community and family.… But some dreams require us to take the risk of leaving the things we know and love, and that is the case for me at this time.

In the short time that I have worked at the Fed I have been inspired and awed by the courageous, resilient, wise, visionary young people with whom I have had the opportunity to work, learn from and grow with. In the many years now that I have worked with youth-driven organizations I have never witnessed the degree of involvement, ownership, pride and empowerment that the young people of this organization express. Wow!

I have been struck and transformed by the incredible staff team of which I have been honoured to be a part. Their creativity, open mindedness, caring, dedication and desire to do the best work possible to support young people in and from care in improving their lives, and living their dreams, has taught me so much.

While I am sad to leave the Fed and the community that I have started to become a part of here, I depart with a reinforced commitment to working for a more just world that provides all people access to the resources, supports and opportunities necessary to realizing their dreams. I depart with a strengthened understanding of what it takes for us to start building strong and healthy communities. I depart with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and so many invaluable learnings.

What an incredible organization. What a beautiful collectivity of people. What an opportunity it has been to journey with each of you.

Based on the amazing work already happening here, I cannot wait to see the ways in which the power of the Fed, and the voices of all of the young people involved, evolve and grow over the next few years. In my heart I know only great things await on the horizon!

With my deepest respect,

mia