Jessica Pika
She/Her/Hers
Jessica Sheets Pika is the Communications Director at the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), where she oversees CSSP’s internal and external communications strategy with the goal of improving organizational impact, influence, and visibility. Her work includes oversight of CSSP’s communications strategy from message framing and audience outreach to social media strategy and media relations and relies on close collaboration with staff and external partners. She develops, curates, writes, and edits content; manages consultants and content contributors; manages all digital properties; and develops new activities and content areas for the organization.
Jessica brings more than 20 years of mission-driven communications experience in the non-profit sector to CSSP. She is particularly focused on using digital social good campaigns and innovative storytelling to shape and change narratives. This includes the creation of the #SeeChange campaign, a digital social justice campaign designed to raise awareness about systemic social justice issues and (at her previous job) the #ThxBirthControl campaign, a reproductive rights campaign designed to raise awareness about access to safe and affordable contraceptive methods. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from Wake Forest University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Digital Strategy from the University of Oklahoma with an anticipated graduation of May 2024.
#CARES4Power
Follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work, the CARES Ambassadors, and the policies we are building to advance change for all transition age youth.
Swipe left to explore the importance of the Mental Health and Well-being policy principle featured in the National Policy Agenda, as perceived by Atlanta CARES Ambassador Jamie. These principles are vital for the progress and welfare of our community. @_jamiekelley_
.
.
.
.
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #JuvenilleJustice #CriminalSystem #Mentalhealth #Wellbeing #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth
Though we strive not to practice "color-blind" ideology, evidence shows that child welfare decision-makers often judge parents of color more harshly--one result being more children being removed from their families. Calls for systemic change to amend these barriers are growing at a rapid pace. In 2021, the "blind removals" program in Nassau County (New York) was created to address racial bias in decisions regarding the removal of a child from their caretakers. California – which has the most disproportionate share of Black children in foster care of any state in the nation, according to the National Center on Juvenile Justice – is considering a bill that would create blind removal pilot projects in several counties. @childcarenassau
.
.
.
.
#Classisinsession #KeyEquityTerms #CARES #CARESAmbassadors #CARES4Power #Equity #Colorblind #ColorBlindRacialIdeology #ChildWelfare
See how Atlanta CARES Ambassador Aisha feels about being an ambassador for the past three years and her work on the National Policy Agenda featured in our Linktree!
.
.
.
.
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth
The Child Welfare League of America defines cultural competence as the ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, tribes, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each.
.
.
.
.
#Classisinsession #KeyEquityTerms #CARES #CARESAmbassadors #Equity #CulturalCompetence #ChildWelfare
Swipe left to understand the significance of the policy principle of Meaningful Employment featured in the National Policy Agenda, as perceived by Atlanta CARES Ambassador Jada. Jada shares what it would mean to her to have a job that pays a livable wage. These principles are crucial for our community`s progress and welfare.
.
.
.
.
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #Employment #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth
Swipe left to understand the significance of the policy principle of Meaningful Employment featured in the National Policy Agenda, as described by Atlanta CARES Ambassador Jada and Los Angeles CARES Ambassador Joseph. These principles are crucial for our community`s progress and welfare.
.
.
.
.
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #Employment #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #Gainfulemployment
When woven into practice, cultural humility includes:
- An examination of one`s own biases.
- Open dialogue with families.
- Proactive efforts to level the playing field and address systemic inequities.
While race and culture are not synonymous, cultural humility with a racial equity lens can help address the stark racial disparities in the [child welfare] system and promote attention to the intersections of race and other cultural identities.
.
.
.
.
#classisinsession #KeyEquityTerms #CARES #CARESAmbassadors #Equity #CulturalHumility #ChildWelfare
The Housing portion of the Policy Principles shared on https://cares4power.org/policy-agendas/housing/ emphasizes the need for safe, affordable, and stable housing for all individuals, particularly marginalized communities. These housing recommendations advocate for policies that prevent displacement, improve housing conditions, and ensure long-term affordability.
Swipe left to understand the significance of the policy principle of housing featured in the National Policy Agenda, as perceived by New York-based CARES Ambassador Andre. These principles are crucial for our community`s progress and welfare.
.
.
.
.
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #Housing #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth
