Heck yeah Bernard! I should’ve made a bigger deal about our 5% he/hims. I’m so glad you guys are here! I’m planning to make up for the omission with a big shoutout on Substack Notes today. ❤️❤️❤️
I look forward to the discussion on foster kids. I hope you’ll mention court appointed special advocacy (CASA) which is like auntiehood on steroids for the dependency system!
Drew, thank you for this suggestion! I am coming at writing about this from the point of view of somebody who cares a lot, but knows very little about the system side. Do you have some experience with being a CASA or some other perspective that has helped you learn about them? I would love to pick your brain!
I would also add that respite care is a great way to be involved in the foster system! In my state (UT), respite providers have all of the same training and licensing requirements as full time foster parents but generally have a good amount of heads up for short term placements. It’s been a great way for me (29, single) to dip my toes into the fostering world without diving headfirst into solo parenting.
Max is 10-12 days, so these are pretty short! I have a caseworker that helps find respite needs that work with my schedule, and my placements have been around 3-4 days.
This does seem like such a good way for people who have the capacity to offer something really really substantive to foster kids and foster families without having to commit to a placement with no end date.
Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. I became a CASA volunteer this year for a teenager and am constantly learning about the system. I’d be happy to share what I know and possibly connect you with even more experienced CASAs.
Auntie-turned-mom here (7 months into this new identity) and I just want to say I love this newsletter so much and always open it. It gives me a real feeling of hope and excitement — for a future of kinship and community with Aunties (of all genders) right at the center, not at the fringes.
Also, I love the practical tips for hanging with kids! All grown ups, including parents, can really benefit from those.
You’re doing such cool and important — and irresistible! — work. Thank you.
Thank you so much for saying so, Catherine! And seven months into parenthood, wow, you are really in it. I hope that you are getting a lot of support from Aunties and the people who love your family!
Finally getting around to reading this while, appropriately enough, babysitting a six-month-old (read: scrolling on my phone while she sleeps). I’m so delighted by everything in this strategic plan. I feel like I’ve had a hard time finding a “political home” that aligns with both my values and my vibe, and this feels like a bullseye.
Especially stoked for the Collective Wisdom Survey on teens! I feel like I have a lot of thoughts to contribute there as a former high school teacher who absolutely loves teenagers!
I think teachers are going to be one of our strongest groups of survey respondents on that one. I think most people don’t really think about or realize all the things that teachers know!
I love a good strategic plan, Lisa. And I'm excited for everything the Auntie Bulletin is bringing to my life, and to all of our lives more generally!
Also, re: demographic data, I just wanna shout out to my fellow 5% Male-Identifying Aunties (eg Uncles). Woo! Traitors to the patriarchy, unite!
Heck yeah Bernard! I should’ve made a bigger deal about our 5% he/hims. I’m so glad you guys are here! I’m planning to make up for the omission with a big shoutout on Substack Notes today. ❤️❤️❤️
Love your strategic plan. I want to build this world
Thank you! Me too!
I look forward to the discussion on foster kids. I hope you’ll mention court appointed special advocacy (CASA) which is like auntiehood on steroids for the dependency system!
Drew, thank you for this suggestion! I am coming at writing about this from the point of view of somebody who cares a lot, but knows very little about the system side. Do you have some experience with being a CASA or some other perspective that has helped you learn about them? I would love to pick your brain!
I would also add that respite care is a great way to be involved in the foster system! In my state (UT), respite providers have all of the same training and licensing requirements as full time foster parents but generally have a good amount of heads up for short term placements. It’s been a great way for me (29, single) to dip my toes into the fostering world without diving headfirst into solo parenting.
Thank you so much for this Hanna! How long have you respite placements been typically?
Max is 10-12 days, so these are pretty short! I have a caseworker that helps find respite needs that work with my schedule, and my placements have been around 3-4 days.
This does seem like such a good way for people who have the capacity to offer something really really substantive to foster kids and foster families without having to commit to a placement with no end date.
Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. I became a CASA volunteer this year for a teenager and am constantly learning about the system. I’d be happy to share what I know and possibly connect you with even more experienced CASAs.
Auntie-turned-mom here (7 months into this new identity) and I just want to say I love this newsletter so much and always open it. It gives me a real feeling of hope and excitement — for a future of kinship and community with Aunties (of all genders) right at the center, not at the fringes.
Also, I love the practical tips for hanging with kids! All grown ups, including parents, can really benefit from those.
You’re doing such cool and important — and irresistible! — work. Thank you.
Thank you so much for saying so, Catherine! And seven months into parenthood, wow, you are really in it. I hope that you are getting a lot of support from Aunties and the people who love your family!
Finally getting around to reading this while, appropriately enough, babysitting a six-month-old (read: scrolling on my phone while she sleeps). I’m so delighted by everything in this strategic plan. I feel like I’ve had a hard time finding a “political home” that aligns with both my values and my vibe, and this feels like a bullseye.
Thank you so much for being here, Evangeline!
Especially stoked for the Collective Wisdom Survey on teens! I feel like I have a lot of thoughts to contribute there as a former high school teacher who absolutely loves teenagers!
I think teachers are going to be one of our strongest groups of survey respondents on that one. I think most people don’t really think about or realize all the things that teachers know!