No matter how much or how little time you have, there is something you can do to make a difference in the lives of foster youth in the Bay Area. The list below is arranged in order of increasing levels of commitment. Choose something that works for you.

• Sign up! for the FYA Weekly Bulletin about news, funding, and events. Email info@fosteryouthalliance.org.

• Read! about the challenges of youth in foster care at www.casey.org.

• Thank! a foster parent for his or her hard work.

• Recognize! youth for their accomplishments, big and small.

• Inform! your legislators that foster youth are an important part of your community. Send a short email or letter. Use www.leginfo.ca.gov to find your legislators.

• Host! a screening of the documentary "Aging Out" at your house, office, or school. Email info@fosteryouthalliance.org.

• Volunteer! with a local organization that serves or advocates for foster youth. Visit www.heysf.org for ideas.

• Donate! to FYA and know that your contribution will help ensure that youth 'aging out' of the foster care system have access to housing, employment, education, health care, and support services that will enable them to thrive as self-sufficient adults.
  Click here to make a donation.

• Mentor! a youth in foster care. Check out www.beamentor.org for opportunities.

• Represent! a youth in court through Court Appointed Special Advocates. Visit www.californiacasa.org for information.

• Apply! to become a foster parent. Visit the National Foster Parent Association at www.nfpainc.org.

For more specific ideas on how you can make your time and talents work for emancipating foster youth, contact Jodie Langs of the Alameda County Foster Youth Alliance at jlangs(at)fosteryouthalliance.org.