JOURNEY TO ISSUE BASED COMMUNITY IMPACT

Our evolution to an Issue Based Community Impact and away from a project-based focus allows the Junior League of Spokane to:

• Provide diverse volunteer opportunities for our members
• Engage multiple community partners and alliances
• Develop our members’ ability to use numerous strategies and tactics
• Sustain longer-term community impact

HOW ISSUE BASED COMMUNITY IMPACT WORKS

The Junior League of Spokane creates widespread, meaningful change using an issue-focused approach used by many Junior Leagues across the world, known as Issue Based Community Impact (IBCI), defined by the following core elements:

• An outcomes-driven approach defines the change the League seeks to make as a result of its effort in the community.
• Multi-annual, in that program strategies and projects necessary to realize outcomes are long-term.
• Partnership-based and built on collaboration, recognizing that no single entity or sector (government, business, nonprofit) alone can fully realize our communities’ challenges.
• Comprised of well-considered strategies that are a combination of:
  *Direct service provides hands-on volunteer opportunities for members.
  *Advocacy, public education, and awareness create an informed member base and the wider community.
  *Capacity building and training create a sustainable leadership model.
  *Strategic grant-making aims at sustaining impact and a lasting legacy.

CURRENT FOCUS AREA

Improving access to basic needs to alleviate sources of stress and increase resiliency for women, children, and families who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma.

The Junior League of Spokane seeks to support and nurture families and children in the greater Spokane area, focusing on women, children, and families who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma.

Experts and current research suggest that ACEs are linked to many long-lasting negative effects, including chronic health problems, mental illness, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, violent or criminal behavior, and negative impacts on financial, educational, and employment opportunities.

Research shows several ways to mitigate the negative effects of ACEs. The Junior League of Spokane specifically focuses on improving access to basic needs to alleviate sources of stress and increase resiliency in women and children to combat the effects.

Children and families must meet their basic needs for food, water, shelter, clothing, warmth, healthcare, safety, and sleep before they can address their psychological needs and realize their full potential.

Improving access to basic needs and building resiliency is central to our volunteer opportunities for members and focuses on building relationships and teaching adaptive skills. This year, our members will explore various financial and in-kind donation drives, package assemblies, and advocacy and training activities as we work to identify strategies and tactics to improve access to basic needs and build resiliency.