INTRODUCTION

About Sparking Change — Sparking Change is a storytelling and leadership development initiative that centers the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous and other women of color (BIPOC) closest to the intersecting issues of income insecurity and child caregiving. Over the past two years, 10 storytellers from New Mexico and South Carolina—all of whom are mothers and have experience being the primary caregivers of their families—have been sharing their expertise with the greater public, policymakers, elected officials and other decision-makers so that policies, campaigns, and initiatives are informed by lived experience and needs.

ABSTRACT 

This pilot program set out to build enduring skills in women who would in turn spread their knowledge within their communities and counter harmful narratives. This report reflects the many ways the NWLC Community Partnerships Team brought its theory of change to fruition, ultimately proving that when we invest in women’s leadership, advocacy, and self-care, we can shift narratives so decision-makers and voters now more accurately understand the needs of their communities. The Sparking Change storytellers demonstrated significant growth in leadership, a shift in relationship to their community, and influence on public narratives around child care and parental needs. This was evidenced not only through surveys and focus groups, but also through individual and group projects they implemented to serve their communities.