In this special second edition, we will explore the idea of cultivating belonging and how that relates to our traditions, customs, and identities.

The Real Word Speakers Panel is comprised of young adults who currently live or have lived in foster care after experiencing abuse, abandonment, or neglect by their parents or caregivers. Featured Real Word speakers are courageous individuals who speak locally and nationally about life in the dependency system. Real Word speakers are open and forthright about their experiences and share what it’s like to move from home to home, how it feels to be separated from siblings, and how they coped in the face of adversity. They will inspire, humble, uplift, and move you as they share their personal stories and describe how the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program has impacted their lives as foster youth.