Like all of Springboard To Opportunities’ work, our policy work is grounded in our radically resident-driven mission. We believe that policies work best when they are informed by the voices and wisdom of families who are most affected by the policies. No one knows what is needed to help families move out of poverty better than families experiencing poverty themselves. In our policy and advocacy work, we seek to elevate the stories of our families and the way our current policies and systems have prevented them from being able to reach their goals or achieve economic mobility. Unless we have more inclusive, people-centered approaches to policymaking, our systems will continue to fail families.
We believe that poverty is a policy choice, rather than an individual failing, and we will not be able to reach our goal of breaking cycles of poverty and helping residents meet their goals without serious policy change on a local, state, and federal level. Here, you will find an overview of our policy values, principles, and current priority areas.
STO Policy Priorities
Through conversations with residents and our research, Springboard To Opportunities has determined the following policy areas to be our current priorities for advocacy and insight. Based on our core values and principles, we believe that improvements to and implementation of the following policies can help center dignity, equity, and trust within our systems and structures and create a world in which everyone is able to thrive.
The Policy Points documents below highlight basics about each policy, the ways current implementation is affecting the lives of the residents we serve, and opportunities to reimagine new possibilities. Additionally, each document includes at least one story from our residents that illustrates the implications that policy has on their ability to care for their family and reach their goals.
