Week 8 Blog Post

We read in Barbara Smith's interview that, though some of the people she worked with agreed with her on most issues, many of her acquaintances butted heads with her. Despite this, they were able to work together on issues where they shared common ground. It seems that, in most cases, people tend to avoid working with people who share different beliefs than they do, especially in the area of activism. Some movements, however, are able to find unity despite their disagreements or differences. With regards to CHAMPS (CHildren need AMazing ParentS), the movement itself was created with a purpose: to provide children in the foster system with homes that care for then. Many people join the foster system for different reasons; some religious, others for humanitarian reasons, and others still because of personal experiences with the system. "CHAMPS is a national campaign to spur policy improvements nationally and in states to ensure children and youth in foster care experience the highest quality parenting. CHAMPS is led by a coalition of partners of researchers, advocates, pediatricians, faith-based leaders, foster parents, youth, service providers and others" (https://fosteringchamps.org/campaign/). Despite the differences in political views, religious ideas, and economic status, people are able to bond together because of a shared goal: to improve upon the foster system that is currently in place and to care for the children that need homes and families.