FELSC Learning Collaborative

The Learning Collaborative (LC) is part of the work of Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care (FELSC). The Learning Collaborative is led by Family Voices. Each year, the Learning Collaborative has a different focus. 

 

Family Voices is seeking multidisciplinary teams to participate in a Learning Collaborative focused on creating sustainability for your youth and family engagement efforts. This opportunity will strengthen participants’ ability to demonstrate the value and impact of sustained family engagement in systems of care. The cohort will run from September 2026 through May 2027.  

This Learning Collaborative on Making the Case for Family Engagement is offered through the Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care (FELSC) cooperative agreement funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  The deadline to apply is August 15th, 2026. 

Who Should Apply 

  • Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) 
  • Title V and public health professionals 
  • Health care providers 
  • Family leaders 
  • Family engagement professionals 
  • Family-led or community-based organizations 

Learning Goals 

  • Build a strong case to support family engagement: Define clear objectives, craft compelling messages, and develop a persuasive pitch for family engagement. 
  • Understand and engage your audience: Identify target audiences, anticipate questions or concerns, choose effective messengers, and strengthen your advocacy skills. 
  • Use data and storytelling effectively: Combine quantitative and qualitative evidence, including family stories, to support your pitch for family engagement. 
  • Plan for sustainability: Identify supportive policies and funding opportunities to advance and sustain family engagement efforts. 

Program Format 

5 Learning Collaborative virtual sessions (60–90 minutes each) and 5 individual team check-ins 

  • Expert-led learning sessions 
  • Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration 
  • Technical assistance available for youth and family partners 

Participation Requirement

The Learning Collaborative (LC) supports five multi-disciplinary teams who learn about an aspect of the systems transformation for children and youth with special health care needs and develop a project to explore and improve systems in their state, territory or Tribal Nation. Teams must include a family-led organization, a systems partner (from Title V, public health, or a health care institution), and at least one family leader as a full partner throughout the Learning Collaborative.

Stipend

Accepted teams will receive a $2,500 stipend for participating in the Learning Collaborative. A portion of the stipend must be allocated to family and youth partners 

Apply online by August 15, 2026.

 

Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care (FELSC) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number (U4000149). The information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. 

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Our Vision

All children, youth, and families, especially those with special health care needs and disabilities, experience their best health and quality of life.

Our Mission

Family Voices is a family-led organization that transforms systems of care to work better for all children and youth, especially those with special health care needs or disabilities. By putting families at the forefront and centering their leadership and lived expertise, we build a culture that includes everyone and fosters equitable outcomes.

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To donate by mail, your check payable to Family Voices can be mailed to us at:
Family Voices
P.O. Box 3162
South Attleboro, MA 02730

In honor of
The Close the Gap campaign is funded by Dr. David Nichols and Mayme Boyd.
Visit familyvoices.org/closethegap to learn more.