From individual struggle to collective strength: The power of families leading change

This year, families struggling the most to make ends meet were denied a key tax credit that could provide much-needed support. Nineteen million children live in families who earn too little to receive the full Child Tax Credit or any credit at all.

The Child Tax Credit can be transformational. RESULTS’ Experts on Poverty like me have experienced it firsthand. So this spring we worked on a tax season tabling campaign. We shared our stories and knowledge with parents and caregivers in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. We educated and empowered them to join us in advocating for a fully inclusive Child Tax Credit — one that provides meaningful assistance to families with the lowest incomes.

Our goal for the campaign: ensuring the voices of parents are elevated by sharing the real impact of the Child Tax Credit on people’s lives. Like mine.

The first time I received the Child Tax Credit, I used it to help me go back to school and complete my bachelor’s degree. I then went on to earn my master’s in public administration. Today I serve as the executive director of Walkers Point Youth and Family Center in Milwaukee. In my first year, I have revamped our nearly 50-year-old organization.

I created several programs that are the first of their kind in our state. These include a position that supports youth transitioning to adulthood so they don’t have a gap in services. We also established a transitional housing program for youth 17-25 to stay in while they look for permanent housing. We launched a new street outreach collaboration that works with individuals involved in sex work or trafficking. And we offer a 24-hour text line for youth experiencing crisis.

Without the Child Tax Credit, I would not have had the opportunity to continue my education and reach this position. I wouldn’t be able to provide safety and counseling to young people in crisis in my community.

The Child Tax Credit isn’t just policy. It’s real impact, real opportunity, and real change for families.

In Oklahoma, RESULTS Expert on Poverty Tiffany Tagbo tabled at the Nonprofit Advocacy Day at the state capital (pictured above). She also went on a “listening tour.” Tiffany introduced RESULTS to public health leaders, policy organizations, and community groups and learned how federal policies are impacting their communities.

These local groups were eager to connect, share their work, and explore how we could amplify our shared values together. Tiffany was even asked to present to medical students at Oklahoma University about using their professional voice to make a difference. She was also invited to join an advocacy day for the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers to meet with state legislators.

James Lee didn’t just talk about the need to engage community around protecting safety nets. He lived it by riding his bike through Charlotte to meet people where they were. He used these rides as a way to share resources, listen to stories, and bridge the gap between residents and the systems meant to serve them.

His approach is a perfect example of how advocacy doesn’t have to be a rigid, planned-out process. It can be as simple and organic as a conversation with a neighbor on a street corner.

The campaign was held in partnership with the Parent Advisory Board of the Automatic Benefit for Children Coalition. RESULTS is on the coalition’s steering committee, and I am a member of the Parent Advisory Board. Altogether, we spread the word and inspired parent allies across ten states.

In Wisconsin, I talked to community members and clients of Milwaukee nonprofits. I held the event in partnership with an organization that assists people in getting an ID to vote. Together, we helped parents and others raise their voices in our democracy.

Our tax season campaign was powerful because it centered families as leaders, not just beneficiaries. When parents educate other parents, we shift the narrative from individual struggle to collective strength.

We build a movement of advocates stepping into their power.