Ayanna’s Empowering Journey with the Grove Action Fund
A Glimpse into Power in Changing's Growth
Meet Ayanna, the passionate force behind Power in Changing. Her journey with the Grove Action Fund is a story of empowerment and transformation. Through her involvement with Grove’s initiatives, Ayanna has gained invaluable skills and insights that have significantly impacted her organization and its mission. Ayanna White, the founder and executive director of Power In Changing, is a single mother who was ineligible for most social assistance programs. Facing financial hardships, she encountered "diaper need," which is the inability to provide a baby with an adequate supply of diapers. Ayanna created Power In Changing, the diaper bank of the Midlands, after she nearly resorted to writing bad checks due to a shortage of diapers for her child's daycare. Thankfully, her family stepped in to help. With a $50 contribution from her relatives, she realized that not all parents have such support. Despite diaper need being an issue that affects one in two parents nationwide, it remains largely unrecognized. In response, Power In Changing has strategically aligned itself with agencies dedicated to serving the best interests of their communities.
The SC Advocacy Convening: A Catalyst for Change.
In November 2022, Ayanna attended the SC Advocacy Convening hosted by the Grove Action Fund (the Grove). This two-day event was a game-changer for many nonprofits in South Carolina, including Power in Changing. The South Carolina Advocacy Convening was intentionally designed to provide community groups and organizations with additional tools and context for advocacy work in South Carolina while also providing some partners with funding to enhance and advance current advocacy efforts while leaning into curiosity and learning to envision new possibilities for advocacy work in South Carolina. The convening leaned into curiosity and learning, encouraging participants to envision new possibilities for advocacy work. To support the latest and deepened connections made at the convening and deploy the training, partners received funding to enhance and advance their advocacy efforts, further empowering them to make a difference. In addition to funding to support their work, convening partners were offered access to three coaching sessions with Rebecca Gorena, the initial facilitator for the convening. The purpose of coaching sessions is to help partners assess their current advocacy offerings/activity, right-size their advocacy efforts, employ practices to support a firm advocacy foundation, and facilitate longer-term envisioning for advocacy within their organizations.
For Ayanna, this convening was more than just workshops and sessions. It was an opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, share experiences, and gain practical knowledge to strengthen her organization. The support and education provided by the Grove were instrumental in helping her refine Power in Changing’s advocacy strategies.
The Grove's funding has supported the stabilization and expansion of Power in Changing's national advocacy efforts. This collaboration, bolstered by established partnerships with organizations like The National Diaper Bank Network, enabled South Carolina to receive unprecedented funding for a pilot program known as the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP). Within this initiative, Power In Changing was a prominent sub-grantee tasked with conducting applied policy-relevant research. Additionally, the Grove's funding and programming enabled Power in Changing to establish a presence at the State House and work alongside groups such as The Women's Rights and Empowerment Network, another Grove grantee partner, to successfully advocate for the repeal of the Period Tax, with the inclusion of diapers.
A Transformative Visit to the SC Statehouse
Following the convening, Ayanna participated in a visit to the South Carolina Statehouse organized by the Grove. This visit was designed to empower BIPOC-led organizations with the tools and knowledge to engage effectively in advocacy on statehouse grounds.
Guided by experienced Grove’s staff, Ayanna and her peers learned how to navigate the complexities of the statehouse, communicate their causes, and influence policy. The Grove's team intentionally designed a State House visit for their partners, accommodating varying levels of familiarity and experience with advocacy. This intimate group received demonstrations on how to use the State House App to find information and track bills, gained hands-on experience calling a legislator to the rope to discuss their issues, and had the opportunity to sit in the Senate chambers during a portion of a session. Participants also shared their experiences and perceptions of advocacy, the challenges of advocating as Black individuals in the current socio-political climate, and the state's long-standing history of oppressive state-sanctioned practices and policies. The group discussed the possibilities that exist for advocacy in our state, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to social justice work.This experience was a turning point, giving Ayanna the confidence and skills to advocate more effectively for her community.
The Impact and What's at Stake
The Grove’s support has had a profound impact on Power in Changing. Ayanna has been able to apply the insights gained to enhance her organization’s advocacy efforts “The grant allowed us to advocate for diapers in a grassroots manner. Through this grant, we raised awareness about our community's critical need for diapers and developed strategies to address the shortage. Our experience working with Grove’s grant has been a gratifying challenge. This opportunity allowed us to venture into a new and innovative space, advocating for diapers for families in South Carolina. Throughout this process, we gained invaluable insights and made significant strides in positively impacting the lives of those in need.
Join Us on This Journey
Ayanna’s journey with the Grove is a testament to the power of collaboration and support in driving change. The future is bright, and with your continued support initiatives we can continue to build the advocacy power of grassroots organizations across the Carolinas.
Your contribution will help sustain and expand the vital advocacy efforts of grassroots organizations like Power in Changing, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to create lasting change in their communities. Support the Grove's work by making a gift today athttps://www.cypressaction.org/donate.