People of color who live the problems we aim to solve have the most important information and the most unobstructed point of view. They see and experience on a daily basis what other solution designers only hear about from others – who themselves are usually not impacted people. We can follow their leadership to create authentic solutions that have real impact. Unfortunately, our current model of policymaking often excludes meaningful partnership with leaders of color who are survivors themselves.

The Accountability Dialogues aims to change that by modeling a process for the co-design of policies to improve the lives of adult and child survivors of domestic violence who are involved with the child welfare system. In this three-part series, policymakers will have an opportunity to hear directly from DV survivors about their experiences with the child welfare system and to learn from them about specific touchpoints that require new ways of seeing and working. Ample time will be given within the series for policymakers and survivors to interact, learn from each other, and co-design solutions.