Voices for Virginia's Children -- in partnership with the Virginia Poverty Law Center, FACES for Virginia's Families and ART 180 -- is hosting "Voices for Change," an art-writing-photography initiative designed to engage foster youth and carry their VOICES to Virginia policymakers.

Foster youth ages 12 through 21 are invited submit an original essay, poem, painting, drawing or photograph that shares their experiences in foster care and ideas for change. The submission deadline is Aug. 15. Cash prizes will be given to the top three entries in each category: writing, art and photography.

If you know any foster youth, foster parents or foster-care professionals, please share this information with them! A brochure and entry form are available on the Voices Web site.

This summer, foster youth will have the opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop with local writers, artists and photographers designed to build the youths' confidence and encourage participation. Attendance at a workshop is NOT necessary to enter the contest, but free art supplies will be distributed to youth who attend. The workshops run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

July 8: Salem, Roanoke College

July 25: Big Stone Gap, Trinity United Methodist Church

July 30: Richmond, Mary and Frances Youth Center, VCU

July 31: Harrisonburg, Rockingham Memorial Hospital

Aug. 1: Alexandria, Northern Virginia Community College

Aug. 7: Lexington, R.E. Lee Episcopal Church

Aug. 8: Norfolk, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

Registration for the workshops is required and limited!

Interested youth who are in foster care or were recently adopted should register today by contacting Laura Shepherd at laura@vakids.org or (804) 649-0184, ext. 23.