Rooted in Community. Guided by Families. Focused on Change.
Policy That Listens, Learns, and Leads to Change
At BCDI-Ohio, we believe policy is not abstract. It is personal, guided by lived experiences, and it shapes the daily realities of children, families, and communities across Ohio.
WHO WE ARE
Policy is a powerful tool. When shaped with intention and accountability, it can drive structural changes that lead to more equitable outcomes for children and families in our communities and beyond. Our approach to policy is grounded in listening, learning, and partnership, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are not only heard, but centered.
Community needs and shared responsibility
shape our policy priorities.
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Centers lived experience by elevating the voices of Ohio’s children, caregivers, and community partners
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Built on relationships through trust, connection, and meaningful collaboration
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Focused on impact by advancing policies that lead to real, lasting change for families
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Shaped by community voice through listening sessions and trusted partnerships across Ohio
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Grounded in lived experience and data by connecting stories, themes, and evidence
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Focused on action by advancing priorities that honor families and strengthen systems
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Build coalitions that bring families, advocates, and partners together around shared priorities
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Engage in advocacy through relationship-based policy work, including legislative meetings and education
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Activate collaboration through initiatives and events, such as Building Bridges, that move ideas into action
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2026 - 2027 Policy Agenda
"You really can change the world if you care enough."
~Marianne Wright Edelman
Resources, Reports, and Data
Explore our collection of reports, executive summaries, blogs, and publications that share what we are learning across Ohio. This space highlights community-informed insights, data, and stories that help explain the challenges families face and the solutions they are calling for. Whether you are a parent, advocate, educator, or policymaker, these resources offer clear, accessible information to support understanding, learning, and action.
Elevating Community Wisdom to Support Families Through Shared Leadership.
Build Power. Strengthen Families, Shape the Future.
At Black Child Development Institute - Ohio, our coalitions bring together families, advocates, providers, and community leaders who believe lasting change happens when we work collectively. Whether you are advancing early childhood systems or strengthening leadership and civic engagement, there is a place for your voice and your lived experience.
Together, we honor proven practices, center families, and build pathways that support children and communities from birth through adulthood.
Build Power. Strengthen Families, Shape the Future.
At Black Child Development Institute - Ohio, our coalitions bring together families, advocates, providers, and community leaders who believe lasting change happens when we work collectively. Whether you are advancing early childhood systems or strengthening leadership and civic engagement, there is a place for your voice and your lived experience.
Together, we honor proven practices, center families, and build pathways that support children and communities from birth through adulthood.
Choose Your Path to Impact
Join a statewide coalition working to support families, strengthen systems, and improve maternal and infant health from pregnancy through age three.
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Advance maternal and infant health from pregnancy through a child’s third birthday
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Bring together families, providers, and community leaders to strengthen early childhood systems
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Supports education, collaboration, and policy-informed action that leads to healthier starts and thriving futures
Be part of a collective advancing community leadership, advocacy, and shared power for families and future generations.
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Build shared power through leadership, advocacy, and community voice
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Collaborate across sectors to strengthen families and neighborhoods
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Drive systems change through education, engagement, and collective action
