Paving the way for the economic mobility of families

Paving the way for the economic mobility of families 2021–2022 Annual Report

Who We Are The IDJ is the only organization in Puerto Rico that is committed to advocating for research and public policy designed to strengthen the financial stability of families with children and youth in Puerto Rico and therefore drastically reduce child poverty on the island. We bring about systemic change through research, community mobilization, and government relations.

How We Do It

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By empowering affected people to participate in the public policymaking process

By encouraging local and federal government leaders to rely on data

Through the formation of alliances because child poverty reduction is everyone’s responsibility.

By supporting advocacy, teaching about issues and potential solutions, and supporting affected people

Message from the Team As we look back on the IDJ’s trajectory this year, we could say it has been challenging and unprecedented, but no one said that changing the course of history was simple or easy.

During this period, we launched 2 campaigns to ensure that eligible families applied for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). These efforts required extensive advocacy and mobilization processes, media efforts, and a strategy of direct services to families with the support of a network of allies that, like the IDJ, believe in the possibility of a Puerto Rico with equal opportunity for all.

We also strengthened our approach by creating the first Economic Mobility Lab and 2Gen Community in Puerto Rico. These projects offer solutions to improve the economic mobility of families. Research and data are key in the execution of strategies that meet the needs of families and produce positive results.

Meanwhile, we scored a victory as a country by establishing a 10-year goal to cut child poverty in half

via Act 84 of 2021, a Puerto Rico government policy that centers on the development of programs and policies to fight child poverty and social inequalities.

We advocated, we mobilized our allies, and we succeeded. Puerto Rico is one of the few jurisdictions that has such a policy.

This is all part of a deliberate agenda guided by our Change Theory and a roadmap that identifies public policies that have the potential to substantially reduce child poverty in Puerto Rico. During this strategic cycle, we worked on a movement to encourage the community to take part in the processes that affect them, the government to adopt policy positions, and all sectors to recognize the pressing need to fight child poverty.

As we enter a new period, we are focused on creating new opportunities for families and prioritizing this issue. To achieve this, we will continue to join forces with new allies along the way because it would not be possible without you.

Thank you for being part of the movement!

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JULY 2021 July–December

If Not Now, When? campaign

August

Participation in the public hearing on Puerto Rico Senate Bill 293 in the state House of Representatives

October

December

Action week: #NowIsTheTime Passing of

Act 84

January

of 2021

Launch of the Reclama el CTC campaign

An unprecedented year...

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Advocacy Academy 2022: Activism and Community Integration to Drive Public Policy Change

JUNE 2022 We are ready for a new strategic cycle!

2023–2025

Participation in the Todos por la niñez summit April

The White House promotes the Child Tax Credit to Puerto Rico

February March

Launch of the Puerto Rico Economic Mobility Lab

2Gen Community workshops begin

Collaborative Reclama tu dinero campaign begins

Local and federal tax filing events

Campaign

If Not Now, When?

Strategic campaign supported by advocacy, public policy, and research efforts to influence policies aimed at child poverty reduction in Puerto Rico Thanks to excellent teamwork, Puerto Rico now has a child poverty reduction goal!

The Anti-Poverty Coalition: A group of civic, community, private, and nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, that want to make poverty eradication a high priority for our country

How We Achieve It

Action Week: Now Is the Time!

Calls to action on social media:

Putting the issue into words to understand it from its roots:

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Installation of the data walk in the Plaza del Sol mall to:

We organized an advocacy day at the Puerto Rico state capitol with the participation of:

50

30

people

meetings

The call to action: to vote "yes" on PR Senate Bill PS 293

We participated in public hearings to reaffirm the pressing need to establish public policies to reduce child poverty.

Raise awareness on the plight of a high percentage of children and youth in Puerto Rico, leverage data to encourage the community to learn and take action, and answer frequently asked questions about poverty on the island

+200

+47K

social media users changed their profile pictures

reach in weekly performance on social media

+35 mentions

Let’s talk openly about child poverty: Storytelling workshop by Ana Teresa Toro: writer, professor, and independent journalist

As a result of these efforts, the bill was approved unanimously by both legislative bodies with representation from all political parties.

First Focus: This organization joined the call to action through social media, sending messages to the local administration that encouraged them to adopt the bill.

The Act 84-2021 establishes the Puerto Rico government policy on the development of child poverty and social inequality reduction programs and policies, sets a 10-year goal to cut child poverty in half, and creates the Commission to Combat Child Poverty and Social Inequality.

This historic policy: Demonstrates that the executive and legislative branches and the nonprofit sector are aligned on the issue of child poverty and its solutions

Radio Isla: This alliance resulted in agreements with analyst Luis Herrero and reporters Milly Méndez and Yolanda Vélez Arcelay to disseminate content. We engaged in a conversation with the mayors of Bayamón and Toa Baja and with two state representatives.

Digital geolocalized campaign to make the 10-year goal a law

730K

95K

impressions on display ads and traditional banners

impressions on Twitter

*Results from September to December

Using data for public policymaking to develop evidence-based legislation

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On December 31, 2021, the governor signed Act 84-2021.

Establishes a multisectoral entity led by the nonprofit sector and community representatives from all over the archipelago

Delegates the responsibility of requesting the Commission’s annual operational funding to the PR Office of Management and Budget

RECLAMA EL CTC

For over 6 years, the IDJ has advocated for the expansion of the CTC to include families in Puerto Rico with 1 or 2 children, but our work is not done until every eligible family is aware of the benefit and applies for it. Thus, in January we launched the Reclama el CTC campaign: You and your family are entitled to CTC funds!

You and your family are entitled to CTC funds!

This campaign brought together over 40 entities from government, the private sector and local and national organizations.We also conducted a media campaign to increase our reach, which included social media, radio, press, billboards, TV, and digital media.

campaign

Asociación de Comercio al Detal (Puerto Rico Retailers Association)

Round table

Media campaign

Multisectoral meetings

Local and federal governments

CTC exclusive landing page

180

Banco Popular

Private sector

Partner organizations

The announcement was broadcast in

Creative support for media campaign Distribution of informational material to employees and customers In collaboration with Espacios Abiertos, we conducted an analysis of the impacts of the CTC and EITC on the local economy. The data was lauded by the local and national news media.

branches, and an informational flyer was distributed

+1 million

customers to encourage them to claim the CTC and EITC.

30

workshops

• Macy’s • Walmart • Sam’s Club • Pepe Ganga • Walgreens • PetSmart

+26 posts

• Rooms To Go • Supermercados Pueblo • The Home Depot • Holsum • Procter & Gamble • Liberty

+3

cover pages

Over 50 organizations participated in the biweekly calls to eliminate obstacles, collectively resolve problems, and enable collaboration between the government, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector.

+20M

estimated reach Biweekly calls with the local and federal governments

Distribution of 30K flyers and banners across Puerto Rico

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The newsletter was sent to

OF PUERTO RICO

Supermercados Mi Gente Asociación de Ejecutivos de Cooperativas

Website

Distribution of promotional poster

ReintegroCTC.com served as a guide for families and the public and private sectors. Users have access to eligibility requirements, a benefits calculator, and an interactive map that offers assistance.

The White House, ARPA Implementation Team, PR Fortaleza, PR Office of Management and Budget, PR Department of Treasury, PR Senate Treasury Commission, and municipalities

This project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of:

571

trained individuals

14 companies

impacted by Popular at Work

Milly Méndez

+30.2M

Billboards and gas stations

potential views

+300K

estimated impressions

The journalist and influencer was the official voice of the announcement and also promoted the campaign via her social media accounts.

YouTube

225K views

Community Voices:

Google Ads

882K

Instagram Facebook

123K unique users

143K page views

Social media

195,266

We talked to several mothers to better understand how the CTC could benefit their families.

impressions

600K

applications submitted as of June 8, according to IRS data

reach

682K

impressions Watch video

Support from the municipalities for the dissemination of content through mayors organizations:

• Mayors Federation • Mayors Association • Liga de Ciudades

Joint workshops with the Taxpayer Advocate Service

Advocacy Academy impact

Puerto Rico Department of the Family IDJ content used to create campaign materials

Cities League network

PDL DDEC, ADSEF, and ACUDEN

Distributed informational material during the events

Reclama tu dinero Campaign

MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Press

+732K

March 8, 2022 Hispanic Federation, Espacios Abiertos, and the Rockefeller Foundation announce the initiative to the country.

Broad Digital Presence

This effort involved two key strategies:

Interactive CTC and EITC calculators

• Media campaign • Free island-wide tax filing events

3

Social media

web pages with all the details

ReclamaTuDineroPR.com, ReintegroCTC.com, and Creditoportrabajo.com

Videos and toolkits

+150K Event calendar, map, and appointment links

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flyers distributed

343K

533,997

users

pageviews

combined publications

Combined results (12 weeks)

We joined forces to develop and lead an integrated strategy to strengthen existing initiatives and amplify the effects of the CTC and EITC in Puerto Rico.

Circulated at

+80

traffic lights every week

613

815

TV spots

radio spots

Billboards across the island

Call center Calls tripled after the hours were extended during the week and on weekends.

Between March and May, we received:

2,823 calls about the CTC

2,716 calls about the EITC

296

calls about both credits

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Partnerships, education, and free tax filing events:

Continued

Reclama tu dinero campaign

We created educational content on both credits and explained how to apply for them to ensure that each volunteer or person had the neccesary tools to advance in the process.

MASS TAX FILING EVENTS

30+ tax filing events

7

subgrants

34

volunteers

- Webinars - Browser manual

16

partner organizations

+10 accountants hired

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+23

municipalities directly benefited and 55 indirectly benefited Municipal support through Liga de las Ciudades: • Aguadilla • Hormigueros • Peñuelas • Vieques They provided spaces to conduct the tax filing events.

Connectivity: Liberty kept us connected, ensuring that the service was available anywhere on the island.

Communication support for the organizations: • Content design and creation for social media • Sound trucks to promote events in different municipalities

$1.8

This project is made possible by the generous contribution of:

million invested in this campaign

We covered the entire archipelago: The effort continues with more free tax filing events and guidance to families.

Events locations

Workshops and call to action

+1,200 people served

In person: • District legislators • Mayors • Agency executives • The judicial branch • Nonprofit organizations

Online: • 2-1-1 staff (United Way) • Public Montessori schools • Religious entities • NGOs and the general public

Learn more

In an effort to promote systemic child poverty reduction solutions, in February, the IDJ launched the Puerto Rico Economic Mobility Lab (LabMovEPR), a space where families can work toward economic mobility.

In collaboration with government agencies and service organizations, LabMovEPR

promotes the use of data and evidence to get the most out of programs that affect families’ financial stability. We aim to answer one fundamental but complex question: How can we pave the way for economic mobility in Puerto Rico?

“The Economic Mobility Lab is a project we have been working on for several years.

Our lab is strictly intended to advance our mission to substantially reduce child poverty,” explained Dr. María Enchautegui, IDJ Research Director.

LabMovEPR in collaboration with:

Why? Poverty is high, persistent, and intergenerational.

Impact on government agencies

10.5

+75%

2Gen models have three main elements: the family as a whole, measurement of impact through results of family integration in the design, and strategy execution. We established the 2Gen learning community to share resources and foster dialogue about the bi-generational approach and to identify opportunities for program improvements that could help families.

contact hours in workshops

of children born into poverty will live in poverty for the rest of their childhood.

+50

High and persistent child poverty requires us to consider new solutions, which may be applied differently according to the population and focus area.

Participating agencies:

The goal is to offer a platform for learning, discussion, replication, innovation, and improvement, both for those who want to learn more about 2Gen models and for those who are looking to work with them.

public employees participated

• PR Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCRPR) • PR Department of Education • Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) • PR Department of Health • PR Department of Housing • PR Department of the Family - Administration for the Care and Comprehensive Development of Children (ACUDEN) - Administration for the Socioeconomic Development of Families (ADSEF) - Administration for Families and Children (ADFAN) - Administration for Child Support (ASUME)

Advocacy Academy

Through Advocacy Academy, we supported and empowered communities to have a leading role in building a more fair and equitable society. We want families to have the power to evaluate and influence the decisions, projects, and public policies that affect them.

Youth and community leaders of different parts of Puerto Rico participated in Advocacy Academy 2022: Activism and Community Integration to Drive Public Policy Change.

Workshops: • Activism 101: History and skills • Persuasive communication • Legislative processes: How the community participates in political decisions • The Child Tax Credit (CTC) benefit

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At the Academy, we collaborated with David Cordero and Juan Marrero, journalists from El Nuevo Día and Metro, respectively; Mildred Antuna, Vimenti Communications Director; and Margarita Rivera from MicroJuris. These collaborations reinforce the power of partnerships to achieve systemic change.

As part of this effort, workshops with partner organizations are regularly offered.

143 participants attended workshops about mobilization and advocacy during this period

Taking a position in the public debate 360° impact to ensure that everyone joins the movement

JuventudPR.org CuantoNosCuesta.com

+83

900% website growth

appearances in local and national news media

+90K

$547,500 earned media value

new users

million

+149K page views

estimated reach overall number

Social media

Facebook

441

posts

2.7 million impressions

Twitter

285

posts

114%

growth*

Instagram

193

posts

436.1%

growth*

198.3% growth*

Sources: Metrix & Google Analytics

105

*Number of posts

Revenue and expense report

Budget distribution 55% 45%

Revenue

4%

2% 1%

2% 2%

89%

Key: Private U.S. foundations

Government

Private PR foundations

Corporate foundations

Corporations Key: Individuals

Wages

Operating expenses

This work is made possible by the generous collaboration of

our partner organizations.

Our team

At the IDJ, we continue to assemble a team of experts because we understand that human capital is our most valuable asset.

Sarah Vázquez Pérez

Caridad A. Arroyo Quijano

Estela M. Reyes Rodríguez

Statistics Manager

Mobilization and Advocacy Manager

Carmen Isaura Rodríguez

Gionira Blanco

Advocacy Director

Philanthropy Manager

Graphic Designer and Content Creator

Liana E. Carrasquillo Vázquez

Valeria Aguirre Mercado

Puerto Rico Economic Mobility Lab Manager

Advocacy Officer

Dr. María E. Enchautegui Román

Vallerie Blakely Vallecillo

Research and Policy Director

Research Assistant

Christopher García Sánchez Public Policy Manager

Cristian D. Pérez Flores Community Organizer

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Strategic Communication Manager

Sonia Edith Rivera Lebrón

Community Voices As a team, we acknowledge families’ lived experiences, and we are aware of the pressing need to improve their living conditions.

Join the movement!

Puerto Rico will thrive when all children and youth have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. This has always been our approach. Our allies’ investments have resulted in a historic ROI in terms of support for families with children and their economic mobility, but our work is not done. Join the movement!

“When my kids ask me for stuff, I say, ‘Not right now, but when we can afford it.’ One good thing about my kids is that they are thoughtful. My oldest son said, ‘Mom, I’ll sell lemonade this summer so I can buy you a birthday present and help you pay the rent,’ and I replied, ‘Honey, you don’t have to do that; mommy will take care of it; just focus on school and on being your best self.’ My children are humble; I taught them that. If I don’t have the money, I tell them that it doesn’t mean they won’t get what they want. I just ask them to give me a little time, and they will get it.”

— Mother of 3 children, San Juan “Distance, costs, family responsibilities, and time are all challenges that make it difficult to stay in school.”

— Mother of 2 children, Vieques

www.juventudpr.org 787-728-3939 PO Box 79526 Carolina, PR 00984-9526 @IDJ.PR

@IDJ_PR

@Idj_pr