Paving the way for the mobilityeconomic of families 2021–2022 Annual Report
Who We Are How We Do It
Through the formation of alliances because child poverty reduction is everyone’s responsibility.
By encouraging local and federal government leaders to rely on data
By empowering affected people to participate in the public policymaking process 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.
By supporting advocacy, teaching about issues and potential solutions, and supporting affected people
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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!
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.
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Message from the Team
4 | 2021–2022 Annual Report An unprecedented year... If Not When?Now, campaign August July–December October December January JULY 2021 Participation in the public hearing on Puerto Rico Senate Bill 293 in the state House Representativesof Action week: #NowIsTheTime AcademyAdvocacy2022: Activism PolicyIntegrationCommunityandtoDrivePublicChange Launchofthe Reclama el CTC campaign Passing of Act 84 of 2021
Launch of the Puerto MobilityEconomicRicoLab Participation in the Todos por la niñez summit We are ready for a strategicnewcycle! 2023–2025 Community2Gen workshops begin The White HouseTaxthepromotesChildCredittoPuertoRico Collaborative tuReclamadinero campaignbegins February March April JUNE 2022 Local and federal tax filing events
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to action: to vote "yes" on PR Senate Bill PS 293 How AchieveWe It Action Week: Now Is the Time! Calls to action on social media: +47K reach in performanceweeklyonsocialmedia +35 mentions +200
Thanks
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Strategic campaign supported by advocacy, public policy, research efforts to policies aimed at child poverty reduction in Puerto Rico to excellent teamwork, Puerto Rico now has child poverty reduction goal! call social media users changed their profile issue into words to it from its
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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 We participated in public hearings to reaffirm the pressing need to establish public policies to reduce child poverty. We organized an advocacy day at the Puerto Rico state capitol with the participation of: 50 people 30 meetings
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Let’s talk openly about child poverty: Storytelling workshop by Ana Teresa Toro: writer, professor, and independent journalist
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Installation of the data walk in the Plaza del Sol mall to: 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
Delegates the responsibility of requesting the Commission’s annual operational funding to the PR Office of Management and Budget This historic policy: 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. On December 31, 2021, the governor signed Act 84-2021. 730K impressions on display ads and traditional banners 95K impressionsonTwitter
Demonstrates that the executive and legislative branches and the nonprofit sector are aligned on the issue of child poverty and its Establishessolutionsa multisectoral entity led by the nonprofit sector and community representatives from all over the archipelago
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*Results from September to December
As a result of these efforts, the bill was unanimouslyapprovedby both legislative bodies with representation from all political parties.
goalmakecampaigngeolocalizedDigitaltothe10-yearalaw
First Focus: This joinedorganizationthecallto action through social media, sending messages to the local administration that encouraged them to adopt the bill. 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.
Using data for public policymaking to develop evidence-based legislation
Private sector Media governmentsfederalLocalorganizationsPartnercampaignand Banco Association)RicoDetalComercioAsociaciónPopulardeal(PuertoRetailers MiSupermercadosGente campaignforCreativesupportmedia The informationalbranches,wasannouncementbroadcastin180andanflyerwasdistributed CTC exclusive
RECLAMA CTC and your family are entitled to CTC funds! 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! 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. landing newsletter was sent to +1 customersmilliontoencouragethemtoclaimtheCTCandEITC. collaboration with Espacios Abiertos, conducted an analysis of the impacts of the CTC and EITC on the local economy. The data was lauded by the local and national newsOvermedia.50organizations participated in the biweekly calls to eliminate obstacles, collectively resolve problems, and enable collaboration between the government, nonprofit organizations, organizations, and the private sector. White House, of of Senate as a guide public sectors. have access to eligibility requirements, benefits calculator, an interactive map that offers
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assistance. posts+26 pagescover+3 reachestimated+20MRoundmeetingsMultisectoraltable Distribution andemployeesmaterialinformationaloftocustomers Distribution of posterpromotional• Macy’s • Walmart • Sam’s Club • Pepe Ganga • Walgreens • PetSmart • Rooms To Go • Supermercados Pueblo • The Home Depot • Holsum • Procter & Gamble • Liberty Distribution of 30K flyers and banners across Puerto Rico Asociación de Ejecutivos Cooperativasde Biweekly calls with the local and governmentsfederal Website
Treasury, PR
for families and the
OF PUERTO RICO 8 | 2021–2022 Annual Report
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ARPA Implementation Team, PR Fortaleza, PR Office
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Treasury Commission, and municipalitiesReintegroCTC.com served
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applications195,266submittedasofJune8,accordingtoIRSdata • FederationMayors • AssociationMayors • Liga Ciudadesde Billboards and gas stations IDJ materials campaignusedcontenttocreate Support from organizations:throughofthemunicipalitiesthefordisseminationcontentmayors networkCitiesimpactAcademyAdvocacyLeague thematerialinformationalDistributedduringevents 123Kuniqueusers viewspage143K+30.2Mpotentialviews+300Kestimatedimpressions MéndezMilly The journalist and influencer was the official voice of the announcement and also promoted the campaign via her social media accounts. Voices:Community We talked to several mothers to better understand how the CTC could benefit their families.ServiceAdvocatethewithworkshopsJointTaxpayer682KimpressionsInstagramFacebook600Kreach PDL ACUDENADSEF,DDEC,and mediaSocial Puerto DepartmentRico of the Family This project was made possible thanks to the collaboration of: 14 PopularimpactedcompaniesbyatWork individualstrained571 impressions882KGoogleYouTube225KviewsAds Watch video
10 | 2021–2022 Annual Report This effort involved two key strategies: • Media campaign • Free island-wide tax filing events Campaign Reclama tu dinero Interactive CTC and EITC andEventVideoscalculatorsandtoolkitscalendar,map,appointmentlinks 343K users 533,997 pageviews 3web pages with all the details Creditoportrabajo.comReintegroCTC.com,ReclamaTuDineroPR.com,and Combined results (12 weeks) MASS MarchCAMPAIGNMEDIA8,2022 Hispanic Federation, Espacios Abiertos, and the Rockefeller Foundation announce the initiative to the country. Press +732K flyers distributed +150K publicationscombined Broad Digital Presence Social media
Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud | 11 Call center Calls tripled after the hours were weekends.weekduringextendedtheandon 2,823 theaboutcallsCTC 2,716 theaboutcallsEITC 296 bothaboutcallscredits Between March and May, we received:Billboardsacrosstheisland+80 traffic lights every Circulatedweekat 815 spotsradio 613 spotsTV 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.
12 | 2021–2022 Annual Report Connectivity: Liberty kept us connected, ensuring that the service was available anywhere on the island. organizations:supportCommunicationforthe • Content design and creation for social media • Sound trucks to municipalitieseventspromoteindifferent Partnerships, education, and free tax filing events: 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. - Webinars - Browser manual 7 subgrants 16 partner organizations 30+ eventsfilingtax 34 volunteers +10 accountantshired +23 municipalities directly benefited and 55 indirectly benefited Municipal support through Liga de las Ciudades: • Aguadilla • Hormigueros • Peñuelas • TheyViequesprovided spaces to conduct the tax filing events. Reclama tu dinero campaign Continued MASS FILINGTAXEVENTS
locationsEvents We covered the entire archipelago: The effort continues with more free tax filing events and guidance to families. This project is made possible by the contributiongenerousof:$1.8million invested in this campaign Online: • 2-1-1 staff (United Way) • Public Montessori schools • Religious entities • NGOs and the general public Workshops and call to +1,200action people served In person: • District legislators • Mayors • Agency executives • The judicial branch • Nonprofit organizations
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. Learn more LabMovEPR in collaboration with:
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 improvementsprogramthatcouldhelpfamilies.
• PR Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCRPR)
• Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC)
Why? Poverty is high, persistent, and Highintergenerational.andpersistent child poverty requires us to consider new solutions, which may be applied differently according to the population and focus area. of children born into poverty will live in poverty for the rest of their +75%childhood.
• PR Department of Housing
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.
Impact on government agencies 10.5 contact hours in workshops +50 public participatedemployees
• PR Department of Health
Participating agencies:
• PR Department of Education
• 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)
•
•
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
•
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.
•
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.
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AcademyAdvocacy
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 Sources:movementMetrix&GoogleAnalytics +90K new users +149K page views CuantoNosCuesta.comJuventudPR.org900%websitegrowth +83 appearances in local and national news media Social media Facebookposts4412.7millionimpressions198.3%growth* growth*posts285114%Twitter 105million estimated reach overall number
Revenue and expense report Revenue distributionBudget 45% Key: CorporationsIndividualsGovernmentPrivate foundationsPrivatefoundationsU.S.PR 89%foundationsCorporate1%2% 2% 4% 2% 55% Wages Key: expensesOperating
This work is made possible by the generous collaboration of our partner organizations.
20 | 2021–2022 Annual Report Our team Research and Policy Director Dr. María EnchauteguiE. Román Public Policy Manager GarcíaChristopherSánchez Mobilization and Advocacy Manager Estela M. Reyes Rodríguez Strategic Communication Manager VázquezSarah Pérez Advocacy Director Carmen RodríguezIsaura Research Assistant BlakelyVallerie Vallecillo Statistics Manager Caridad A. Arroyo Quijano Community Organizer Cristian D. Pérez Flores Puerto Rico Economic Mobility Lab Manager Liana CarrasquilloE. Vázquez Philanthropy Manager BlancoGionira Graphic Designer and Content Creator Sonia RiveraEdithLebrón Advocacy Officer AguirreValeria Mercado At the IDJ, we continue to assemble a team of experts because we understand that human capital is our most valuable asset.
— Mother of 2 children, Vieques Community Voices As a team, we acknowledge families’ lived experiences, and we are aware of the pressing need to improve their living conditions.
— Mother of 3 children, San Juan “Distance, costs, family responsibilities, and time are all challenges that make it difficult to stay in school.”
“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.”
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!
@IDJ.Pwww.juventudpCarolina,PO787-728-3939Box79526PR00984-9526r.orgR@IDJ_PR @Idj_pr
