The COVID-19 pandemic has been uniquely disruptive for Baltimore’s young people, heightening life challenges and underscoring ... deep inequities that have historically existed. As the pandemic continues and we navigate this critical moment in the fight for racial justice—led largely by our youth—wrapping our collective arms around our young people is now more vital than ever. In that spirit, the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success today launches GO THE DISTANCE BMORE!, a hope-filled, inspirational campaign to encourage and engage Baltimore’s young people as we continue to transition into our new virtual normal. Led by the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success, made possible by dozens of community partners and co-designed and informed by a diverse group of youth, the campaign provides hope, fosters inclusivity and promotes healing by: Curating and promoting a menu of no- to low-cost, virtual resources and activities for youth Engaging and encouraging young people through youth-centered messaging and stories “Our charge in the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success is to radically improve the lives of Baltimore’s children, youth and families, and core to that work is activating and giving voice to our 195,000 residents under the age of 24,” says Executive Director Tisha Edwards. “The pandemic makes our efforts even more essential. Social isolation and lack of access to basic life resources compound the hardship and trauma so many Baltimore youth already experience in the face of concentrated poverty and structural racism. Our young people need to know they’re not alone and there is hope--they need to hear that from leaders, influencers and their peers. That’s what GO THE DISTANCE BMORE! is about.” At the heart of the campaign is the GO THE DISTANCE BMORE! website, home to a robust collection of youth-inspired, -centered and -produced video, podcast, graphic and story content. The campaign draws upon a broad network of partner organization assets read more