| Bill / Program | Level & Focus | Why It Matters for Our Communities | How Supporters Can Engage |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.R. 5557 – Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 | Federal – School mental health | Would expand access to comprehensive school-based mental health programs by amending the Public Health Service Act, helping schools provide counseling and mental health services directly to students. (Congress.gov) | Ask U.S. Representatives to support the bill and share information with parents, educators, and community leaders. |
| H.R. 6131 – To increase recruitment and retention of school-based mental health providers | Federal – Mental health workforce in schools | Aims to help low-income school districts recruit and retain school-based mental health professionals, addressing shortages that directly affect vulnerable students. (Congress.gov) | Encourage supporters to contact Congress about the need for more mental health professionals in schools, and share local stories that show the need. |
| S.B. 642 – SAVE Students Act (North Carolina) | State – Student suicide and violence prevention | Requires public school students to receive evidence-based training on recognizing warning signs of suicide, violence, and social isolation. This directly supports youth safety and mental health literacy. (North Carolina General Assembly) | Inform families and educators about the bill. Invite supporters to back suicide prevention and anti-violence training for students. |
| S.B. 550 – Coaches Care Act (North Carolina) | State – Youth sports and mental health | Would require youth athletics coaches to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training, equipping them to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young athletes. (North Carolina General Assembly) | Engage youth sports leagues, parents, and coaches in conversations about mental health. Encourage support for the bill as a way to protect and support young people. |
| H.B. 578 – The Jason Flatt Act of North Carolina | State – Suicide prevention in schools | Requires public schools to include suicide prevention education as part of their school-based mental health policy and training for educators, at no cost to staff. (North Carolina General Assembly) | Educate the community about youth suicide risk. Encourage educators, families, and advocates to support strong implementation of suicide prevention training. |
| Session Law 2025-38 / H.B. 959 – Internet Safety and Social Media Literacy | State – Digital wellbeing, youth mental health | A new North Carolina law that requires social media literacy instruction in schools, limits student cellphone use during instructional time, and strengthens internet safety policies. It addresses the mental, social, and emotional effects of social media on youth. (North Carolina General Assembly) | Help parents and students understand the law. Host or support workshops on healthy social media use, digital wellbeing, and mental health. |
| H.B. 47 – School Extension Learning Recovery Program Funding | State – Learning recovery after disruption | Increases funding for the School Extension Learning Recovery Program from 4.5 million to 9 million dollars, supporting extended learning and recovery for students, especially in Helene-affected counties. (Legislative Reporting Service) | Highlight the importance of learning recovery and tutoring support. Encourage community partners to connect families with available programs. |
| North Carolina Early Literacy and Reading Achievement Initiatives (including 2025-26 Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement and updated literacy instruction standards) | State – Literacy and reading outcomes | North Carolina is strengthening early literacy through a comprehensive reading plan and literacy instruction standards, and looking to expand evidence-based “science of reading” approaches into middle and high school. (NC DPI) | Partner with schools and families on literacy events, book distributions, and reading support. Use these policies as a springboard for your children’s literacy and journaling work. |
| North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention – Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan and Executive Order No. 21 | State – Community safety and violence prevention | The state created an Office of Violence Prevention and a three-year Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan to reduce violence and firearm harm using a public health approach. (NC DPS) | Align IOBP’s community events and youth work with violence prevention goals. Share resources from the state plan and collaborate with local partners working on safety and trauma-informed support. |
| Charlotte Youth Violence Prevention Communications Strategy and Social Norms Campaign | Local (Charlotte) – Youth violence and positive norms | The City of Charlotte is funding a youth-centered communications strategy to change perceptions and behaviors around youth violence, promote positive social norms, and connect youth with community resources. (City of Charlotte) | Position IOBP as a community partner in this effort. Connect your youth, literacy, and mental health programs with this city initiative and share campaign messages with your audiences. |
Standing Up for Our Communities
At Inspire One Billion People Inc., we care deeply about the people we serve. Our work is not only about events, education, or programs — it is also about making sure our communities are heard, protected, and supported at every level. Advocacy is one of the ways we do that.
When policies affect access to education, mental health resources, family support, or opportunities for young people, we believe it is important to help our community understand what is happening and how they can use their voice.
What We Believe In
We focus on issues that directly impact the health and future of our communities. This includes:
- Access to quality education and literacy resources
- Mental health support and emotional wellness
- Fair and equal opportunities for families and young people
- Safer, stronger neighborhoods
- Clear communication and representation for underserved communities
We do not get involved in political parties or candidates. Our work centers on people, not politics. We advocate for policies because they affect the lives, dignity, and futures of those we serve.
How You Can Be Part of This Work
We believe change happens when people come together. Here are a few ways you can help make a difference:
- Add your name to community letters and petitions when we speak up about important issues.
- Reach out to your representatives. We will always provide simple templates so you never feel lost or unsure of what to say.
- Share updates on social media to help others learn what is happening.
- Join us at advocacy events where we raise awareness, educate families, and give space for community discussion.
- Volunteer to help with outreach, research, communication, or community organizing.
You do not have to be an expert or an activist. You only need a heart for the community and a willingness to stand with others.
Our Approach as a Nonprofit
As a 501(c)(3), we follow all laws and guidelines about nonprofit advocacy. That means:
- We focus on issues that directly connect to our mission.
- We educate the public and help people understand how legislation affects their lives.
- We encourage people to make their voice heard in ways that are respectful and effective.
- We support community-driven solutions and partnerships with organizations that share our values.
Everything we do is rooted in service, responsibility, and care for the people who rely on us.
Why Your Voice Matters
Real change does not start in Washington or Raleigh — it starts with everyday people who are willing to speak up.
When one person takes action, others follow. When a community comes together, leaders listen.
We are here to guide you, support you, and stand with you every step of the way.
Stay Connected to Our Advocacy Work
If you want to stay informed and find out how you can help, join our Advocacy Network. We will share updates, educational resources, and upcoming opportunities for you to get involved.
Join the Advocacy Network ➜ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIKiHlOZ82Ofcu7gP2E9dbWImnuwCRF4e0CHev6gRZOOKM4w/viewform?usp=publish-editor
You matter. Your voice matters. And together, we can make a difference that lasts for generations.
Additional Legislation & Policy Watchlist Items
| Bill / Program | What It Means for Our Communities | How You Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 (H.R. 4253) | A federal bill to increase mental health resources in schools across the country. Would help children access counseling and wellness services directly at school. | Contact your Representative and ask them to support H.R. 4253. Share this bill with parents or educators in your network. |
| Student Mental Health Line Awareness Act (North Carolina HB 796 – 2025–2026 Session) | Supports raising awareness of mental health resources available to students statewide. Helps students know where to find help in a crisis. | Sign up for our advocacy alerts to help share awareness. Encourage families and schools to support this effort. |
| School Mental Health Support Act (North Carolina SB 630 – 2025–2026 Session) | Would increase funding and support for mental health programs inside NC public schools. | Share this bill with local parents and educators. Write your state senator to express support for expanded school mental health resources. |
| Federal Funding Increase for Youth, Mental Health & Rural Health Programs (FY 2026 Budget) | Proposed increases in national funding for mental health services, youth support programs, and rural health initiatives. Could positively affect community-based nonprofits like IOBP. | Follow updates on the budget process. Support local programs that can benefit from this funding. |
| North Carolina Youth Wellness & School Climate Initiatives (Legislative Priorities 2025–2026) | A set of statewide priorities focusing on student wellbeing, safe school climates, and expanded support programs. | Attend local school board meetings. Partner with IOBP to support youth wellness and literacy events. |
Inspire One Billion People Inc. 2024 Legislative Priorities
Monitor
N.C. House Bill 187 (HB 187), “Equality in Education,” can include comparisons to Critical Race Theory (CRT) as discussed by educators and Black leaders.
House Bill 187. Equality in Education. 2023-2024 Session https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/81917
CS/HB 1: Social Media Use for Minors
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1/BillText/e1/PDF
H.R.1558 – Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2021-2022
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1558?s=1&r=9
Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
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Get in touch
Inspire One Billion People Inc.
North Carolina Address:
6000 Fairview Road, Suite 1200, Charlotte North Carolina 28210
Phone:
(704) 552-4028
info@inspireonebillionpeople.org
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*Inspire One Billion People Inc is a multi-state organization focused on sustainable impact, with its foundations in Charlotte, North Carolina. The organization actively operates in both North Carolina and Jackson, Mississippi.