Campaign for Inclusion
Blue Star Families’ Campaign for Inclusion reflects values of welcome and belonging at the heart of our work. Using our theory of change (listen, share, partner, & act), we empower stakeholders to implement best practices that help all military families feel welcomed and included on their journey.
our mission & more
To advocate for the unique community needs of diverse military- and Veteran-connected families in an effort to enhance military readiness and retention.
We listen to experiences, share our findings, and partner with others to act and empower change.
To create an environment where diverse military- and Veteran-connected families feel welcome and included in the communities where they live and serve.
- We use our best-in-class survey methodology to listen to the experiences of diverse military- and Veteran-connected families.
- We share our findings with community, military, and DOD leaders to empower change.
- We partner with other military and Veteran service organizations to create a force multiplier around areas of need.
- We act to create our own programs that improve the experiences of diverse military- and Veteran-connected families that have sacrificed so much for our country.
- Commitment: We are committed to strengthening military families and providing resources and benefits that reach all types of need.
- Family: We help families feel included in the communities where they live and serve. This campaign upholds our mission and empowers stakeholders to come alongside us in work.
- Impact: We are intentional in building programs and engagements that focus directly on a positive impact to improve the experiences of military and Veteran families, fostering inclusion and belonging in communities nationwide.
Carlandra "CT" Moss
Director of Campaign for Inclusion
I lead a community-building initiative with a mission to advocate for the unique community needs of diverse military and veteran-connected families to enhance military readiness and retention. Our vision is to create an environment where military families of color, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities feel included in the communities where they live and serve.
Additionally, I manage the DEPLOY (Diversify and Expand the Pipeline of Leaders of Your Military Community) Fellowship Program, which aims to cultivate a diverse and skilled group of leaders within the MSO/VSO organization.
I am a military mother, with a daughter serving in the Air Force and a son in the Army. Beyond my military family role, I am also a plant enthusiast, caring for over 40 plants that I consider my "plant children." In addition to these interests, I am a mentor and a certified life coach.
I have a strong passion for serving others and advocating for the well-being of military families and am honored to lead this initiative.
FIVE IMPACT AREAS
Click each section below to learn more
"I work full time. I am a Black mother of two Black boys, and my husband is an active-duty officer. We will move again in less than a month to a new neighborhood, and I am more fearful now than ever about whether the neighborhood will accept my boys and my family."
— A Black Military Spouse
CAMPAIGN FOR INCLUSION: HISTORY
Summer 2020: Community Pulse Check
In the summer of 2020, we conducted a community pulse check.
December 2020: Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee
In response to concerns, we convened a high-level committee of diverse senior leaders. These leaders helped shape the creation of our Racial Equity and Inclusion Initiative.
2021: Groundbreaking Survey
In 2021, we fielded a groundbreaking survey. We created an intentional space to listen to military families of color.
2022: Survey Results Released
We released the report of this survey in early 2022. It showed military service has promising benefits for service members of color. These benefits reach all types of needs, including education, health care, and finances. But, we learned that these families face unique challenges. Difficulties that undermine military readiness and retention persist. As we listened, we found opportunities for communities to support these military families.
Late 2022: Expanded Racial Equity & Inclusion Initiative - Campaign for Inclusion
In late 2022, we expanded the Racial Equity and Inclusion Initiative into the Campaign for Inclusion. We help families feel included in the communities where they live and serve. This campaign upholds our mission. And, it empowers stakeholders to come alongside us in this work.
Campaign for Inclusion Partners
