Berkeley, CA — On December 13, 2016, New America and Family Story hosted a conversation among advocates and thought leaders to answer a new question: How can engaging a diversity of families in public policy design result in policies that truly serve America’s families and create a more equitable future for all?

America’s diversity is one of our national hallmarks, and that diversity extends beyond race, country of origin, who we love, and gender. It also includes how we create family. Today, there is no single family arrangement that encompasses the majority of children. Single-parent homes are increasingly common, as are arrangements in which children live with grandparents or with unmarried, cohabiting parents. And, there are many families composed of people who are not biologically related or legally bound. Family diversity is the new normal.

Unfortunately, our government thinks some families are better than others. Since the 1950s, America has promoted a belief that the best kind of family consists of a married heterosexual couple raising biological children under one roof. Families that fall outside of this category are seen as less worthy of support and equal protection under the law. And America’s current political climate makes clear that our most marginalized families are under attack.

It’s time for bold solutions and action to ensure equity for for all families regardless of how they are structured. Please join us for a conversation that will illuminate the ways we can create a democracy that is truly of, by and for all people, and families.

Introduction:

Rachel Black
Co-Director, Family-Centered Social Policy

Moderator:

Mia Birdsong 
Co-Director, Family Story

Storytellers & Panelists:

Darlene Nipper 
CEO, Rockwood Leadership Institute

Lakisha Young 
Entrepreneur-in-Residence, GO Public Schools

Nicole Boucher 
Strategist, Color of Democracy

Kay Fernandez Smith
Assistant Vice President of Programs, San Francisco Foundation

Reception featured music by DJ Samala and food catered by the People’s Kitchen Collective.