Bringing together 32 diverse leaders in family
policy, the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for Working
Families released recommendations for federal policymakers,
states, employers, and philanthropy to support families across
party lines.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Convergence Center for Policy Resolution released a
new Blueprint for Action with consensus solutions for
tackling deep challenges facing American families with young
children. The Blueprint release will be accompanied by a public
reception on Capitol Hill tonight featuring remarks from
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
The process of this Collaborative was featured in The
New York Times article, by
Jessica Grose, 'Couples Therapy',
but for Politics.
Forged by more than 30 leaders spanning the political spectrum
and from very different professional domains and life experiences,
the recommendations aim to change the story around parenting in the
US, rethink cash support, ensure a wider variety of high-quality
care options, and better support families with new children.
"Leading the most ideologically and sectorally diverse group
dedicated to addressing family policy in recent decades has been an
immense honor," said Abby McCloskey,
Director of the Convergence Collaborative on Supports for
Working Families and Founder of McCloskey Policy LLC.
"Recent events, such as the expiration of pandemic-era support for
families, the setback in passing the Biden Administration's Build
Back Better proposal, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade — with
states adopting radically different approaches in the aftermath —
made it challenging to anticipate the outcomes of this diverse
collaboration. I take great pride in the remarkable work the
Collaborative has accomplished."
Convergence served as a neutral convenor for the Convergence
Collaborative on Supports for Working Families. Convergence
Collaboratives are inclusive and cooperative processes, informed by
social science, in which diverse groups of leaders come together to
build trust, forge higher-ground consensus solutions, and move
forward in unlikely alliances to achieve constructive change on
seemingly intractable issues.
"Parenthood in America is increasingly challenging, and the
urgency to support our nation's working families cannot be
overstated," said Convergence Interim CEO and seasoned
consensus-builder, Mariah Levison.
"As the consensus among our participants illustrates, there is a
clear pathway for a diverse group of changemakers to strengthen
support systems in America, ensuring the needs of both children and
parents are met. These solutions will not only make it easier to
raise our children well but also foster economic opportunity and
community connectedness, which are both key to reducing our
division."
This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of
the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
About Convergence Center for Policy Resolution
Convergence is the leading organization bridging divides to
solve critical issues. Through our time-tested collaborative
problem-solving methodology, we bring people together across
ideological, political, and identity lines to improve the lives of
Americans and strengthen democracy. For more information, visit
convergencepolicy.org.
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SOURCE Convergence Center for Policy Resolution
