Listening to and amplifying the voices of low-income families in the public and policy arenas is essential to developing two-generation approaches.  The resilience, insights, and realities of low-income parents and children are under-represented in the media and policy debates.  Yet the American public is hungry for a solution-focused conversation — one that focuses on specific steps forward, rather than belaboring the problem.  

We see an urgent need to develop fresh language and messages that resonate across gender, race, ethnicity, generation, and class.  Ascend’s work includes publications, products, and tools that partners from across sectors can use to inform and expand their work on two-generation approaches.        

At Ascend, we listen closely to what parents are saying, convene national forums and roundtable conversations among experts, and showcase promising programs and practices.  Ascend is working to provide the tools to expand and amplify this new conversation, with online resources that create a hub for an emerging network of visionary leaders.

Sparking a new conversation around a two-generation approach and low-income families includes:

• Showcasing the work of the Ascend network, including Ascend Fellows, Advisory Board members, and other partners.
• Creating opportunities in the U.S. to leverage international learning about the power of and return on investments in women through event such as the Aspen ThinkXChange and the Women & the Economy Roundtable.
• Elevating the voices of low-income parents and children and the power of two-generation solutions through media partnerships, focus groups, and convenings.

Whether you are a policy expert, program leader, researcher, public official, or business leader, there are ways to spark a two-generation conversation in your own work.  To find out how, click here.