Online Program

Oral

The Raising of America, by the producers of Unnatural Causes and to be broadcast by public television starting in November, is a new documentary series which seeks to reframe the way Americans look at early child health and development. By interweaving scientific studies with stories of families struggling to provide the safe, stable and nurturing environments all young children need for a strong start, the series translates the academic literature into a form that is popular and compelling. It asks: Why, when we know so much, do we as a nation do so little? How might we do better? In this session we will preview the opening, signature hour episode, review the series’ companion tools, and hear from a few of the more than 600 public engagement partners using the series to change the conversation about how to better assure the conditions all young children need to thrive, and to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable nation.

Session Objectives: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of The Raising of America as an educational and organizing tool. Identify opportunities and generate strategies for using the series to educate and advocate for initiatives which can improve conditions for young children, their families and communities. Access companion tools and resources which can optimize the effectiveness of The Raising of America in community dialogs, policy forums, classrooms, trainings and elsewhere to change the conversation about why some children thrive while others flounder.