Valdosta: Sept 14th — 6pm, Valdosta State University Jeanette Hall Auditorium, Valdosta, Ga 31698
Athens: Sept 18th – 6pm, Athens Clarke County Public Library in Multipurpose Room – B, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, Ga 30606

Please join Georgia Equality for a Family Justice Network Community Discussion in Valdosta at 6pm on Thursday, September 14th at Valdosta State University’s Jeanette Hall Auditorium; or in Athens at 6pm on Monday, September 18th at the Athens Clarke County Public Library Multipurpose Room – B, 2025 Baxter St.

Georgia’s Family Justice Network is one of six states’ efforts across the nation aimed to raise public awareness for the need of broader, more inclusive definitions of ‘family’ in public and workplace policies. FJN is a collaboration between Georgia Equality, Feminist Women Health Center, 9to5 Georgia, and Families First. Discussions will be facilitated by local community members.

The Valdosta and Athens FJN Community Discussions are the second and third of a series of statewide community dialogues to raise awareness through family stories and conversations for the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The first FJN Community Discussions occurred on June 7th in Columbus. The goal of the community discussions is to build relationships and deepen organizational engagement in communities that are most impacted by narrow definitions of family.

Only 20% of today’s families identify as a “nuclear” family; mom, dad and two kids. Our families are now multi-generational, chosen, blended, multi-lingual, LGBTQ, and other non-traditional forms of family. However, the legal definition of ‘family’ found in public policy from adoption to hospital visitation, and workplace leave is not all inclusive.

Both FJN Community Discussion will feature “Typical Georgia Families” photography exhibit highlighting the diversity of Georgia’s families will be on display. The exhibit’s powerful visual message for political, corporate and organizational leaders is that there is no typical Georgia family and policies must reflect the state’s diversity. The exhibit has been featured at the Georgia State Capitol.

Please RSVP by clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1307315472718518/?active_tab=discussion

We look forward to seeing you there. Lite fare & refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Rob Woods at email hidden; JavaScript is required or mobile phone 404.645.8839.