Dear Friend:
We live in a time of unprecedented chaos. In Massachusetts, we have a rich cultural heritage extending from our critical role in the American Revolution. Yet for most, family life today is more challenging and disturbing than the revolutionary era that forged our hard-fought freedoms. The legalization of same-sex "marriage" graphically portrays the seismic shift occurring in today's culture.

Parenting has always been a difficult, time-consuming task; but is unquestionably life's most rewarding. Parenting is still the hardest job in the world, and our modern world makes it tougher. Consider:

• According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Massachusetts ranks at the top of the list of least affordable U.S. states to live in.

• Fathers and mothers are working harder and longer in jobs that are ever changing and more stressful.

• Single parents have the toughest job of all, serving as both mother and father, working long hours on the job while keeping the household and family intact.

• Many very young children are spending too much time away from their parents in day care and after school care settings, often lacking the kind of direct supervision and love that parents desire to give their young children.

• The values esteemed and promoted by our modern culture, entertainment industry, and even our government, are too often at odds with our historic Judeo-Christian principles of human behavior.

• External threats that war against the safety and well-being of our children include:

• Internet dangers and adult online predators

• The lack of strong communities where many adults have a stake in the safety and success of children

• School violence and the rise of child-against-child crimes.

• When I talk to families and community leaders, the message I often hear is that parents are having a difficult time keeping pace with the tidal-wave of social and economic changes. They are anguished that long-recognized support structures are not supporting them anymore. In fact, they are upset that the very values they try to instill in their children are often undone by the violence, sexuality and addictive behaviors glorified in video games, movies, music and television. Now homosexuality and same-sex marriage are being affirmed and taught in our public schools. Parents often feel helpless and powerless to give their children the kind of life they want for them, and they fear for their children's physical and emotional health.

That's what our work is about - research, resources and a public voice to strengthen families. I invite you to link arms with us! Please let us know how we may serve you.

Sincerely,

Kris Mineau
President