Imagine a future where caring for loved ones isn't a struggle, but a supported and celebrated part of life. That's the vision behind CareFest 2025, and some HUGE names are joining the fight to make it a reality! Jane Fonda and Hillary Clinton are just two of the prominent figures slated to speak at this groundbreaking event.
Caring Across Generations' CareFest 2025: The Future Forum, a three-day summit, will take place at the Ford Foundation in New York City from November 18th to 20th. This isn't just another conference; it's a gathering of influential voices from diverse sectors – policy, civil society, business, technology, entertainment, and journalism – all united by a common goal: to reimagine the future of care in America. The speakers will delve into personal stories, innovative ideas, and bold dreams for what a truly supportive care system could look like.
Beyond Fonda and Clinton, the speaker lineup is a powerhouse of advocates and creatives. Yvette Nicole Brown, #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke, author Emma Heming Willis, and filmmaker Hikari are also set to participate. The event will also feature insights from A Million Little Things showrunner DJ Nash, filmmakers like Liz Sargent, and talented actresses such as Cristela Alonzo and Brandee Evans. Industry heavyweights like Franklin Leonard (founder of The Black List), MSNBC host Chris Hayes, NBC anchor Richard Lui, and MSNBC anchor Alicia Menendez will further enrich the discussions.
Ai-jen Poo, co-founder and executive director of Caring Across Generations, perfectly captures the spirit of the event: "We’re thrilled to bring leading Hollywood creatives and care experts together to showcase their deeply rich, authentic, and entertaining care stories." She emphasizes that these stories aren't just captivating audiences and winning awards; they're actively reshaping the narrative for the over 63 million caregivers in America. These dedicated individuals deserve a modern, affordable, and accessible care system – something CareFest 2025 directly addresses.
And this is the part most people miss... The event's programming includes a "Care Storytelling Showcase," a unique platform where entertainment industry creatives, funders, and executives can share how they've integrated care-inclusive narratives into film and television. This isn't just about representation; it's about changing hearts and minds through the power of storytelling. Emerging voices and projects will be highlighted, alongside insights and inspiration from creators who have successfully uplifted themes of aging, disability, and care in their work. Imagine the impact of seeing your own struggles and triumphs reflected on screen!
The showcase is a collaborative effort, partnering with organizations like the Writers Guild of America East, the Hollywood Radio & Television Society Foundation, the Yes, And…Laughter Lab, Disability Belongs, Gold House, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the ReelAbilities Film Festival, and The Impact Lounge. This broad coalition demonstrates the widespread commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive care ecosystem.
Caring Across Generations, the driving force behind CareFest 2025, is a national organization uniting family caregivers, care workers, disabled individuals, and aging adults. Their mission is to make care more accessible, affordable, and equitable for everyone. They're working to transform cultural norms and narratives surrounding aging, disability, and care, advocating for change through federal and state-level policies, and empowering the people most affected by these issues. They are actively working on making the invisible labor of care visible and valued. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that focusing on storytelling and representation alone isn't enough and that systemic policy changes are the only true path to lasting impact. What do you think?
Furthermore, Caring Across Generations is recognized for its award-winning script consulting and social impact campaigns for TV and film projects that offer fresh perspectives on care. Their support has extended to popular shows like This Is Us, The Pitt, and Nonnas, helping to ensure that these stories are told authentically and with sensitivity. Imagine the ripple effect of positive portrayals of care on our society!
Ultimately, CareFest 2025 aims to spark a national conversation about the future of care and to inspire action that will create a more just and equitable system for all. How do you envision the future of care in America? What steps can we take, individually and collectively, to make that vision a reality? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let's start a dialogue!
