New York families, share your story!

Your story has the power to create change for future families across the state of New York!

The RAISE Children coalition is working to update New York law so that it protects all children, regardless of their family composition or the circumstances of their birth. For example, many parents today struggle to obtain second parent adoptions or secure legal recognition in family structures with more than two people parenting a child. But, together, we can improve New York law so that it reflects and protects the myriad of family structures that exist in our state.

By sharing how these issues have affected you and your family, you help us:

Show elected officials the real people they represent who could be impacted by the passage of this equality legislation,
Demonstrate to the public just how important this bill is, and
Tell the world that New Yorkers will not rest until all families are protected equally under the law!

RAISE Children: Share Your Story

Name*
First Last
Email*
Provide your zip code so we can identify your elected official:*
ZIP / Postal Code
Tell us about any challenges you might have faced being recognized as your child's parent.
Do you worry about being recognized as your child's legal parent? Why?
If you have a family structure with more than two people parenting your child, tell us about it. Who is in it, and how was it formed? How do you navigate parental recognition?
Tell us about any challenges you might have faced obtaining a second parent adoption.
Do you wish your story to be submitted without your name attached to it? We will include anonymous initials (not yours) and your city and state with your story.
- Yes, please submit my story anonymously.
If you are willing to, please share a photo of you or your family. This helps elected officials get to know you better and connect with your story.
Max. file size: 100 MB.
We also invite you to review the attached Strategic Sharing guide when considering what to share from your personal experience. You can find that here: https://www.familyequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Strategic_sharing.pdf. Please remember that your story may be shared with your elected official, become part of a public government record, or be released publicly by an elected official.
By sharing your story, you agree to be contacted via phone or email. You also agree that Family Equality can use your story and pictures in conversations with federal, state, and local elected officials along with your name and address to demonstrate that you are their constituent.*
- Yes, I consent.
Do you consent to Family Equality using your story, or excerpts of your story, and pictures in print and/or digital materials designed and owned by Family Equality or members of the RAISE Children coalition?
- Yes, I agree.
- No, please do not use my story on campaign materials.
Please indicate that you agree to the Terms of Use, and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.*
- Yes, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Terms of use can be found here: https://www.familyequality.org/terms-of-use/. Privacy Policy can be found here: https://www.familyequality.org/privacy-policy/.
Please check any/all of the following that are of interest to you:
- I would be interested in testifying in person with my elected officials.
- I am interested in speaking with the media about my story.
- I would like to be informed about future advocacy opportunities.
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