Statement on Family Separation at the Border

Since New Dream’s founding in 1997, well-being has been at the heart of our mission. Our focus has been on the intersection of well-being and consumerism and materialism; promoting what’s best for children has always been core to this work.

While we remain committed to ensuring that every child has the right to grow up free from the pressures of consumerism, and with ample opportunity to enhance their well-being—through strong bonds and family support, self-directed play, and access to nature—we must pause at this moment to make a statement about the treatment of children and families being held in detention at the U.S.-Mexico border.

It is unconscionable to forcibly separate children from their families, but especially so when these families are fleeing violence and terror in their home countries. To do so is to inflict life-long trauma—the opposite of what New Dream works so hard to support.

It would also be unconscionable for New Dream, an organization that has always advocated for the well-being of young people, to focus solely on well-being for relatively affluent children in the United States and elsewhere when the fundamental safety and security of migrant children are being so completely violated.

New Dream remains a non-partisan organization. In service of our mission, we urge everyone who cares about the well-being of children to take action on this issue.