Episode 8 Show Notes

This week we explore the significant impact of housing affordability on family planning, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. It highlights how economic factors, such as the high cost of housing, deter young couples from having children, despite their desire for family life. The discussion emphasizes the need for affordable housing as a crucial element of a pro-family stance.

Takeaways

• Housing affordability is a major factor in family planning decisions.

• Many millennials and Gen Z are choosing not to have children due to high costs.

• Affordable family housing should be a priority for pro-family advocates.

• Economic pressures are reshaping family structures and decisions.

• The narrative around family planning must include housing issues.

• Pro-family policies must address housing affordability to be effective.

• The rising cost of living directly impacts fertility rates.

• Support for affordable housing is essential for family growth.

• Young couples desire families but face financial barriers.

• A true pro-family stance includes advocating for affordable housing.

Chapters

[00:00] The Power of Family in Today's World

[00:38] The Importance of Apologizing to Children

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler

• About the Host:

Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

• Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

• Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show.

• Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

In this episode of the Nuclear Option Podcast, Chris and Aziza Butler discuss the significance of the nuclear family in today's society. They explore the implications of government policies like SNAP benefits, the importance of physical affection through hugging, and present research that highlights the correlation between family structure and economic mobility. The conversation emphasizes the role of families as a public good and the positive ripple effects they have on communities and future generations.

Episode Outline

1. The Politics - SNAP Benefits

2. The Practice - Long Hugs

3. • An article in Psychology Today cites health benefits of hugging

   • An article in Today’s Parent specifically talks about the benefits of longer hugs (20 seconds) in the family context.

4. The Promise - The Impact of Nuclear Family on Economic Growth

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler

• About the Host:

Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

• Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

• Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. [Include link]

Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

The conversation emphasizes the critical role of family formation in discussions about poverty, income inequality, and education gaps. It highlights the need for policymakers to include family dynamics in their strategies to address these issues, arguing that neglecting this aspect is intellectually dishonest.

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler

• About the Host:

Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

• Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

• Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. [Include link]

Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.