Milspouse Matters Episode 46 with Jessica Strong from Blue Star Families
On this special bonus episode, I’m so glad to be talking to Jessica Strong, an Army spouse, mom of three, and the Co-Director of Applied Research at Blue Star Families.
Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower military families to thrive as they serve. Their groundbreaking research and their annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey are raising the nation’s awareness of the unique challenges of military family life.
Jessica shares some insights on what past surveys have revealed, how the results have helped guide policy, how this year’s survey looks different in light of COVID-19 concerns, as well as their push to get the widest sampling possible. The survey is the largest gauge of the challenges active-duty and veteran members and their families are facing each year, and it’s crucial to have high participation in order to drive solutions. This year, they’re especially encouraging families of color to participate in order to have the most diverse representation possible.
The 11th annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (aMFLS) was launched on September 8th, 2020. For six weeks, members, families, and veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves are encouraged to participate in the most comprehensive survey that highlights and analyzes the experiences and challenges facing military families. The survey closes on October 16, so please don’t wait to voice your opinion and share your story! As Jessica says,
“Take the survey. People are listening. And the people who are making changes are listening and looking for this. If you have something to say, this is where to say it. Don’t say it in a Facebook comment, because it won’t get where it needs to go. Say it in the survey.”
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE BLUE STAR FAMILIES ANNUAL MILITARY FAMILY LIFESTYLE SURVEY
Connect with Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
More resources for your military life:
- Milspouse Matters on Instagram
- Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group
- Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode
Get Jen’s books, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories.
Have a topic idea for the Milspouse Matters podcast or know someone who’d be a great guest? Send me a note or fill out our guest application.
