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Mobilizing Families

Our goal is to engage Oregonians in creating a family-friendly economy. We are building the capacity of parents and caregivers to advocate for the policies their families and children need. We offer:

  • Action Groups: discussion groups that are action-oriented. These groups typically meet four to six times and follow an engaging curriculum that combine short readings, discussions with ways parents can take action and make a difference.
  • Advocacy 101: a series of workshops focused on developing advocacy skills among parents and caregivers.
  • Community Leadership Team: a team of volunteers working together to advocate for family-friendly change in their community.

See below for more information about each of these programs.

Our Programs

  • Economics of Motherhood Action Group
  • Work/Life in Our Communities Action Group
  • Advocacy 101
  • Community Leadership Team

Economics of Motherhood Action Groups are intended for those who want to learn about the systemic political and economic issues that challenge families and the ways they can take action for positive change. The groups will explore topics like work, taxes, and child care. Typically, a group will meet four to six times and follow an engaging curriculum that combines short readings with an emphasis on ways parents can take action and make a difference.

The groups are embedded in workplaces, neighborhoods, friendship networks, and any other existing communities. One group might meet over the lunch hour at work. Another might integrate the curriculum into an existing Moms' group or play group. Or an interested person may convene a group among neighbors and friends.

If you are interested in joining or convening a group contact: sharon@familyforwardoregon.org

Work/Life in Our Communities Action Groups explore the reality of work/life issues from a variety of perspectives, including those of African-American families, Latino families, single people, lesbian and gay people, and seniors. The curriculum for these groups comes from a radio series being aired in February 2010 - so instead of reading, members of these action groups will listen to podcasts.

Like other Action Groups, the Work/Life in Our Communities groups are embedded in workplaces, neighborhoods, friendship networks, and any other existing communities. One group might meet over the lunch hour at work. Another might integrate the curriculum into an existing Moms' group or play group. Or an interested person may convene a group among neighbors and friends.

If you are interested in joining or convening a group contact: sharon@familyforwardoregon.org

Advocacy 101 is a series of workshops for people who want to concentrate more intently on the political process. It is unlike other advocacy workshops in its focus on parents and other caregivers - since they are people who have time-intensive family commitments and responsibilities and often feel left out of the political process. In Advocacy 101, you will learn about how to combine kids and advocacy, how get to know your legislators, how to map your networks, and more.

If you are interested in joining or convening a group contact: sharon@familyforwardoregon.org

Community Leadership Team: Are you interested in advocating for a specific family-friendly program or policy but don't know how to get started? We can offer you mentorship and a supportive learning environment where you can explore how to best advocate and get results. For more information, please contact: andrea@familyforwardoregon.org.