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Our Work

We are building a voice for families and a movement toward a family-friendly economy in Oregon. We are:

  • Mobilizing families through education and leadership development for parents and other caregivers.
  • Advocating for family-friendly public policies like paid family leave, paid sick days, and equitable part-time work.
  • Researching, recognizing, and supporting family-friendly employment practices and employers.

Programs and Campaigns

  • Economics of Motherhood Action Group
  • Advocacy 101
  • Workshops and Presentations
  • Workplace Research

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

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

Workshops and Presentations We offer engaging workshops and presentations for groups that are interested in learning about how current economic policies impact families and what they can do to take action for positive change. Our workshops are interactive and grounded in personal experience. We create space for participants to think and discuss complex issues, and we also share concrete ways people can take action. We work with each group to tailor the workshop to your interests.

Workplace Research We are currently researching and identifying family-friendly workplaces. This is the first step toward a larger goal of recognizing those workplaces -- whether business, non-profit, or governmental -- that have created a family-friendly work environment for all their employees.

If you would like to join us in this work, contact Sharon Bernstein at sharon@familyforwardoregon.org.