We are parents, employers, caregivers, and activists that believe that our current economy can and must do more to support working families. We need paid sick days, paid family leave, workplace flexibility, and quality and affordable child care, and more. These policies are good for families, good for business, and good for Oregon.
From Germany to Australia to Japan, countries around the world are adopting public and workplace policies that work in today’s economy for today’s families. Whether it’s 16-month long maternity leave in Sweden or paid sick days in Japan, family-forward policies make economies more competitive — not less. The result is a more resilient, stable, and healthy workforce.The United States needs to catch up with the rest of the industrialized world, and Oregon can show how.
As a grassroots organization, we mobilize parents to advocate for bold, universal policies that benefit ALL families. No matter how your family is configured, what type of work you do, or how much money you make, we know that we are all in this together. Every Oregon family deserves the protections and care that lead to a shared prosperous future.
Family Forward Oregon believes that change is possible and is leading this movement forward. We are creating public policies and changing workplace practices to ensure economic security for women and for families. Family Forward Oregon is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
We also have a sister organization — Family Forward Action — which is building effective grassroots power to pass laws that ensure economic security for women and for families. Family Forward Action is a 501(c)(4) charitable organization.
Join our community and help re-imagine how work can work better for families.
Our Vision
We believe that caring for children, aging populations, and others in need, is a fundamental principle of a civilized and equitable society. We believe that the work of caring for loved ones is critical to our social and economic health and should not jeopardize anyone’s job or long-term security. We want statewide policies that value each individual’s choice to care for their family. We envision an Oregon where:
- Parents can choose to care for their children and keep their job.
- The disabled and aging can get the care they need when they need it most.
- Our children are healthy, well-cared for, and thriving.
- Workers get guaranteed time off to recover when they’re sick.
- Businesses offer modern workplace standards that improve worker productivity and health.
- All families, regardless of their configuration, are treated equally.
- Mothers and family caregivers are just as financially stable as others.
To get there, we want family-forward policies like paid family leave, mandatory paid sick days, state disability insurance, workplace flexibility, affordable child care, protection from discrimination for family caregiving responsibilities, job protection under state family leave laws, and more. Learn more about what we do to get there.