News
In praise of paternity leave
Other countries do it. Some men even do it. “It” being paternity leave. Turns out, when men take it, social norms change and parenting partnerships start out on a more equal footing that can last a long time. But to get men to take it, first you have to offer it, then you have to […]
Mother’s Day of Action | 5.8.13
JOIN US in Salem on Wednesday, May 8th to talk with our state legislators about modernizing the public policies that affect Oregon mothers every day. You know they’re broken, we have solutions, and they need to hear both!
Our 2013 Legislative Priorities
Oregon’s legislative session began in February and will run through June of this year, as you likely know from reading the paper and listening to the news.
Family Forward Oregon is working hard on several issues during the 2013 session that will move us closer to the family-friendly economy that today’s Oregon families need to thrive. How we decide to focus our efforts in any given year depends on a number of factors, mainly: our short- and long-term goals for making Oregon a great place to be a family, our internal and grassroots capacity, the political climate, and a pinch of carpe diem when an opportunity that matches our values and furthers our goals presents itself.
Get Informed.
This new report on modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center is well worth your time. It is based on their analysis of long-term data on time use, and dives into the discussion of how today’s families are getting by, who’s doing what, how “work-family balance” is going, stress levels, and what Americans think is […]
Our 2013 Film Series
MISS REPRESENTATION | JANUARY 6th This award-winning documentary film exposes how mainstream media contributes to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in America. (2011) We believe that we need to address the myriad of reasons that women have not achieved parity in leadership – in the workplace and in the legislature. […]
Recommended Read | Fall 2013
If knowledge is power, then we better start reading!
There are so many important books about work and family these days, we want to share our favorites with you in case you’re wondering where to dive in. If you’ve got a favorite that you think we should include on our list, let us know — just email lisa@familyforwardoregon.org. Happy reading!
Portland Adopts Sick Time Policy!
On March 13, 2013 the Mayor and City Commissioners of Portland, Oregon voted unanimously (5 to 0) to implement an earned sick time policy that will enable people who work in the city to earn sick time while they work, making Portland the 4th U.S. city to enact such a policy. The state of Connecticut and approximately 145 countries have also adopted paid sick leave standards. This is a big forward step for Portland’s economy – and all the people it touches — that will help employees better manage their work and health simultaneously, without jeopardizing one or the other.
Our testimony for earned sick time in Portland
Seventy-five Portlanders testified in support of earned sick time during a public hearing in Portland City Hall on January 31, 2013. Family Forward Oregon’s Executive Director Andrea Paluso was among them. Here’s what she had to say: “Right now we are facing historic income and wealth inequality in our country. We have never seen a […]
New Report! Evaluating Paid Sick Time in Portland
In January Family Forward Oregon released a report with the Center for American Progress, Evaluating Paid Sick Time: Social, Economic and Health Implications for Portland. In the report, we discuss public health risks, social and community risks, impacts on children’s health and education, how employers are affected by paid sick time, and we take a close look at the San Francisco experience since their paid sick time policy has been in place since 2007. This report is for anyone interested in working family policies, public health, high-road economies, and modernizing workplace policies to really work for families.
Download the full report here: Evaluating Paid Sick Time: Social, Economic and Health Implications for Portland.
Portland proposes sick time policy
In the midst of an intense flu season and a growing number of local norovirus outbreaks, Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz has proposed a solution to a community problem that puts every Portlander’s health at risk, reduces workplace productivity, and affects the economic security of working Portlanders (and the families they support) who aren’t allowed […]
“Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price” Film Screening + Community Conversation
Join us on Sunday, April 14th @ 2 PM to watch and discuss the film Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price.
This documentary film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world where workers rights are dwindling, local businesses are struggling, and shoppers prefer low prices to good products and practices. About the film. (2005)