MomsRising

MomsRising, founded in 2006 by Joan Blades and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, is a grassroots organization that was organized for the purpose of creating a more family-friendly United States. Motherhood and family rights are central to the group's advocacy work. Their core issues are promoting paid maternity/paternity leave, flexible work hours, open career options, accessible after-school programs and educational television programs, universal child health care, affordable childcare, fair wages, and paid sick days. MomsRising is affiliated with over 85 other organizations that share similar goals.

Studies show that kids who go to formal after-school programs watch less TV and fare better academically and socially.

The organization's goal is to connect with millions of people through the Internet, media resources, and by word of mouth. The goal of MomsRising is to enhance the understanding of motherhood and family issues, as well as bring to the forefront discussions of important issues families struggle with in their day-to-day lives, such as balancing work and childrearing. MomsRising also seeks to empower mothers and families by educating them on political and legislative issues that affect families.

A key mission of http://www.MomsRising.org is to increase awareness among Americans, while creating cultural and legislative change for U.S. families. The MomsRising organization advocates for more family-friendly legislation and workplace policies that [Page 797]they believe will support families. MomsRising communicates with policy makers in order to create legislative changes intended to benefit families. Moms-Rising has also launched several national campaigns where participants on the Website can choose to sign letters supporting legislative changes for families. There are several central issues that underscore the MomsRising movement. These key issues largely grew out of the book, The Motherhood Manifesto, which articulates the goals of Blades and Rowe-Fink-beiner. The acronym MOTHERS aims to highlight important motherhood and family issues. Each letter signifies the following critical issues for families in America: “M” for maternity/paternity leave; “O” for open flexible work; “T” for TV we choose and other after-school programs; “H” for health care for all kids; “E” for excellent childcare; “R” for realistic and fair wages; “S” for sick days, paid.