Did you know 1 in 4 women return to work within 10 days of giving birth to a child?
What is Paid Family Leave?
Paid family leave programs are a benefit that allows an employee to take leave for approved reasons and still be financially compensated. These programs exist as private options, as well as public in 15 other states. There is currently legislation (called the Family Care Act) in both the PA House of Representatives and PA Senate that would create a public program here in PA. This program would allow employees in PA who qualify to take paid time off through a state program in approved situations such as bonding leave (childbirth, fostering, and adoption), having or having a family member with a serious medical condition, or having experienced or having a family member who experienced a qualifying act of violence.
To learn more about the proposed legislation, click HERE.
Why do we choose to work on this?
Our goal at The Fund is to “ensure that women and girls have the resources on opportunities to thrive”. We know that to thrive, economic stability is necessary. Caregiving disproportionately falls on women, resulting in increased financial burden when caring for children, family members with disabilities or medical complications, or aging family members. Access to financial support is crucial to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of caretakers. This includes; birthing/bonding leave, major medical issues for the women themselves, and survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence.
How are we working on Paid Family Leave?
At The Fund, we believe that change starts with us, and that anyone can be a part of that change. We have an incredible group of volunteers advocating for the Family Care Act – because power is in numbers. We are contacting and working with legislators, working with a state-wide coalition, participating and presenting in roundtable discussions with elected officials at the state and federal level, utilizing communication tools such as social media to educate the public about the benefits of paid family leave, and working with other nonprofits to support this work.
What can
YOU do?
Whether you are a seasoned advocate or brand new to advocacy work – we want you to get involved! Our advocacy group, made up of volunteers from throughout the state, works together to push for a paid leave program here in PA.
In a “choose your own adventure” style program, participants can engage in whatever way works for them in that moment of their lives. We offer virtual meetings to learn more about where the bill is and what needs to be done, templates and scripts with contact information to make contacting elected officials easy and accessible, individualized support (like attending meetings with you when you visit your legislators so that you feel comfortable, speaking or meeting virtually to answer questions you may have, and more), and trips to Harrisburg to work directly with legislators and fellow advocates where the action happens. Nothing is mandatory, the goal of this work is to meet people where they are. Not only can anyone be involved in advocacy, but everyone SHOULD be involved! We are here to help make that happen for you.
To learn more about our advocacy group or sign up for more information, click "Get Involved" below.