2006 Mothers Day Campaign:
Mothers at Work

Overview

Theme

Detours, one-way streets, off-ramps and on-ramps are all part of the real story of motherhood. So why is there the common notion that the "highways" are only made for a certain type of vehicle: a super-charged, streamlined sports car (the "ideal worker" - a person who can work 40+ hours a week without interruption by family or other obligations)? What about vehicles that must make frequent stops, or go slower than the speed limit, that need access to many more on-ramps and off-ramps than our highway system has designed?

This year, we want society to not only notice our signs, but to really read them. A "Mother at Work" is always at work, whether she’s with her kids or not, whether she’s an at home mom or in the paid workplace. She’s right in front of you doing something important, something real, something she does around the clock. Caregiving work is not an impediment to "real work" (paid work), it is real work, with real social and economic value.

Help tear down the roadblocks and pave the way for change. Join us in finding meaningful ways of acknowledging, celebrating and honoring all the work mothers do. Help make the drive a little better for everyone.

Goals of the Campaign

• To recognize and honor all the work mothers do - paid and unpaid.
• To educate about and explore how a mother's work is affected by workplace and public policy and social attitudes, both now and throughout her life.
• To explore the next steps in pursuit of designating May as a month devoted to public awareness and discussion of mothers' realities and needs.

Dates

The entire month of May will be devoted to 'Mothers at Work'. Each week will highlight a different aspect surrounding the goals of the campaign.

• April 10: Mothers At Work Campaign website goes live!
• April 15: Mothers & More bloggers begin.
• May 1-8 topic: All the work mothers do - whether paid or unpaid - has social and economic value.
• May 9-16 topic: Mothers have the right to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities without incurring social and economic penalties.
• May 17-23 topic: All women deserve recognition and support for their right to choose if and how to combine parenting and paid employment.
• May 24-31 topic: Wrap Up - Discussions will include creating a month devoted to mothers and the Mothers' Movement.

Campaign Activities

Blog - Once again, we've asked talented mothers to share their perspectives, personal and analytical, on their role as mothers and how society views that role.

Photos - A new and fun activity this year is to collect digital photos around the theme to post on the website blog, allowing for comments from others on the photos. The appropriateness of many construction and street signs to the work of mothers is striking. How many times in a mother’s life has it been appropriate to say "Detour Ahead" or "Be Prepared to Stop" or "Soft Shoulder" or "Narrow Lanes Ahead"? Please snap a digital photo as you see signs that strike a chord with you and send them to MD06@mothersandmore.org.

Special Guests on the POWER Loop - The exciting line-up for this Mother’s Day season is the best it’s ever been! Come see how society is talking about mothers and their issues and join the conversation! This members-only benefit has an exciting parade of guests already confirmed.

Chapter Activities - Mothers & More members can learn more about how to celebrate this year’s Mothers Day Campaign at the Chapter Resources website.

Donate - Help us continue to support mothers.  Make your donation today!