Many of us might right now might worry that the progress we’ve made in advocating for paid family leave, affordable childcare, breastfeeding accommodations, and supportive workplace policies could stall or even roll back. But let’s remember: meaningful change often happens from the ground up. We don’t need to wait for an act of Congress or a policy announcement from the White House to do work on these issues (though federal support is imperative in protecting the most vulnerable mamas). Here’s what we can do now to advance support for working parents and ensure we’re not only moving forward but protecting what we’ve gained. The story isn’t over; our work continues.
1. Focus on State-Level Action (and Don’t Let Up on the Feds)
When it comes to passing policies that benefit working moms, some of the most impactful victories have come from the state level. States have led the way on worker pay, flexible workplace rights, and accessible childcare initiatives. Just this year, New York State mandated that employers pay employees for a lactation break of 30-minutes, which the federal policies (like The PUMP Act, or the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), that we were grateful to win in 2022, but certainly aren’t the best we could get) don’t yet address. If you’re in a state that already has strong protections, now’s the time to defend and expand them. And if your state is behind, organize locally to build momentum.
Local advocacy can lead to real results, and because state governments are often more agile, they can respond faster to community needs than federal policymakers. Whether it’s organizing petitions, attending city council meetings, or working with local advocacy groups, there are so many ways to make a difference at this level. Your state representatives need to hear that working moms—and all parents—want protections that make balancing work and family not just possible but sustainable. And while we’re at it, keep putting pressure on those sitting in or soon arriving to national office.
2. Leverage Corporate Responsibility
It’s time for companies to step up where the federal government falls short. Many organizations have already started leading the way, recognizing that supporting working parents isn’t just the “right” thing to do; it’s a smart business strategy. In my book, Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success, I share that policies like paid family leave, lactation rooms, and flexible hours improve retention and attract top talent—especially as today’s workforce values flexibility and inclusivity more than ever.
Companies that invest in working mom support can create an immediate competitive advantage, and an eventual industry standard, making it difficult for competitors to ignore these benefits. If you’re an employee, advocate within your organization for these changes. If you’re in leadership, consider how a family-first approach can become your company’s competitive advantage. Businesses that take the lead on these issues help shape the landscape of work and set an example for others to follow, no matter what’s happening in Washington, D.C.
3. Use Data-Driven Advocacy (Ahem, the ECONOMY)
Facts matter, and we have the data to make the case for supporting working moms. Studies show that policies like paid leave and affordable childcare aren’t just good for families—they’re integral to the economy. Right now, the economy is at the top of Americans' minds, influencing everything from their recent political choices to their buying behaviors. According to surveys, more than 80% of Americans cite the economy as their primary concern when deciding how they vote, spend, and make daily decisions for their families.
For working parent policies, the economy isn’t just a backdrop—it’s at the very heart of the conversation.
Paid family leave, affordable childcare, and workplace flexibility aren’t only social issues; they’re economic imperatives that help parents stay in the workforce, boost productivity, and fuel economic growth.
And we have the numbers to back it up: research shows that for every dollar spent on paid family leave, there’s an estimated $2.50 return to the economy in the form of higher productivity, reduced turnover, and better mental health outcomes.
Data can be one of the most persuasive tools in convincing both policymakers and businesses that supporting working parents is a smart investment. When we talk about these benefits in terms of economic impact, the case for supporting working parents becomes compelling not just for families, but for the entire economy. Whenever you advocate for working mom support, bring the numbers with you. Whether you’re speaking to HR, your manager, or a local representative, use data to show the undeniable benefits of investing in working parents. And as we look ahead, this data will also be essential in defending the rights and benefits we already have.
Policies won’t just stay in place because they exist, or initiate because they are a moral imperative; we have to provide their worth, and we can…easily.
4. Strengthen Coalitions
There is power in numbers. The most successful advocacy movements come from strong alliances, and working moms don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with nonprofits, advocacy groups, employee resource groups and business networks amplifies the push for supportive policies and helps us reach broader audiences. By working together, we can bring more visibility to these issues and mobilize more resources.
Taking a page from a recent message by New York’s governor on protecting all New Yorkers, I’d like to echo a similar commitment for working parents:
We must stand with every working parent, no matter what challenges or setbacks we face. We should collaborate with anyone ready to make the workplace better for moms, dads, and caregivers. But if anyone tries to undermine the progress we’ve made in supporting parents or takes away these hard-won rights, we will resist at every turn.
Coalitions can also play a crucial role in protecting the rights and benefits we’ve fought hard for. When organizations and communities unite, they create a collective voice that’s difficult to ignore. Now, more than ever, we need to build alliances with groups that share our values. And by doing so, we can create a strong foundation to weather any political climate. Here’s one amazing group that I love that you can join forces with today: Moms Rising.
A Final Thought
The truth is, we’ve made progress even before this election because we didn’t wait for federal leaders to prioritize working parents. We can’t afford to start waiting now. Instead, let’s double down on what works: local action, corporate responsibility, data-driven advocacy, and coalition-building. Working moms deserve support, and we’re fully capable of driving change from the bottom up.
Let’s get involved, stay vigilant, and make sure that working parents not only retain the rights they have but continue to gain the support they need to thrive in work and life. It’s also the pathway to economic success, my friends.
