This year, in California, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of more than 200,000 working women.

There isn’t a mom out there who will tell you that domestic work isn’t real work -- as moms, we all know the effort that goes into caring for others.  But for more than 70 years, the domestic workforce of nannies, caregivers and housecleaners have worked long hours to care for our nation’s children, elders, and homes without basic labor protections.

Many domestic workers are moms themselves, sacrificing time with their children to care for the homes and children of their employers.

For far too long, domestic workers have been denied access to the basic labor protections that most other US workers take for granted such as meal and rest breaks and overtime pay.  This month, California stands ready to extend dignity, respect and labor protections to domestic workers by passing the California Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights.

But California’s bill is about more than domestic workers in California -- it’s about righting a historic wrong and paving the way for dignified work for all women, all over the country.

As moms, we understand how hard care work is and we know how important it is to treat domestic workers with dignity and respect.

As you read the stories of the children of domestic workers and domestic employers and the children who count on them for support in California, we hope that you will join us in supporting this huge step forward for moms -- and all women -- in California and across the nation.  You can sign the petition in support of the bill at www.domesticworkers.org.

Thank you.

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* Mi Campeona: CA Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Paul Monge-Rodriguez

* 10 reasons you should join me in support of the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, Mimi Ho

* Mom and Employer: Learning to embrace my new roles!, Lindsay Imai

* Mi Niñera Preciosa: Writing to support the CA Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Katie Wilson

* My mother's work: Why I Support the CA Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Steve Osuna