As the Vice President and Political Director of the Women's Campaign Forum (WCF), I'm obviously a believer in electing more women to public office.

However, as a first-time mother with a 7 month-old baby girl, my commitment to increasing women's political leadership has never been stronger. Sure, I knew before having my daughter that women legislators more often tackle issues affecting mothers, fathers, children, and families—but experiencing motherhood firsthand made me see many things through new eyes.

As I traversed through the world of pre-natal care, maternity leave, daycare, and generally how to juggle my professional life, family, friends, and an amazing newborn, I found myself asking: Why is everything so hard? Aren’t people supposed to make laws to help families—not put obstacles in their way?

Then suddenly it was clear: Congress is only 17% women. State Legislatures? 24%. Of course the specific needs of mothers aren’t being met – our current political system actually prevents women candidates from succeeding.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), “Elected women are working to make the agenda of legislative institutions more reflective of women’s concerns stemming from their roles as caregivers in the family and in society more generally.”

So for Mother’s Day this year, I’m asking everyone to do two things:

1. TAKE ACTION: Tell your member of Congress that moms need more women in government - urge them to make recruiting and supporting women candidates a priority.

2. Have some fun. Celebrate the greatness moms all around the country by sharing this customizable video from MomsRising. Short and punchy, the video features the mother of your choice in a faux news story as a winner of the “Mother of the Decade.”

We need to ensure more women get involved in the political process today so that the mothers of the future have a strong voice in our government. Because who needs more women in government? Moms.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone – I know my first one will be special.