Moms Are A Powerful Force!

In my experience MomsRising is one of the smartest and most effective advocacy groups that I've seen across a full range of issues.Jon Carson, former Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

Since the founding of MomsRising in 2006, MomsRising members and volunteers, through millions of on-the-ground and online actions, have achieved wins at the city, county, state and federal levels. Moms, grandmoms, parents, and people who've had moms are a powerful force!  And, moms aren't in this alone: MomsRising works with over 200 aligned organizations to achieve shared goals.  It takes all of us, and then some, to advance policies that boost our families and our economy.  Together, we're increasing family economic security, decreasing discrimination, and building a nation where both businesses and families can thrive!

Read on for more quotes from leaders, policy partner organizations, elected officials, and moms on MomsRising's impact:

Hats off to to MomsRising because you have been one of the most influential groups in helping people's voices being heard.Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama and Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls

I thank MomsRising for the work to help pass the Affordable Health Care Act. While many organizations are involved in the advocacy for this, the way you at MomsRising communicate on the subject in real time was a real source of encouragement and confidence for us.Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

MomsRising was a crucial part of the fight to pass Paid Sick Leave in New York City-- activating their networks to push the City Council to act. I'm grateful for their help in expanding essential Paid Sick Leave coverage to our City’s families, and hope they keep up the fight.Lead sponsor of the New York City paid sick days bill that expanded coverage to over a million people, former NYC City Council member, and current Manhattan Burough President Gale Brewer

MomsRising is an indispensable partner in the fight for fair and family friendly workplaces both federally and at the state and local levels. Whether collecting stories, making deliveries or turning out moms, dads and kids, MomsRising is a major force -- and their whole team is filled with lovely, collaborative people too! Thank you, MomsRising and all your members, for the difference you've made in the lives of U.S. families.Vicki Shabo, Vice President, National Partnership for Women & Families

MomsRising was a critical player in getting Seattle to pass Paid Sick and Safe Days. Without their active involvement, we may not have been successful.Lead sponsor of the Seattle paid sick days bill, Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata

MomsRising is able to reach out across the country to make sure that women's voices are heard at all levels, including at the very top of our political system. I support MomsRising because I can see that my investments in this powerful movement of moms are yielding big wins for American families.Lieutenant Governor of California, Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis

I thank MomsRising for their tremendous advocacy. They have spent countless hours making calls and sending letters to Senators, and sharing the terrible experience of moms, dads and children who have been affected by unsafe food. I have been grateful to work with MomsRising to pass this legislation (The Food Safety Modernization Act) that will protect American consumers.Retired U.S. Senator Harry Reid

Our Center on Budget and Policy Priorities congratulates MomsRising on ten years of highly effective work in educating the public and policymakers about key issues affecting children and working to improve related federal policies and programs. We have been fortunate to have worked with you to extend and improve the CHIP health program and to permanently extend key improvements in the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, etc. Your work has touched the lives of millions of children, leaving a strong record in just ten short years of the successful impact you have had. Here's to another ten years of powerful MomsRising issue campaigns and partnerships with groups like ours. Wishing you all the best, and sending you our deep thanks.Ellen Nissenbaum, Senior VP for Government Affairs, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

MomsRising transforms the passion and enthusiasm of their members into public policies that benefit mothers and children. I experienced this first hand as a legislator as we moved paid family leave forward in the Washington State Senate.Lisa Brown, PhD, former WA State Senate Majority Leader & current Chancellor, Washington State University

Wage inequality, gun safety, maternity (and paternity) leave, access to health care, toxins in our food supply and our environment—these are just a few of the issues that directly affect pretty much all American mothers. But with overfull plates both at home and at work, how are we also supposed to find the time to campaign for improvements in the way our country (and workplace) run? In Overwhelmed, Brigid Schulte praises the incredible efforts of MomsRising, an organization that highlights the primary issues threatening our livelihood and our children’s future. Not only do they gather together reading material on crucial topics, they make it fast and easy to participate in real change: Petitions, letters to congress, educational cheat sheets, and the opportunity to share personal experiences with millions of others, are all quickly accessible on their site—and usually actionable with one or two clicks. Through online participation from concerned Americans across the country, MomsRising represents millions of women in real time on Capitol Hill, in state capitals, and in the workplace to fight oppressive laws and business practices. From campaigning state by state for paid sick days to helping force the USDA to amend its nutritional standards for food and drinks sold at schools, we’re pretty blown away by everything they’re working to achieve.Gwyenth Paltrow's blog Goop

MomsRising.org generates the most effective constituent pressure in the state. Their members don’t just send emails; they make phone calls, they show up for events, they come to the capitol, and they always bring their kids. Best of all, MomsRising.org has members everywhere. In our advocacy for a pro-child budget, MomsRising.org has been a key partner.Rob Thompson, Executive Director, NC Child

MomsRising was born about the same time my son was.  Connecting online with women across the country who were experiencing the very same things I was felt empowering.  MomsRising helped me to see, right from my kitchen table, that there was a growing mother's movement and that I could be a part of it.  I took action.  I read the Motherhood Manifesto.  I found other women like me in my own community and we started working to change things.  Eventually, we started a nonprofit in Oregon that now does advocacy work on behalf of mothers and families - working on the very issues I found so challenging as a first-time mom.  When we were just beginning this work MomsRising offered us more than just a place to take action.  They offered us technical support.  They offered us hands-on training.  They used their growing network of advocates to help support our local work - to add power to our campaigns.  They believed in us - and it helped us to believe in us, too.  Over the 6 years since we began this journey together they've continued to be amazing partners in our local work. Last year we won an important victory in Portland, becoming the 4th city in the country to enact a protected sick time law.  MomsRising was right there with us: providing support, gathering and sharing the experiences of Portland families, encouraging mothers (and the people who love them) to change their communities for the better - right from their kitchen tables.Andrea Paluso, Co-founder and Director, Family Forward Oregon & The Mother PAC. Recent recipient of a White House Champion of Change Award and MomsRising member

MomsRising is a force to be reckoned with. As a mom and an advocate, I am always impressed at how clearly MomsRising communicates the importance and relevance of issues as arcane as the state budget.  They make it easy for moms to make an impact, and they always make it fun. Look twice when you see kids in superhero capes with their moms at the state capitol - they're probably on their way to a meeting with the Speaker of the HouseFawn Pattison, Senior Advocate, Toxic Free NC

Thank you SO much for all of your help getting WAKIDS [an early learning transition program] passed.  What a triumph!  I am incredulous that we succeeded given the strong opposition in the Senate – and watching what is happening over there at the moment.  It never would have happened without you and all of your MomsRising members’ strong advocacy and enthusiastic support for this bill.Ruth Kagi, Washington State Representative

Paid family leave is on the cutting edge of balancing work and family in our country. Since 1999, the Economic Opportunity Institute has been developing the policy and catalyzing the discussion for paid family leave. This work came together this year largely as a result of the birth and activism of MomsRising. With this new generation of moms (and dads) standing up and demanding true family values, paid family leave became first possible and then actual!John R. Burbank, Economic Opportunity Institute

The Family Leave bill would not have passed without the great work of MomsRising. Being able to mobilize thousands of constituents to e-mail our Governor and individual lawmakers made all the difference. It's a great model for an authentic political movement made up of people who are unable to attend rallies or raise huge amounts of campaign donations. It's a way for real people to make a real difference.Senator Karen Keiser, sponsor of the WA Paid Family Leave policy

MomsRising's ability to quickly and consistently mobilize their members to contact their state representatives was a great help towards bringing Family Leave Insurance in NJ to a win. The contribution of their staff and members has been essential to the efforts of the NJ Time to Care Coalition and the wonderful onesies display was a fun and creative way to bring attention to Family Leave Insurance at a critical time.Atif Malik, New Jersey Citizen Action

It was fantastic working with MomsRising on the campaign to delete the stealth furniture flammability lines from the CPSC Reform Act. Without this good work, we might have had a huge increase in the volume of toxic flame retardants in our homes forever.Arlene Blum, PhD, Initiative for Green Science Policy

Thank you - and thank you so much for all of your help. It's a tremendous testament to the organization you guys have created that your members generated well over 3000 emails to the Council in just a few short days. Thanks again!Karen M. Minatelli, Esq., D.C. Employment Justice Center

MomsRising's activism, coupled with our own efforts, has meant that every Member of Congress has heard from their constituents over the last few weeks. Hearings are being scheduled and Members are vowing not to adopt the President's plan. Children and families will be much better off as a resultJodi Grant, Afterschool Alliance Executive Director

Partnering with MomsRising was just about the best thing we could have done on this bill. A few hours after putting up the onesies, we got a work session scheduled for paid family leave. The onesies are a FANTASTIC way to get the message across. Thanks so much for your wonderful work on this bill.Cathy Kaufmann, Children First for Oregon

MomsRising's online organizing has created an energetic and active membership that in turn can quickly mobilize to respond to emerging opportunities. This has a tremendous benefit to our state efforts to educate, engage, and involve the general public in advocacy work around paid sick days.Monica Halas, Greater Boston Legal Services

MomsRising may view itself as principally about generating and fostering on-line activism. But what has really stretched my own appreciation of what on-line activism can mean is what MomsRising achieved in the Washington state legislature around paid family leave. For a number of years I have worked with staff at the Economic Opportunity Institute which has provided the lead policy expertise on the issue. It was MomsRising's collaboration with EOI that helped give the policy needed grassroots breadth. The "muscle" that MomsRising generated by getting 500 people to show up at a rally around paid family leave – and, again, in a remarkably short period (this time, just days) made me realize that 'on line' could turn from 'virtual' into 'visual'.Jodie Levin-Epstein, Center for Law and Social Policy

The Orange-O-Grams were a total hit. Even staff members/legislators who weren’t necessarily happy to see us smiled when we gave them the orange. The folks who delivered them really liked doing this too. Thanks for the opportunity to work with you on this. We hope to do it again.Brenda Munoz, Labor Project for Working Families

MomsRising is a unique organization that is mobilizing one of the most important constituent groups - mothers who are committed to improving the health of their families and their communities. I was honored to speak at the recent MomsRising Forum on Health Care and to witness a grassroots organizing model that is both action oriented and family friendly. As both a mother and a grandmother, I believe strongly in the power of mothers to catalyze long-term, community-centered social change and look forward to working together with the members of MomsRising on future campaigns.Loni Hancock, California Assembly

MomsRising is a rare gem among grassroots organizations because they have both the political sophistication of seasoned insiders and the passion of 50,000 concerned mothers. They are an unstoppable force.Mark Leno, California Assembly

I applaud MomsRising for giving a strong voice to mothers who care so much about the welfare of all children. Your voice matters and I greatly appreciate the input from my constituents.Jean Fuller, California Assembly

Letter writing campaigns are extremely important to the democratic process. This past legislative session, MomsRising provided mothers in California with a strong voice in Sacramento, helping me and other legislators counter-act the strong presence of the business lobby. I look forward to continuing to work with MomsRising in the future.Fiona Ma, California Assembly

MomsRising has been a critical partner in our effort to win health coverage for all of California's children. Their ability to mobilize tens of thousands of voices in support of children’s coverage is remarkable. In just a short amount of time, MomsRising members sent 12,000 letters to state legislators supporting covering all children. They also put a face on the policies on which we work by identifying members who can share their real life stories of living with and without health insurance for their children. In short, MomsRising has helped us turn up the volume on the importance of covering every California child.Jenny Kattlove, The Children's Partnership for the 100% Campaign

MomsRising has demonstrated an impressive willingness, ability, and enthusiasm to utilize its grassroots capacity to support the work of Children Now and the 100% Campaign as we strive to achieve health coverage for every California child. They have been consistently responsive to collaborating with the 100% Campaign to determine the most effective way for MomsRising members to carry and amplify the message about the importance of ensuring health coverage for all children. Not only has MomsRising lent the 100% Campaign its tremendous strength in grassroots advocacy, it is also apparent that the organization has an innate sense for developing unique and creative ways to carry the vital message of covering all kids to its members and legislators.Krystal Moreno Lee, Children Now

MomsRising.org has quickly proven to be an invaluable partner in the Children’s Defense Fund’s and 100% Campaign’s effort to defend against dangerous cuts to children’s health insurance and ultimately achieve coverage for all California children. Their ability to mobilize their membership in such impressive numbers and quickly collect powerful and moving stories from throughout the state is a unique and important contribution to the Campaign’s work and mission. MomsRising members who have spoken at 100% Campaign events and press conferences, and those who have joined us in various formal and informal advocacy opportunities, have provided a powerful, one-of-a-kind reminder to public officials and the media that even middle class Californians are vulnerable to devastating effects that come with the loss of healthcare. In essence, MomsRising offers invaluable access from the powerful voice of parents to the wide coalition of Californians who demand that all children should have healthcare.Clifford Sarkin, Children’s Defense Fund

It was empowering to speak up for myself, my little one, and families across the nation. Next time, I will bring him with me so that he can witness the power of the ONEsie and know that it is a privilege and a DUTY to let your voice be heard.MomsRising.org Member, Denver CO [Doing the Power of ONEsie]

I want to thank the MomsRising community for working to eliminate toxic toys. By passing this legislation and continuing our vigorous oversight, we will work to make certain not one more child is harmed by the toys we give them – our children deserve nothing less, and certainly much more.Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi

In instances where our customers may look for a product that goes beyond standards the FDA has set, it behooves us to listen and to stay in step with what parents are telling us.Linda Blakeley, Wal-Mart spokesperson (In an article mentioning MomsRising and the power of consumer pressure to change corporate policy.)

Moms everywhere have the ability to capture the attention of the press, raise public awareness and move legislators - and legislation - on complicated toxics issues. The reason why? They bring the issue home to a level everyone understands: the safety and protection of children's health. MomsRising would be particularly helpful to the national campaign to secure passage of a federal ban on phthalates in kid's toys because of their national reach and the faith mom's have in this organization as the messenger of important issues they should care about…we need MomsRising now more than ever to be active on this issue and other efforts to protect kids from unsafe chemical exposures linked to breast cancer - and other diseases - later in life.Janet Nudelman, The Breast Cancer Fund

MomsRising's involvement in the children’s health care debate has been invaluable for our children and our nation’s well-being. The National Council of La Raza believes that the proactive efforts of mothers and their families throughout the country deeply influenced the outcome of the children’s health care debate. Ultimately, Congress took a stand for our children, and four million more will now have access to health care coverage, thanks in part to the leadership of organizations like MomsRising.Jennifer Ng'andu

MomsRising has been indispensable as an organizing force on the ground in Maryland. My legislative colleagues have learned to take an issue seriously if MomsRising is among the supporters. The personal stories, on-the-ground activism and creative engaging tactics really get noticed. Legislative service is hectic, so getting noticed is critical! But so is being taken seriously after you are noticed. The professionalism with with MomsRising organizers and citizen-activists engage with my colleagues means we are able to influence policy in a meaningful way- whether it's earned sick days, paid family leave, child care and early learning or many other issues, MomsRising activism in Maryland has made a huge difference. As a legislator I am so thankful that this organization that shares my values so strongly is in the arena being heard, and helping to pass important legislation to strengthen women and families.Ariana Kelly, Legislator, State of Maryland

Among many opportunities we've enjoyed to work with Moms Rising was our cooperation on a report that helped to make the case for new overtime regulations. Increasing overtime pay will especially help women, women of color, and women who head households on their own because they are over-represented among low wage workers who are often denied overtime pay now.Heidi Hartmann, President, Institute for Women's Policy Research

MomsRising helped us bring the voices of moms directly to mayors and other city leaders to encourage them to act on behalf of young children.Katie Whitehouse, Senior Associate, Early Childhood, National League of Cities

MomsRising has played a key role in convincing Burger King, Wendy's, and other restaurant chains to get sugary drinks off of the kids' menu.Jessica Almy, Deputy Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest

MomsRising elevated concerns of mothers and has driven it into the electoral arena for greater voice and greater power for women! BRAVO!!Heather Booth, Democracy Partners

Voices for Healthy Kids is a joint initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Heart Association working with communities across the nation to ensure that children have access to healthy food and physical activity where they live, learn, and play. MomsRising, as a national leader in calling much needed attention to important issues, has worked closely with us to drive up demand for eliminating junk food marketing in schools and providing the best physical education to students. From Twitter chats to grassroots activation to leveraging impactful stories, our collaboration focuses on mobilizing parents to demand healthier communities.Marla Hollander, National Partnership Manager, American Heart Association