Name of Host Organization: A Better Balance: The Work and Family Legal Center

City, State: New York, New York

Issue area: Women's Rights, Workers' Rights

Sponsor: Anonymous

THE INSPIRATION

Our politicians tout family values but existing public policy does shockingly little to value families and the work they do caring for the elderly and raising the next generation of citizens. Many low-income workers, especially women, find themselves stuck between the competing demands of work and family; for them, a sick child or family emergency can mean the difference between just scraping by and tumbling into poverty. Nobody should have to face such an impossible choice.

Discrimination against workers with family care giving responsibilities is a growing and poorly understood problem. Workplace inflexibility and hostility to family needs are particularly tough on low-income workers and single mothers. My project seeks to raise awareness among these workers – and among legal advocates in New York City – about Family Responsibilities Discrimination. Through outreach, training and public advocacy, I want to help workers protect themselves from such discrimination and vindicate their rights.