When I saw The Motherhood Manifesto movie this Spring, I have to admit that the single mother in Pennsylvania's story about not being able to get a job because she had kids didn't rile me up. I assumed that hiring discrimination against mothers was just another piece of our sordid past. I figured that things had really improved, that mothers today aren't getting rejection letters simply because they've got kids. Well, turns out I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Moms Rising reported this very week that mothers are 79% less likely to be hired than non-mothers with equal resumes, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Sociology titled "Getting A Job: Is there a Motherhood Penalty?".
Moms Rising sent an Action Alert asking anyone and everyone to support some pending legislation in Pennsylvania that would amend the PA Human Relations Act to outlaw marital or familial status discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Yes, that mom in the movie is still at it! According to the Progressive States Network, only Alaska and DC (and hopefully PA!!) include parents as a protected class in their anti-discrimination laws. Progress in PA could lay the groundwork for progress in other states.
What They're Doing in PA: On 10.02.07, lotsa mamas will be descending on the PA State Legislature to support the two bills. Volunteers will deliver a copy of The Motherhood Manifesto and a ruler that reads "Moms More than Measure Up - Stop Discrimination" to all state legislators. There'll be a press conference and a rally with speakers galore (9 to 5, NOW, Moms Rising, PA state senators).
What You Can Do From Here: Instead of the usual Moms Rising e-mail action, there's a new twist - that's pretty cool and probably quite effective: you donate money to pay for the videos and rulers. There's no opportunity to just send an e-mail this time - I tried!! Solidarity with our fellow mamas across the country is a good thing, though, and you can donate any amount (disclaimer: I'm from Philly!).
Got Friends in PA?? Read on for details and logistics you can share.
We need your help in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on October 2nd and hope you can join us: WHAT: Show the Pennsylvania State
Legislature that Moms More Than Measure Up! We need your help to
deliver essential information about the huge number of mothers who are
discriminated against in hiring, and urge them to pass a law to stop
this all too common practice. We'll be delivering The Motherhood
Manifesto book, and a ruler with "Moms More Than Measure Up - Stop
Discrimination" to every Pennsylvania Senator and Representative.
There will be lots of ground to cover, so we hope you can come lend a
hand! WHEN: October 2, 2007 TIME: 10:00 a.m. WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania RSVP: cooper@themotherhood.com Join us for
a press conference/rally with several distinguished speakers, including
Representative Dally, Senator Orie, and representatives of the PA Human
Relations Commission, the PA Commission for Women, the National
Organization for Women, MomsRising.org and 9to5 National Association of
Working Women. Following the rally, we'll visit our legislators
throughout the Capitol to communicate our powerful message, that it is
time to put a stop to maternal and family responsibility profiling in
Pennsylvania. Together we CAN and we WILL make a difference for our families by changing the law today. We need YOUR help!
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