In the Spring of 2022, I was sitting in my car in the pick-up line for my kids’ school. My attention was wrested by the news on the radio of a policy decision that would affect kids and families but seemed totally out of touch with mothers’ first-hand experience on the matter.
Out loud, to no one in particular, I said, “Did they ask a mother about that?” I wished that there was a quick and easy way for these policymakers to access reliable data on how decisions affect the everyday lives of families.
I realized that industry leaders and legislative policymakers may not be prioritizing mothers, families, or kids, and may not seek out mothers to weigh in… but I wanted a way to have the data and insights ready, for it to be impossible to not know what mothers need and know based on their first-hand experience, while policies are in debate. And furthermore, what more valuable information is there than a mother’s first-hand knowledge? Whatever you want to say about it, mothers hold most of the caretaking responsibilities in the U.S. Mothers are the largest group charged with the well-being of children. So, mothers' voices should be an essential and integral part of industry and government policymaking.
The key is a representative sample, so there is no partisan confusion nor politics that can obscure the needs of American mothers.
I am beyond grateful for the mothers across the country and across every political affiliation who weigh in on surveys or participate in interviews and panels to share their experience. We started from a small Instagram campaign in 2022 and have grown to represent the voices of mothers from all 50 states. I am constantly inspired by the uplifting notes and messages I receive from mothers and by the hope and powerful force of a mother’s love. I’m grateful for the mothers who helped shape this mission and always pitch in because they believe, as mothers always seem to do, together we can do anything for the future of our kids.
Thank you for joining the count, and supporting Count on Mothers.
Jenny
