Going Beyond Policies

Employers have a critical stake in the well-being of families and young children in their communities. Business leaders can play a key role in amplifying the importance of family-friendly policies and advocating for resources that will better support the current and future workforce.

Despite bipartisan support and the proven broad-scale economic benefits of family-friendly policies, they still face serious challenges. Employer leadership can be powerful and persuasive in advancing this work.

As a champion for these policies in your own workplace, you can help broaden your commitment to families and your community by working together with peers, the media, policymakers, and other advocates to build a strong economy where families thrive. 

There are many ways to get involved, and Family Forward NC® is here to help you find what’s comfortable for you and provide resources to help you get started. This list is meant to spark a conversation about how you can help build a North Carolina that is great for jobs and great for families.

Engage Your Network

The public conversation about these issues is already happening throughout your community - in workplaces, employee resource groups, school and community organizations, parent groups and elsewhere. As a leader in the business community, you have a valuable network of professional and social contacts who may have their own insights and experiences to share. Engaging in conversation with your peers can help establish a unified voice when it comes time for business leaders to engage policymakers and other influencers.

This includes:

• Publishing a story in your newsletter
• Posting on social media
• Participating in a presentation, workshop or panel discussion
• Creating and sharing a video or written testimonial
• Informal sharing and conversations with peers and partners

Engage the Media

Traditional and new media can be a great resource for sharing about the importance of family-friendly policies and also creating “buzz” about a policy issue and setting the stage for more direct action. Sharing your own personal experience, along with data and key messages, can go a long way in helping to make the case.

This includes:

• Writing or partnering on an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor
• Agreeing to be on an interview list for media requests

Engage with Policymakers

Many business leaders across the state have access and influence with policymakers to help increase the visibility and support for families and young children. Unifying the business voice and taking action to engage with policymakers is one of the most effective ways to promote family-friendly workplace policies.

This includes:

• Meeting with legislators, agency leaders, and other policymakers
• Signing public statements
• Participating in press briefings
• Partnering with other businesses, professional organizations, and advocacy groups

We welcome your participation in any and all of the above, and would love to hear your ideas too! Taking an active role will help drive progress for your business and your community. The impact of these policies reaches across generations, supporting the current workforce and also improving outcomes for young children who will be North Carolina’s future workers, innovators and leaders.

If you’d like to discuss getting involved, please contact our team at familyforwardnc@buildthefoundation.org.