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Calling All Working Parents! Congress Is Listening

Aug 1, 2022 | Advocacy, Community, Family, Grief, Volunteer

Close the Loophole! – Universal Paid Leave Should Include Bereavement Leave

Due Monday, August 15th!

Earlier this year, you made phone calls, sent emails, called your friend in order to add paid bereavement leave to our nation’s policy conversations. You did it and it was the first time Washington included paid bereavement leave to its paid leave agenda, an amazing accomplishment.

In classic Washington fashion, however, Congress passed a law that provides two weeks of paid leave for the death of a child, but only if you are a federal employee. While it’s a step forward, we believe that all employees deserve the confidence to know that they will not be fired in the aftermath of losing someone they love. 

So, what now?

Today, the average American can be fired for not showing up to work the day after their child – or spouse, or domestic partner, or a parent, or a sibling – dies. And, it’s perfectly legal. 

We must close this loophole as millions of Americans are grieving the deaths of loved ones. With concurrent mortality epidemics raging across the United States, we must act now to ensure everyday Americans, like me and like you, have the ability to take paid leave following a loss. 

For the next two weeks, Congress is accepting stories from parents who have experienced challenges due to the lack of “universal paid leave.”

They need to hear from you NOW! 

Here’s how:

    1. You can submit one of the following: 
      • Short video (30 – 90 seconds);mp4 format; filmed horizontally if possible OR 
      • Photo with caption OR
      • Written piece. 
    2. Email your story to shareyourstorywaysmeans@gmail.com. Include your name, what you do for a living and any social media tags. 
    3. Tag them on Facebook and Twitter at:

Then, spread the word! This can only be done by YOU. We must ACT NOW to ensure that everyday grieving Americans aren’t left behind.

Let your voice be heard. 

Learn more about how you can share with others and be the change: https:///waysandmeans.house.gov/share-your-story-paid-leave-and-child-care