Public Policy: 
Mission and Philosophy

The purpose of Family and Home Network's public policy work is to identify and evaluate political, economic, and social/cultural issues related to the time parents spend caring for their children. We also review research on the needs of children as well as on the behavior and preferences of parents.

Family and Home Network has always maintained a uniquely personal relationship with members, investigating their policy concerns as they relate to FAHN's mission. Our members, volunteers and staff are diverse in political, religious, and socioeconomic ways, and FAHN maintains a non-partisan approach to its public policy effort. Its response to political, economic, and cultural issues is evaluated by FAHN's Board of Directors.

ACTIVITIES

Volunteers have carried out the work of Family and Home Network for more than two decades. Please sign up for FAHN's free E-News to stay informed (see the home page), and watch for announcements about how you can participate in public policy work. FAHN's activities include:

• Tracks federal legislation that directly affects the status and/or financial security of at-home parents and the economic well-being of families. Maintains, as well, an interest in similar state legislation. Provides reports on proposed and recently enacted legislation to members, and related commentary to the media.

• Provides information about families to legislators, government officials, public policy research organizations, academic institutions, the media and other interested groups.

• Serves as an advocate for parents and children on public policy issues related to the mission of the organization.

• Tracks and evaluates media analysis of research and public policy issues affecting families with a parent who is forgoing or cutting back on paid employment.

• Maintains contact with other organizations and publications representing parents to identify areas of mutual concern and to disseminate public policy information.