“Change has come to America.” It’s official – it’s on the White House Web site.
A big part of that change is up to you. Not since JFK’s inaugural address, where he beseeched citizens to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” has there been such a strong message for all of us to BECOME CITIZENS AGAIN.
From volunteering to grass roots lobbying to simply voting, we’re all being asked to step up to the plate and do something for our nation, our communities, our schools, our neighborhoods. It feels good – it feels like maybe we can make America of, by and for the people, as it was meant to be.
Here are some ideas for involvement that could make a difference for local families:
The Northwest Children’s Business Alliance, a group of concerned small, local companies, is meeting at Milagros Boutique (5433 NE 30th) today (Wednesday, Jan. 21) at 9 am to discuss the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and its impact on local toy stores and crafters. Concerned parents can learn more about this issue by visiting www.handmadetoyalliance.org.
Parents for Paid Leave and Time to Care for Oregon Families are two local groups working to ensure that Oregon adopts a Paid Family Leave Law (as our neighbors in California and Washington have already done) during this legislative session. Read our feature (“Giving Parents a Break”) in the January issue (pages 30 to 33) for background information on this important topic. Then visit their Web sites to see what you can do.
Hands on Greater Portland is always a great spot to look for volunteer opportunities – for both adults and kids.
We’d love to hear of other ideas for involvement from our readers. Comment here or e-mail us at editor@metro-parent.com.
Together, we CAN make a difference.

January 21st, 2009 | Category: Metro Parent