Links Relevant to Care Work

If your organization is not listed and you would like it to be, please contact Nancy Folbre at folbre@econs.umass.edu

National

Massachusetts

General:

·    The Carework Network

The Carework Network is an organization comprised of researchers, policymakers, and
advocates involved in various domains of carework. The group holds a triennial conference and also supports a listserv with discussions about carework.

·    Institute for Women's Policy Research

IWPR conducts and disseminates original research aimed at addressing the needs of women and helping to support a public dialogue about how to strengthen families and communities.    A main research focus of IWPR is work and family issues.  They have released a range of comprehensive reports that use quantitative methods to examine care policies at the state and national level.

·     National Partnership for Women and Families

Formed in 1971, the National Partnership for Women and Families is a national advocacy organization that promotes fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and improved work-family policies.  Specifically they have been involved in campaigns for paid leave and paid sick time.  Their website offers comprehensive information on current legislative initiatives and also provides opportunities for visitors to become involved in current campaigns.

·    Take Care Net

Take Care Net is a network that aims to educate policy makers and the public about caregiving issues by providing a range of reports, fact sheets and website materials. The group also works to link academic experts and practitioners, with policy makers and the media through the use of their Experts database.  This website is an excellent resource for locating carework scholars.

Family Caregivers:   

·    AgingCare.com

AgingCare.com helps people caring for elderly parents find support, resources and information, as well as a place to connect with other caregivers. Their website offers a comprehensive collection of articles as well as a team of elder care experts who are able to answer caregivers difficult questions.

·    Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)

CAPS is an organization devoted to assisting caretakers of the elderly by proving information and referrals as well as promoting public awareness of caregivers needs. CAPS also supports affiliated careworker support groups throughout the county.

·    Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)

Formed in 1977, FCA is the country's first community based organization dedicated to supporting family and friends who provide long-term care at home.  FCA has helped to establish the National Center on Caregiving (NCC) to support research that seeks to advance programs and policies for caregivers.  The organization also sponsors the Family Care Navigator, a internet database which provides comprehensive information for caregivers on local support services.

·    MomsRising

MomsRising is a grassroots organization formed in 2006 that seeks to create family-friendly policies by bringing the issues of motherhood and family to the forefront. The organization provides comprehensive information on ongoing national and state campaigns related to family issues and has been engaged in over one million online and on-the-ground actions.

·    MOTHERS

MOTHERS is a online community of that aims to facilitate the mobilization of mothers and other family caregivers who look after children or other dependent family members. Their website serves as a clearinghouse for supporters to learn about the growing national mothers’ movement. It also enables supporters to quickly contact their state and national legislators on key issues.

·    National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC)

Formed in 1996, NAC is a coalition of grassroots organizations dedicated to issues surrounding family caregiving. Members of the alliance include grassroots organizations, government agencies, corporations and professional associates. The coalition conducts research, and seeks to develop national programs to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues.  Major research initiatives have included a national caregiver survey and the development of a grassroots caregiving movement focused on mobilizing caregivers around the county.

·    National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC)

Founded in 1975, NAMC has employed a community-building model to create a network of Mothers' centers around the county. The centers offer numerous programs by and for mothers, in order to promote maternal well-being and to advocate for public policies that value the work of care.

·    National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)

The NFCA aims to support and empower the more than 50 million family caregivers in the United States.  The organization provides a virtual library of caregiving resources, a monthly newsletter, and works to connect caregivers from around the country through e-communities.  NFCA also works to involve caregivers in efforts to improve federal, state and local policy surrounding caregiving.  

Paid Care Workers: 

·    Center for the Child Care Workforce (CCW)

CCW was initially formed as a grassroots organization of child care teachers who aimed to improve the quality of child care by improving the compensation and stability of the workforce. Their website provides a number of original publications on the workforce as well as information about local, and state policy initiatives.

·    Direct Care Alliance (DCA)

DCA is a national advocacy organization, focused on empowering long-term care workers. The group aims to build leadership and advocacy skills among workers through training programs and advocacy around direct care issues.  The group also supports policy development by hosting conferences and issuing policy briefs.

·    Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA)

EWA is a network of 29 organizations focused on addressing the needs of the eldercare workforce.  The group issues policy briefs and advocates for legislation aimed at strengthening the direct-care workforce, addressing the problem of clinical shortages, and ensuring that there is adequate training for the eldercare workforce.

·    PHI: National Clearinghouse on Direct Care Workers

A national on-line library focused on the direct-care staffing crisis in long term care.  The library provides a database that includes government and research reports as well as news articles, fact sheets and issues briefs. PHI also maintains background information on direct care workers by state, including workforce characteristics, initiatives, legislation and regulation. 

 Work/Family Issues: 

·    Children, Youth, and Family Education and Research Network (CYFERnet)

The network provides reliable research on children, youth and families issues, brought together from all of the public land-grant universities in the county.  In addition to providing access to the latest research, CYFERnet also offers tools and activities for working with youth, families and communities.     

·    Labor Project for Working Families

The Labor Project for Working Families was formed in 1992 and works with unions, union members, community based organizations and other activists, in order to promote better work and family policies These policies include paid family leave, child care, elder care and flexible work schedules.

·    Sloan Work and Family Research Network

The network, which was formed in 1997, provides information on work-family issues. Their comprehensive website offers resources for academics, policy makers, students and teachers. In addition to original research available on the site, there is also comprehensive information on state policy and workplace practices. The network also runs a work-family literature database that brings together studies from a wide variety of sources.

·    The Families and Work Institute

The Families and Work Institute is a nonpartisan think-tank that studies the changing workforce, families and communities. Their research, which includes reports on child care, family caregivers and early education,  is available to download from the website.  The institute also holds an annual Work Life Conference.

General:

·    Center for Social Policy at McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies

The Center for Social Policy (CSP) provides expertise and research on policies and practices that reduce social and economic inequities in Massachusetts and the nation. This includes research specifically aimed at targeting health care disparities and improving the quality of life for low-income families.

·    Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies

The Center aims to promote women's leadership by providing quality education and conducting research that makes a difference in women's lives. In the past the Center has sponsored research on a variety of women's health related issues including reproductive rights, and the role of midwifery in the Massachusetts health care system.

·    Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center

MassBudget is a policy organization that offers independent research and analysis of the Massachusetts state budget and tax policies in an effort to increase the transparency of government. In addition to offering an analysis of every state budget, the organization also generates reports on specific issues like education, heath care and human services.

·    MIT Workplace Center

The MIT Workplace Center, which was active between 2001 and 2008, conducted research on issues facing dual-career middle class families, and explored experimental models for change in selected workplaces. While the Center is no longer producing new materials, their website contains a range of useful research publications.  Among these are the comprehensive Family Caregiver Handbook, a report on improving resources for elderly caregivers and several reports on the Boston area care industry.

 Family Caregivers:

·    Massachusetts Family Voices (Mass FV)

Mass FV provides information about the Massachusetts public benefits system, and medical advocacy support to families with children and youth with special health care needs.  This advocacy and support is provided through a number of different venues including direct contact, a listserv, a website, a lending library, newsletter articles, topical conference calls, trainings, and through an annual parent leader conference.

·    Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC)

MFOFC is a grassroots coalition of people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and their families. The organization provides information and leadership training as well as offering regular regional support meetings. Additionally, MFOFC works with the state legislature to increase the amount of funding allocated for family support within each of the state disability focused agencies.

·    Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program

Administered through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, this program assists caregivers by offering information about caregiving and available services, providing assistance to asses needs, and training to assist caregivers in making decisions.

·    Mass Home Care

A network of 30 age-information centers throughout Massachusetts which advocate for community care.  The network provides a range of resources to help connect families to the care services available in their communities.

Paid Care Workers:

            Labor Unions

·           American Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts (AFTMA)

AFT, Massachusetts is comprised of 43 local unions representing more than 22,000 members including public school teachers, nurses and cafeteria workers as well as college faculty and nurses in hospitals.  In addition to representing their members in collective bargaining, AFTMA is also engaged in range of activities to promote educational reform in the Commonwealth and the preservation of the public schools.

·            Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)

MNA is the largest union of registered and professional nurses in Massachusetts.  They represent over 23,000 workers across 85 facilities.  In addition to representing their members in contract negotiations, the MNA also advocates for improved health care policy and better health and safety standards for nurses. In particular, the MNA has been actively involved in a campaign over the last several years to institute staffing ratios and ban mandatory overtime for nurses.

·            Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)

The MTA is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), representing more than 107,000 members employed as educators and educator support staff. This union aims to represent their members in the workplace and to advocate for improved financing for public education.

·            Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Massachusetts

SEIU in Massachusetts represents over 75,00 members, many of whom are involved in direct care activities in the Commonwealth. Among them are home-care providers, nurses and doctors.  The union engages in a number of local, state and national advocacy measures aimed at improving conditions for all working families.

·            United Auto Workers (UAW), Local 2322

A diverse union in Western Massachusetts, Local 2322 represents over 3,000 workers in 14 workplaces.  This includes human service workers, child care workers and graduate student employees.  

            Professional Associations:

·           Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO)

MNSO aims to promote and advance the quality of health services in schools throughout the state, and also to promote the rights and interests of professional school nurses.

·           Massachusetts Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA)

MANA is an organization dedicated to the professional interests of nurse anesthetists in Massachusetts.  The group's primary objectives include improving patient safety through the advancement of the science and art of anesthesia, as well as the promotion of cooperation between nurse anesthetists, all medical professionals, hospitals and other agencies interested in anesthesia.

·           Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses (MAPHN)

Formed in 1996, MAPHN aims to provide a formal unified voice around issues of public health nursing.  The organization's membership includes both nurses and non-nursing health professionals committed to advocating for public health nursing and enhancing the health of Massachusetts residents.

·           Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (MCNP)

MCNP was organized in 1992 to provide representation and support on issues relevant to Massachusetts nurse practitioners. The organization's emphasis is on fostering high standards of advanced nursing practice, maintaining coalitions with professional nursing organizations, and advocating for nurse practitioners in the public policy process.

·           Massachusetts Council for Home Care Aide Services

Since 1967 the Council has aimed to be a voice for paraprofessional home care aide services in Massachusetts.  The organization's membership includes over 100 agencies which directly employ home care aides. The Council works with state agencies, the Legislature, the media, and the general public, providing information and education on home care services and advocating for priority home care issues and initiatives.

·           Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, Inc.

The Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, is a statewide association of health and human service agencies. Founded in 1975, the Providers' Council is the state's largest human service trade association. They are dedicated to promoting the sector's workforce and to advocating for governmental rules and practices which promote financially sustainable organizations.

·           National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter (NASWMA)

The Massachusetts chapter of the NASWMA is the major professional social worker organization in the state with approximately 8,300 members. The organization is committed to advancing professional social work practice and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice.

Care Recipients:

            Health Care:

·           Commonwealth Care Alliance

Commonwealth Care Alliance is a not-for-profit care delivery system committed to providing integrated health care and related social support services. This “consumer-governed” organization offers a full spectrum of medical and social services for people with complex needs and aims to provide the best possible individually tailored care to people of all ages.

·           Health Care for All (HCFA)

HCFA is an organization dedicated to making quality, affordable health care accessible to everyone. In addition to providing public policy education to community groups HCFA analyzes legislation from the State House and monitors the various health access programs offered by the state.

·           Mass-Care

Launched in 1995, Mass-Care is an umbrella organization that brings together over 100 groups in Massachusetts who are committed to establishing a single-payer system in the Commonwealth.  The group's website provides a variety of background documents on single-payer healthcare as well as providing action alerts to members.

·           Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities (MCHC)

MCHC works with a diverse array of public interest groups and individuals who are advancing community-led solutions to social, economic, and ecological crises. The organization monitors government and legislative initiatives and conducts research into key issues of public policy and health.

·           Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA)

Founded in 1879 MPHA is a statewide membership organization and the oldest public health organization in the country. Membership consists of people working to protect the health and safety of state residents.  MPHA works to protect the health of families, communities and workplaces by promoting laws, policies, and programs that prevent disease and injury. 

            Elder Care:

·           Boston Senior Home Care

Boston Senior Home Care is a non-profit organization that helps elders, individuals with disabilities, and the people who care for them. The organization serves nearly 4,000 clients in the Boston area and provides a variety of services including case management, meal delivery, in-home services and adult day care.  Their website offers complete information on the available services and details on accessing the services.

·           Central Boston Elder Services

Central Boston Elder Services is a non-profit organization that helps Boston area seniors remain in their homes by providing short and long-term care. Programs and services are offered to help seniors remain self-sufficient and are available to residents living in most Boston neighborhoods.

·           Massachusetts Association of Older Americans (MAOA)

Founded in 1969, MAOA is dedicated to promoting social and economic security for Massachusetts’ elders.  The organization fights to preserve Medicare and Social Security, to ensure access to community-based long term care and to obtain mental health care for elders suffering from depression. MAOA also organizes regular conferences, sponsors a SeniorNet computer training program and collaborates with Councils on Aging to hold training sessions for senior advocates.

·           Massachusetts Senior Care Association

The Massachusetts Senior Care Organization represents more than 500 facilities that meet a range of elder care needs including nursing homes, residential and rehabilitation facilities and retirement communities.  The association advocates for legislation that affects both care providers and consumers.  Mass Senior Care also collects data on the delivery and financing of senior care services. 

·           WestMass ElderCare

Since 1974, this area agency on aging has worked to meet the needs of older people in Western Massachusetts.  The agency offers a range of programs aimed at preserving independence and the family network. This includes programs on adult family care, elder nutrition, money management and coordination of care.

            Child Care:

·           Boston Alliance for Early Education

Boston Alliance for Early Education focuses on building capacity for the early education and care field. The Alliance offers training, technical assistance, and peer support for all early education and care providers.  The organization also conducts public policy advocacy and public awareness activities in support of children, parents and providers.

·           Massachusetts Citizens For Children (MMC)

MMC is the oldest state-based child advocacy organization in the country. The organization aims to improve the lives of the state's most vulnerable children through advocacy by concerned citizens.

·           Strategies For Children, Inc. (SFC)

SFC is an organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families in Massachusetts through public policy, advocacy and research. The organization's key initiative is the Early Education for All (EEA) Campaign, which brings together business, education and community leaders to work in partnership with families and state policymakers to ensure high-quality early education for all children ages three to five in Massachusetts.

            Disability Services

·           The Arc of Massachusetts

The Arc is an advocacy organization that aims to enhance the lives of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In addition to advocating for improved state and local policies, the organization also provides a range of education and outreach services for families including help in the implementation of new residential supports and the maintenance of a virtual community support group.

·           Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD)

CORD was founded in 1984 to support the integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society. In addition to publishing a newsletter and other informational pamphlets, CORD also engages in state and national level advocacy work.

·           Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH)

Founded in Massachusetts in 1913, MAMH works with individuals with mental illness and their family members to help them access services including housing, education, treatment and employment.  MAMH also works to improve the standard of care for individuals suffering with metal disorders and also aims to improve public awareness of available methods of treatment.

·           Massachusetts Coalition of Families and Advocates for the Retarded (COFAR)

COFAR is a statewide nonprofit coalition established in 1983 to advocate on behalf of the mentally retarded in Massachusetts and their families and guardians. COFAR has negotiated with the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) to maintain adequate staffing levels at both state and community-based facilities and has advocated for an independent investigations unit outside of the DMR to investigate cases of abuse and neglect in both the state and community systems.

·           National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Massachusetts

NAMI is a grassroots organization of individuals with brain disorders and their family members.  The mission of the organization is to  eradicate brain disorders and improve the quality of life for persons who are affected by them. To this end NAMI provides a range of support services in Massachusetts including education and advocacy for individuals with brain disorders, as well as education for professionals and the general public.

·           Southeast Center for Independent Living (SCIL)

SCIL is an organization dedicated to improving community accessibility for people who are disabled and wish to have a more independent lifestyle.  This is done through advocacy work around transportation, housing and health care issues. Since its founding the majority of the Executive Board members of SCIL have been people with disabilities.

·           SpEdWatch

SpEdWatch  is a grassroots organization dedicated to securing the educational rights of Massachusetts school children with disabilities. It is the state's only watchdog group on special education curriculums and it is involved in a range of direct-action measures to ensure the protection of students' special education rights in public schools.