The federal government’s big plans for a national child care system has us thinking about Canada’s majority-women social sector.

Statistically, Canadian women still bear the brunt of child care duties, making their lives a balancing act if they also work outside the home. The pandemic has thrown off the balance, especially for those working in the social impact sector, with kids home from school and demands for social services and support skyrocketing.

That’s why we’re planning a special report on family-friendly organizational culture in the social impact world. And as part of this project, we’re putting out a call for personal essay submissions by mothers who work in social impact who are fighting for a family-friendly culture and open to sharing their story. How has the pandemic changed your organization’s culture around supporting working parents? In your experience, how has the culture not changed, but in your opinion needs to? What challenges has the past year presented you as a working mother? What were the workarounds you developed? What did you have to fight for from your organization?

We’re also eager to hear from working fathers and gender-expansive parents. Has the pandemic changed how you or your employer think about your role as a working parent? Has the culture of your organization shifted to allow for more acknowledgement of the full spectrum of parents’ responsibilities?

Essays can be written anonymously, should be between 900 and 1200 words, and should be written in first person. Please send your submission to kylie@futureofgood.co by 9am EST on May 17. If the piece is accepted, writers will be asked to go through an editing process. This is a paid opportunity, at 60 cents per word.