taking a day off.

to pass paid leave for all.

This Women’s History Month, Paid Leave for All has galvanized more than seventy brands across the country to close their doors on March 18 and give their employees a paid day off in an effort to send one critical message to Congress: It’s time to pass paid leave.

Today’s actions are both a pittance and progress.

The U.S. is one of only six countries in the world without basic care policy infrastructure or a national paid leave policy. For generations, women—particularly Black women and women of color—have supported our economy and our families without receiving the support of national care policies and paid family or medical leave in return. It’s past time we passed the paid leave legislation that all working people deserve.

Even—and especially—if you’re flying solo like me, without the backing of an employer to provide or advocate for paid leave, here are a few things you can do today to participate in this call to action:

1. Pass Paid Leave Now.

2. Boost social media visibility by commenting on and liking posts from participating organizations and brands #ClosedForPaidLeave #PaidLeaveForAll

3. Stay informed at Paid Leave for All.

PS. If you want to regularly hear about what a care-centered world could look like, subscribe to The Double Shift by

Katherine Goldstein

. You might know her from the excellent podcast she co-hosted with

Angela Garbes

, or through the newsletter she’s recently brought to Substack. Whenever I’m feeling rage-y about the state of childcare, I can trust that Katherine will be right there alongside me.