For the past 40 years, Granite Staters have been working harder than ever. Productivity has increased, but for most families, wages are flat and have not kept up with rising costs. With family budgets stretched thin, the answer for most families is more work—longer hours, multiple jobs, and less time to be with our families. The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy is working to build a better future for working people and a more stable economy by fighting for smart policies that lift Granite State families and make our communities stronger.
We are working to establish a paid family and medical leave program; ensure that all workers have access to earned, paid sick days; increase access to quality, affordable child care; and ensure livable wages for New Hampshire workers.
Building an economy that works for New Hampshire’s families and businesses.
Hardworking New Hampshire families are feeling the squeeze. Skyrocketing cost of living makes it harder than ever to get ahead and sometimes even pay the bills at all.
That’s why the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy is building grassroots support to pass common sense laws that make New Hampshire a healthier, more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
When families are able to provide for themselves and trust that their children are well cared for, they are more likely to stay in the workforce, are more productive in their jobs, and stay in their jobs longer, keeping families and the economy stronger. That’s why the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy is fighting for policies that invest in our families so they, in turn, can invest in our communities and help build a healthy, prosperous economy that works for everyone.
Our Team
Amanda Sears, Campaign Director
Amanda launched the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy in 2015 to build momentum for policies that help New Hampshire people make ends meet and be there for their families when they need to be. Prior to joining the campaign, Amanda co-founded the Environmental Health Strategy Center — a public health advocacy organization based in Maine –and the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine, a coalition working to phase out use of persistent chemicals from consumer products in favor of safer alternatives. Additionally, Amanda is a past President of the Maine Public Health Association; accepted the Giraffe Award from the Maine Children’s Alliance for her previous organization’s efforts “sticking their necks out” for Maine kids; and is a board member of the Graylag Nature Preserve. Amanda is a third generation resident of Deerfield, where she lives with her husband Brad and their three children.
Kelly Douville, Lead Organizer
Kelsey’s background in community organizing and campaigns ranges from managing a field program for a youth-centric nonprofit in Bozeman, Montana and organizing with the League of Conservation Voters in Iowa and Colorado to running a state senate campaign here in New Hampshire. A native of New Hampshire and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Kelsey is passionate about social justice, local politics, and getting outside.
Forest Rapier, Field Organizer
Forrest began his career in community organizing in Denver, Colorado as an organizer with the Blue Bench, inspiring fellow community members to join the fight to end sexual assault. It was in this context that he learned to train, develop, and lead teams of activists as a Canvass Field Manager.
Since then, he has worked as a Field Manager with Grassroots Campaigns and Rocky Mountain PBS in Colorado, and worked as a Canvass Director for WETA PBS in the greater DC area before joining the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy staff team.
Forrest volunteers with several activist groups, and enjoys playing the drums. He is passionate about developing community leaders and giving everybody the tools and training needed to advocate for themselves and their communities.