The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the value of caregiving work and the need for equitable and affordable access to care – for children, for elders, for those with a disability, and for all of us in hard times. Yet care work remains underpaid and often invisible, contributing to the inadequacies of the US care system and deepening challenges for caregivers and families. As we move from crisis to recovery, how can policy contribute to building a care economy that dignifies the work of caregivers and expands access to quality, affordable care? How can our systems center gender and racial equity to construct a care economy that serves all families? And how can our society support a healthy and sustainable caregiving system for our post-pandemic future, one in which the demand for caregiving is poised to continue to grow?

This special event hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program explores these questions and more. The event features an exciting lineup of policy and practice experts, cultural leaders, and caregivers, including:

  • Justin Baldoni, Director and Producer, “Clouds,” “Five Feet Apart”; Actor, “Jane the Virgin”; Cofounder, Wayfarer Studios
  • Erika Beras, Reporter, Marketplace
  • Heather Boushey, Member, Council of Economic Advisers, The White House
  • Abby McCloskey, Founder and Principal, McCloskey Policy LLC
  • Ai-jen Poo, Executive Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance; Director, Caring Across Generations
  • Dan Porterfield, President and CEO, The Aspen Institute
  • Adria Powell, President and CEO, Cooperative Home Care Associates
  • Mitt Romney, US Senator from Utah
  • Tina Tchen, President and CEO, TIME’S UP
  • Dorian Warren, President, Community Change; Cochair, Economic Security Project

Speakers discuss the important role of caregiving in our economy and society, as well as a variety of ideas for building an equitable care economy both in the near term for recovery and in the long term for a post-pandemic future.

Read the full article about care principles at The Aspen Institute.