May 17 - Picnic with a Purpose

Clean air!  Clean energy!

Every mother I know is in love with these two ideals!!!  Please join us this Thursday as we celebrate with some special guests (+ media).

Join the Sierra Club, Environment America, League of Conservation Voters, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, and the Communication Workers of America Union (Blue-Green Alliance) as we announce the gathering of 1 MILLION comments to the EPA supporting strong standards for industrial carbon pollution from coal fired power plants!

The EPA released these proposed protections in March and we are now in the midst of a 60-day public comment period. These standards will limit the amount of carbon dioxide that can be released into the atmosphere from new coal fired power plants. Carbon dioxide is proven to increase smog levels which cause health problems such as asthma attacks, especially in kids.

Because of the serious impacts that air pollution has on growing children, and being that Mother's Day was this past weekend, we want to show strong support from mothers and children for the EPA's efforts to protect air quality and public health!

Please join us for a brief press event and photo opportunity near the Capitol Steps next Thursday!

Where: Bottom of the Capitol Steps near 9th and Bank Street
When: Thursday, May 17th at 1 PM
Who: Jami Town of Mothers' Awakening will be speaking on behalf of mothers, doctor(s) will be speaking about public health impacts of dirty air and carbon emissions, environmental leaders will be speaking about the environmental impacts of carbon emissions
What: A press event announcing the first one million comments collected by the Clean Air Defense Campaign coalition; Mothers and children gather with balloons, flowers to celebrate a great Mother's Day present-- clean air and healthy kids!

Many thanks to the lovely Anneli Berube for coordinating this event.  We are really going to miss her when she moves to Colorado this summer.  If you need to get in touch with her about this event or anything else EPA/Sierra Club related, please do! 

Anneli Berube, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter; anneli.berube@sierraclub.org, (802)922-2337

Respect my Au-thor-i-tay

First to disclose... I have never spent much time in a courthouse. Ever. I am more of a "cubicle / office / spreadsheet" kind of girl.

So imagine my amazement last Friday when I had the opportunity to observe a power structure / power trip worthy of a prison guard in a B rated movie. Simply outstanding if you like people watching (I do). Since the arraignment seemed to mostly be about paperwork and setting future court dates, I was settling in for a lot of dull administration but was fortunate to get a front row seat of our penal system in action.

Again and again, I couldn't help but think... the current attitude of a "domination nation" is just so WRONG. All people deserve respect, even if they look like they are strung out, have had problems with abusive spouses, or sat on the Capitol steps when a police officer told them not to. If you are human, you are worthy of respect. Period. But apparently somebody missed that Sunday School class...

Image from rantchick.com

When the citizens arrested on March 3rd congregated in the hall outside the courtroom prior to the arraignment there was a noise level akin to a cocktail hour - probably about what you would expect when 30-40 people are gathered and talking in a corridor of hard surfaces and nothing to dampen the sound. The buzz in the air apparently bothered the bailiff so he told everyone to sit down and be quiet.

I would estimate 70-80% of the people complied with his order (it definitely was not a request), including me. I overheard someone say something along the lines of, "There is no rule that we have to sit down and be quiet out here," and perhaps that was just enough to push him over the edge. When some people remained standing he walked next to them and did his best barrel chested domination stance about a foot away from them. I would have stared at the situation but I'm told that is impolite and I guess I'm still trying to maintain some level of politeness. Anyway, the people standing/talking did not sit down meekly (or stop talking) and this seemed to enrage him further.

After trying to browbeat them for about 30 seconds to a minute, he decided he was not being cooperated with enough. The noise level had dropped significantly but not everyone was sitting down. At that point he ordered everyone into the courtroom. I believe his words were, "You need to move into the courtroom and sit down and be quiet." I started thinking he perhaps had a hangover.

So everyone complied and he then took his domination show to the front of the room where he worked the crowd with his best evil eye and a few eyebrow wrinkles to prove he had years of experience with that particular imposing expression. My father informed me that he technically has arresting rights in the courtroom so it was an interesting, "If I cannot make you do what I want outside the courtroom then move to my jurisdiction," ploy.

All in all, it would have made for an interesting field trip for a sociology or women's studies course. The domination display continued and once everyone was in the courtroom the man wanted absolute silence. He said repeatedly, "Silence. Be quiet. No talking." Of course, we had wanted to stay in the hall for awhile rather than sit in the courtroom but whatever. His eyes darted around the room angrily the entire time and he even removed a woman (and her sister) because she was blowing her nose.

I wish there was a way to kindly remind everyone that every other human being is worthy of respect. Frequently it feels as though this perspective is quite lacking. It is like we live in some weird "domination nation" culture - that a request first before an order would be a weakness rather than a strength.

In my experience, when someone "in power" starts off with the stance that their authority is not to be questioned I feel the need to push back. I think it is just an inherent truth that some people, like me, like to be free to agree to comply rather than forced to comply. I am a rule follower but I am also a free thinker. I would contend that unreasonable demands (like sit down and be quiet when there is no stated/known reason to impose this on a group of people) *should* be met with push back. We are not "sheeple" to use a popular term these days.

Perhaps this bailiff was just having a bad day. I look forward to observing more in this courtroom in the future. However, I continue to wonder what it would take to shift a culture from a "domination nation" position to a respectful (but very firm - he does need to keep order, after all) culture. I think it is important that law abiding, day-to-day, ordinary citizens who are not "activists" per se, are willing to be observers of our democracy in action. If we are not willing to bear witness, our process quickly devolves into a power struggle between those in power and those requesting something of the powers that be. It is the third party objective that, in my opinion, will make sure things remain fair and just. Jury duty is not your only civic duty. Please consider being that person. Join us!

I Just Love a Protestor in a Seersucker Jacket

I would have taken a picture of the preppiest gentleman arrested on March 3rd at the courthouse yesterday, but cameras and cell phones were not allowed. So I'll have to go with this photo from the Brooks Brothers website (which is not nearly as lovely as the shade of coral he was wearing).

The men and women who were arrested had their day in court yesterday - well, actually their first of a number of days. Today was an administrative date to meet with the judge and set the pending court dates for the defense attorneys to request dismissal of the case, the prosecution to respond, a motions date, and finally a trial date. I think I have that right. LOL!

I believe the official charge was trespassing at the Capitol. There were about 4-5 lawyers representing the 30 people arrested and lots of personalities giving lots of hints today as to how it may unfold. It is simultaneously exciting and unnerving, particularly if your only concern is that the Capitol steps be returned to the people of Virginia for (peaceful) assembly and freedom of speech.

The MOST IMPORTANT THING that came out of the courtroom today is the news that the men and women arrested are now able to again go on the grounds at the Capitol. The prosecution requested the judge remove this restriction set by the magistrate (there was confusion as to why this restriction was ever placed on them) and Judge Cheek removed the restriction, as long as each person agreed to uphold the laws of Virginia and every other state. I was a little confused as to why our national laws weren't thrown into the mix, but I figure that's probably just my CPA brain wanting all the details neatly tied up with a bow on top.

Watching a courtroom in action could definitely be a good sporting event if you like watching people. The body language, the ordering around, the stumping for air time. Fascinating. I have never spent time in a courtroom and have never really thought much about how much our judiciary branch and penal system is so deeply filled with dominating, male energy. Perhaps this is part of the reason we say "penal system" ;-) Sorry - I couldn't resist a good penal joke.

I'll write a little more about the power trip on display later, but for tonight just be thrilled along with me that all the citizens are once again allowed to walk on the capitol grounds!

Picnic-In - March 29th

I think yesterday was perhaps my favorite Picnic-In thus far. Just to make a point, the day before the arraignment of those arrested on March 3rd, we put a call out for our friends to join us for a photo opportunity. We gathered to take a picture on the Capitol steps hunkered down, arm in arm, just as the peaceful protestors had sat behind the line of SWAT officers immediately preceding their arrests.

The mood was jovial but the kids were hot and asked to move to the big shade trees, so we quickly snapped this pic before moving to the shade:

Image courtesy of Christophile Konstas

Just to point out a few things I love about this pic. First, a DAD joined us - men are definitely welcome to join us and I hope he found us charming and hospitable :)

Second, two nursing kiddos in the front row. Love it!

Finally, thirty-four citizens, some voting and some non-voting, sitting on the steps peacefully and NOT being arrested. Right before the photo was taken, in jest I hollered, "If anyone tries to pick you up just go limp." So if we're all laughing it may either be from that or from my next immediate thought, "WAIT! What are we teaching our children?" These kiddos may possibly end up advocating against us for their own rights as teenagers, but I welcome an active citizenry in our household!

So if hanging out with friends, talking about our beautiful state, and discussing the politics of the day sounds like fun to you, please join us next Thursday, April 5th. The majority of the moms are picking up preschoolers so the crowd doesn't really arrive until about 1 PM. But it is a load of fun. Here is the Facebook event / invite if that is something helpful to you.

Where Would You Have Stood?

Where would you have stood for this historical picture?

Image from Valentine Richmond History Center

Front and center? A little to the side? With your closest girlfriend in the back holding a banner? Does the average Virginian even know/remember/think about what these women went through on our behalf?

This Thursday it is our turn. Where do you want to stand? We have another beautiful Thursday with gorgeous spring weather and we will eat our lunches on the steps this Thursday since the weather is gorgeous and we don't need the shade trees. We are hoping to get a lovely pic of all the Mamas and kiddos so please come dressed with a gorgeous smile.

xoxo

- Kati

Right to Assemble (Peacefully)

This is going to be a big week in Virginia politics. The District Attorney has said he intends to prosecute the protestors rather than drop the charges. The Richmond-Times Dispatch had a good update regarding the situation and the online version includes comments from readers. Here is another summary on the issue at hand from a Charlottesville paper (online) and below is a screenshot of my comment posted on that online site. You may notice I said 31 arrested protestors - the official count according to the RTD was 30 and I won't make that mistake when posting again (but I cannot delete that error). ;-)

The people arrested on March 3rd will be arraigned by Judge Cheek this Friday, March 30th at the courthouse on 920 Hull Street. This courthouse is located at the corner of Hull and Commerce (which is what the 9th St. bridge becomes).

Judge Cheek does not allow children in the courtroom so if parents would like to come and be present we can gather in the area around 8:30 and decide who will stay outside with children and who will go into the courtroom. If you have any friends who would like to come along, kids or no kids, we will figure it out. Some of us will be inside to observe and some of us will be outside supporting those arrested and the observers. Just as "it takes a village" to raise a child it also takes a village to keep watch over our rights as citizens. We cannot rely just on the reporters, lawyers, and judges. We should continue to observe first-hand as citizens.

A little bird told me that our Picnic-in protests could actually be helpful evidence to those arrested, primarily because it shows the arbitrary nature in which the "law" is being applied. So, JOIN US this Thursday around 12:30 for yet another fun day at the Capitol. I love that my girls are really starting to feel the Capitol grounds are theirs as citizens - to roll down the hill, eat a picnic with mom, and play with friends. The Capitol grounds has never felt so vibrant to me as it does with children running around.

Today's Picnic-In

Today was a GORGEOUS day for a Picnic-in at the Capitol. Somehow, I just love hearing my girls talk about "going to the Capitol" every Thursday. A month ago this wasn't a word in their vocabulary and now we regularly have conversations about what it is to live in a democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and how dissent is an important component of good decision making.

We had a smaller crowd today but were deeply honored to have Katherine Waddell, the newly elected President of Women's Strike Force, and her close friend, Joyce Scher, join us today. It was great to hear their passion and they opened our eyes a little further today... Did you know the House of Delegates passed a mandatory trans-vaginal ultrasound bill LAST YEAR but they were quiet enough about it and because Democrats controlled the Senate the bill didn't go anywhere? Sheesh. Talk about asleep at the kitchen sink just trying to get dinner made. I had no idea.

Speaking of not-so-little political items that I had missed as I focused on education, career, and family over the past 30 years. Did you know that Virginia is one of 15 states that still has not affirmed the Equal Rights Amendment? Seriously? This is an amendment women have been fighting for since 1923. Think about that. Women are not written into the U.S. Constitution as equals although we have been requesting such wording for 89 years. I think one of the most beautiful turnarounds we could see as a result of the 2012 spring follies would be to see this amendment passed as a direct result of women getting ACTIVE. What say you Mamas? Don't the women who posed in this picture back in 1915 deserve our commitment to their cause, which is really our cause and the cause of our daughters and granddaughters?

Image from Valentine Richmond History Center

Sorry. Off my stump. Back to the Picnic-Ins.

Those of us there for our third week in a row affirmed our commitment to maintaining a presence at the Capitol. We spoke of the Civil Rights protestors who pledged to walk EVERYWHERE for a full year after Rosa Parks' arrest for not giving up her bus seat. If they can walk everywhere for a year, we can pack up the kids and go to the Capitol every Thursday. It is a small effort and a monumental effort all at the same time. But we will make the effort to continue our physical presence because we plan to keep talking and identifying opportunities to make a difference.

We also talked about the importance of oversight and being a witness to political events. To that end, I spoke on the phone today to one of the women arrested on March 3rd and mentioned the idea that some of the mothers might like to come to the scheduled arraignment on March 30th. She was pleased mothers would make an effort to show support and continue to bear witness to the freedom of speech/freedom of assembly issue raised March 3rd. The other mothers at the Capitol today are very much behind this idea and we will begin to coordinate next Friday shortly. If you have any particular ideas about an appropriate way in which we can bear witness make sure to leave a note in the comment section. If we lose / give up our right to free speech and assembly, how much of a democracy will we really have left?

So. In a nutshell.

• Mothers are amazing and we will continue to observe, bear witness, and talk, talk, talk.
• This Saturday come get inspired at the Byrd Theatre at 1 PM.
• Next Thursday another Picnic-In (to accommodate the hot sun and small children we have moved to the big shade trees to the right as you stand on the steps and look down Bank Street)
• Next Friday we will have an actionable item related to the arraignment of those arrested on March 3rd.

We know you are busy. So are we. Find some time and do what you can. You will be welcomed anytime you can make it and missed when you cannot.

Next Move

I had an excellent conversation with a friend's father-in-law the other day, a retired lawyer who still takes the occasional trip down to the General Assembly. Among some of his comments:

I support you ladies and what you're doing. Are you organized yet? What's your next move?

He was really happy to see/hear that we went down and had a "Picnic-In" at the Capitol to make the point that it is the peoples' steps and that the First Amendment says congress shall make NO LAWS to limit freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. It was a small act, but a good act. He and his wife enjoyed the bit of news coverage we received and apparently flipped from channel to channel to watch it.

Which leaves his really good question on the table: "What's your next move?"

Image from PrayTheDevilBackToHell.com/

Well, our next move is a public showing of an inspiring movie, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." Let us watch the power to be had if women spend personal time with the purpose and intent of changing their reality. Let us watch the triumph that can be had when two "sides" come together for the greater good. How does it look when women's strength and love triumphs over guns? We are lucky to live in the United States with enough rights and freedoms to change the direction of our country's politics, but we have to get involved.

Mothers' Awakening is about mothers waking up to the reality of our situation and that it is not in the best interest of future generations to sit on the sidelines and continue to hope for the best. We have got to get involved now. Climate change. Our industrialized, nutrient lacking food supply. Compassion in politics. Personal freedoms. We have all got to get involved to ensure the future is a kinder, gentler, more responsible future.

After the movie we will hear from local women who have "woken up" and are stepping out of their homes and into action.

We hope friends and neighbors will come out for a day together and to start talking. The kind of talking that has been missing for too long. Women must keep talking and turn the volume up, a notch at a time, until you can no longer drown out the voices that were once missing in the political conversation, mothers, fathers, grandparents, all busy people living their "normal" lives. We can live those normal lives, but we must all keep our eyes on the political machinery that shapes our future!

So come join us this Thursday at the Capitol for another Picnic-In and again Saturday, March 24th at 1 PM at the Byrd Theatre. Come watch the story unfold knowing that the women in "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" were eventually honored with the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Dare to be amazing.

Right to Assemble

This week, Thursday, we will again host a Picnic-In on the Capitol steps. In today's Richmond Times-Dispatch there is an excellent editorial summarizing "the issue," an illegal arrest of women's rights protestors, that kicked off the organization of Mothers' Awakening. In this editorial a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates outlines the law protecting peaceful assembly in the Commonwealth and the various groups that have, perhaps inadvertently, created a policy of disallowing assembly anywhere on the Capitol grounds except the Bell Tower. Here is an excerpt from the summary of his letter to the editor:

Without question any guidelines adopted should permit citizens to assemble on the steps of the Capitol or anywhere else on the grounds that doesn't interfere with the business of making laws. Anything less violates Virginia's Constitution.

Along those same lines, major kudos to Meghan McSweeney for posting this quote and gorgeous picture on the MA!!! facebook page:

I don't know about you all but I will show up every day that I can to make sure that these beautiful people have equal rights.

Image provided by Meghan McSweeney

Come join us again this Thursday!!! These are the peoples' steps and we will assemble :)

Social Media

Social media is an amazing gift from a handful of Harvard men to women around the world. Who is it again that likes to talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk? It is us women. Who do we love and trust the most? Our women friends.

Cue the music and here comes that really special someone - social media!

So now women have an easy way to spread our own sound bytes. The talking head is becoming obscure in my life and has completely lost out to the things my friends have to say. My friends forward fabulous (primary) research articles, post updates about their lives, and post hilarious outtakes from the couple of shows I would bother watching if I had time.

To be honest, the talking head lost out a long time ago. I realized that watching the news made me feel anxious, sad, and mad. It added a lot of stress because I could not do anything about the things making me anxious, sad, and mad. Have you read the study that proved the female way to handle stress is not "fight or flight" but instead, "tend and befriend."

With social media I CAN do something when I see a news item that makes me anxious, sad, or mad. Just the act of sharing it helps me to process it and let it go without forgetting what the message was that I needed from the news item. And with all the political stressors in our lives these days, no wonder we are tending and befriending like crazy.

Social media allows us to light that match, set it to the tinder, and watch the blaze grow. When we agree with things or think they are amazing - off it goes. So now we have the ability to share the information, influence other mothers, and organize activities we think are necessary in our communities. We are powerful with our computers and the mainstream media should be soon back in its role of reporting the news rather than making the news.

So for now, the plan is to throw a big party and see who shows up. We are throwing as big a party as you want to make it. Hope to see you this Thursday & Friday on the Capitol steps. Picnic-in with a purpose! We hope eventually some of our leaders and their families might want to join us. After all, it is everybody's Capitol.


Mothers' Awakening
Facebook: Mothers' Awakening
Blog: Mothers' Awakening
Twitter: #RVA_MA

The Issues

It is not just the March third incident that trampled my First Amendment right to peaceful assembly. It is not just the seemingly patriarchal movement back in time for Women's Rights. It is a whole lot of stuff. What is it that concerns me?

• Education
• Global warming
• Eminent domain
• Over-medication of children
• Food freedoms
• Chem trails in the sky
• Excessive executive compensation
• Aging infrastructure of our cities
• Free speech
• Chemicals leeching into foods
• Money in politics
• Inequality in our justice system
• Government regulations, both too many and not enough
• Honeybee collapse
• Informed consent in medicine
• Fracking
• Lack of diversity in our country's leadership (at all levels, across all types of organizations)
• Foreign policy that looks like we think we're better than anyone else
• GMOs and fast track approvals
• Rise of chronic childhood disease
• Unfunded public pensions
• Subsidies for BigAg
• Obesity epidemic
• Tax rates for the wealthy
• Government reliance on industry funded research
• The "War" on terror
• Electro-magnetic fields (EMFs) and their impact on health
• Freedom to choose birth options
• Surveillance of U.S. citizens
• "Food" served in the public school system
• The health of our soils
• Patent laws
• That doctors are not required to take a nutrition course
• Unjust wars
• Immigration
• Disenfranchisement of minorities
• Clean energy and related self-sufficiency
• Questionable Nonprofit tax status (SuperPACs AND the NFL)
• Implicit and explicit degradation of women in the media
• Chemicals in our foods
• Due process
• The size of our growing deficit
• and, oh yeah, WOMEN'S RIGHTS!

The reason I am ready to spring into action with fellow mothers is because the list of issues I follow with increased concern over the past few years just keeps growing. If the laws and policies were judicious and driven by the citizens I do not believe this list would continue to grow. If the mothers were actively overseeing decisions you *KNOW* this list would shrink. Need an example? There would definitely NOT be pink slime purchased for our public school children. If it's not good enough for fast food, why on earth would anyone think it should be served to our innocents?

I feel as though I am not represented. You could call me disenfranchised and as an educated, upper-middle class, white woman that probably comes as a surprise to politicians. When I stop and think about it, I realize that I have never felt represented but it did not previously bother me because life was pretty good and I was young. But now I am a mother. I am watching this beautiful democracy earned with the blood, sweat and tears of previous generations as it seems to degrade before my very eyes. I blame Republicans AND Democrats.

As a friend said to me the other day (and I'm paraphrasing), "Political debate used to be fun in this country and now it's getting downright scary!" By the way, she and I have opposite views on a hot topic but she still supports my right to express an opinion. She is one fabulous mother.

So I plan to join with other mothers to return social consciousness and civil discourse to the mainstream. We have been pretty busy with our lives but we are going to MAKE TIME to get involved. If it weren't for social media we would still be isolated in our kitchens, offices, and bedrooms watching some talking head in some other city tell us the news. But now we can tweet, retweet, pin it, post it on Facebook, make a YouTube video, and otherwise begin yelling from the rooftops. I will keep my children by my side throughout this awakening and I have the full support of my husband.

I am not here to threaten or scare anybody, but I AM here to WAKE THEM UP. I do not want to promote the emotion of anger, hatred, or blame. I believe the sorry state we are in is not because of "bad" people or malfeasance, although "turning a blind eye" comes to mind more often than not. Instead, I believe the United States has deeply rooted systemic issues that need to be resolved. We cannot be complacent any longer or things are going to be in very, very bad shape for our children. And don't get me started on what it could look like seven generations from now if we remain on the path we are on.
Image from Zombie Survival Course

"Zombies" is not a pretty scenario for our future.

What issues are YOU concerned about??? Are you concerned enough to give up some time, talent, and energy to work with others? Would love to see you on the Capitol steps!

Picnic-In

So what are we up to?

We are having a motherly version of a sit-in, with a focus on educating the kids and talking amongst ourselves. We meet at the Capitol steps on Thursdays. Or any other day you feel like going with a neighbor.

This is not *just* about Women's Rights although it definitely got kicked off for that reason. Well, maybe quite a bit about the First Amendment too. Personal freedoms, for sure!

We welcome any Mother who is concerned about something in her world impacted by politics. This really means every Mother! Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green Party, Independent, EVERYONE. Whether your children are as yet unborn, potty training, school aged and asking lots of questions, or full grown and out of the house, you are welcome.

We will cultivate shared responsibility and talk about the things that concern us the most. If there is a group in this world to be trusted with making well-informed decisions, it is Mothers. So bring your kids or just yourself and come down for an afternoon picnic at our gorgeous Capitol!

Here is the official wording from an invitation:

Join Mothers' Awakening to picnic with a PURPOSE! Thursday the 8th was such a BLAST we would like to invite you to doing it again with us. Come join mothers and children to discuss civics lessons, speak with Senators/Representatives/staffers, roam the grounds, or anything else you want to do to get EDUCATED about Virginia politics. We will invite public figures to talk to the kids and encourage a wide range of open, honest, and respectful dialogue between Virginians.

So join us at 1000 Bank Street in Richmond, Virginia. Some will get there a little before noon and many others will come around 12:30 - 1:00. Preschool pickup and all that. We will have a wonderful time and plan to stay until around 3 PM or so. Come and go as you need to.

Why Mothers

I have a deeply held belief that a special intuition develops as women become mothers. There are glimpses of it prior to the woman becoming a mother and I believe it is what people are referring to when they say someone will, "make a great mother."

Something shifts the moment a woman intends to start a family. Even before the hormonal shift of a pregnancy.

She begins to watch what she eats and starts to get educated on chemicals in the environment around her. She prepares the best environment she can afford (physically and financially) for a person she has not yet met. As the pregnancy unfolds she gives up things she loved, all in the name of good health. She learns the true meaning of the phrase "no greater love" even before she first sees the life emerging from within her body. She began a life of service to someone beside herself even before she meeting her miracle.

Mothers have an inner drive to research and seek out the best for the next generation. A mother worries not just about the child in her lap but about the little children that will eventually come forth into the world from that child. We look forward to and fret about the health of grandchildren while our children are still drawing with crayons.

When you carry the weight of the decisions for future generations upon your shoulders, you see the world around you differently. There is an immeasurable truth and beauty to the Cherokee tribe's belief of being keepers for the next seven generations. Women see this truth so very, very clearly. Every mother wants the best for her child, that child's children, that child's children, and so forth. We intuitively understand that what is good for one generation is good for the next and that in order to do so we must take care of our mother Earth. After all, it only makes sense we would take care of the planet, the source of our food, just as we took care of ourselves when we were the source of food for our nursing babies.

Borrowing again from the Native Americans, the Iroquois tribe's wise women chose the chief and removed him if they were unhappy. Women have the majority of the vote in America and if we empowered our wisest elders we could do the same, but given the notion of gender equality let's just find the right person for the job!

So mothers, embrace your feminine divine and all the wisdom and intuition that comes with being a mother. "A worried mother does better research than the FBI." We know our stuff. When you know it, own it. Start talking. Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk! Make sure those around you are enlightened on the topic and listen to their truth about the topics they have researched. Seek and find objective evidence. Do not listen to the headlines, review the primary literature. Read the footnotes about who funded the study and keep a skeptical eye at all times. Also, never forget to find out what the activists say. I have generally found that the more I dig into a topic, the more I think activists have a very solid argument that is being dismissed and brushed aside as "fringe" rather than being thoughtfully considered. It is not easy to cultivate consensus. It is a tremendous skill. It is a skill we mothers must demand from the leaders around us or we should do like the Iroquois and replace them.

The Organizer

It has been said that you can be judged by the company you keep so it seems only fair for you to know a little bit about me. I am the mom that sits next to you at the school picnic, in church, at the park, and at the restaurant.

Some of my children are in public school, some are home schooled, some go to private school, some are now adults, and many are too young for school. I have a college degree from a university and it is in business. And literature. And math. And science. And art. I have a high school degree and did not need the extra years in school to find my passion.

I am a CPA and consult with/for the finance departments of Fortune 500 companies. I am a social worker. I own a small business. I stay home with my children and am blessed with that opportunity. I am working with others in the community to create a breakthrough model locally to support families. I freelance and work as a doula, working to understand the desires of a woman and advocating for her in her miraculous moment. I train doulas. I am a photographer and kindness worker. I work in public relations. I have served on the Board of Directors for more than one Nonprofit. I am an artist. I train dogs and advocate for causes I believe in.

I live in my dream home. I rent. I am on a healing diet with my children. I am vegan. I can barely find the time to cook and my kids often eat McDonalds. I grow as much of our food as I can and have chickens in my back yard. Did I mention I do not enjoy cooking? But I do.

I just went to my first protest and observed what seemed to me to be complete disregard for the First Amendment. I believe the officers present followed orders but I wonder how the right decisions can be made when they are seem to be made remotely. I once pied a man in the face, paid the price, and I might do it again sometime. I have been wrongfully arrested for trying to peacefully protest my opinion for women's rights and the charges were dropped because of entrapment by law enforcement. I have yet to ever attend a protest.

Above all, the most important role I play any day of the week is that I am a MOTHER. You do not want to mess with me. I ensure all the kids, not just my own, on the playground play nicely and right now I am not happy with what I see with the culture of American politics.

I cannot tell if we are operating from a place of intense fear or greed, but neither of those is a good emotional foundation for solid policy. The two party system is set up as though there is a black and white divide on range of social issues rather than the many shades of grey I see every day. I wish there were more choices on the menu.

I do not agree with all my friends on their viewpoints. But I deeply respect them and we can come together, discuss topics with intensity and passion, and still love each other. We can disagree without attacking each other. The women I know deeply influence my thinking and when I need to figure something out I turn to them first.

I have a growing sense of concern over every social issue in this country and I'm not feeling so hot about fiscal issues either. It is time we all WAKE UP and start talking. Mothers talk. We talk really well. Ask our husbands and lovers - we just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. But when we talk we come to a better understanding of any issue and each other. I find myself in a place of shifting consciousness and I no longer waste my time on talking heads on TV and instead I follow other influential mothers and what they have to say using social media.

When I need to get the word out, it will be online. I will plan picnic-ins, stage educational screenings, and come up with other fun ideas to awaken the social consciousness of every other mother around me. I have been talking on the playgrounds in hushed tones about the state of our country and wondering what the next five to ten years could possibly look like if we stay on this trajectory. It is time to stop whispering and start shouting. Please join me.