The Baby Borrowers.

Bizarrely, this reminds me of Mothers Acting Up co-founder Beth Osnes’ show, (M)other.

Many of you may receive Mothering Magazine’s weekly email and activism alerts and therefore may have read the following.

But in the event you missed it, please think about letting NBC know this is a bad idea.

Tell NBC to Stop The Baby Borrowers

Presented as a "unique social experiment" the reality TV show "The Baby Borrowers" places real infants in the care of unrelated teen couples to "test" their ability to withstand the demands of parenthood and their relationship's strength to survive the pressure.

The show originated as a BBC production. This fall, NBC is rolling out its own version for a US audience. It films couples between the ages of 16 and 19 attempting to care for infants, toddlers, children, and eventually teenagers. Local authorities, concerned about the physical and emotional risk to the children, called on the BBC to cancel the show. Their requests were ignored, and social workers hoping to oversee the filming were turned away. Despite the protests in the UK, NBC seems equally determined to roll out their production of the show, describing it as an opportunity for the couples to "...peer into the future and see what they (and their partners) might be like if they remain together and decide to build a family."

The Natural Child Project is voicing its concerns to NBC and calling on producers to entertain people without jeopardizing anyone's mental health and happiness. Read the Open Letter to NBC by Jan Hunt, Director of The Natural Child Project. Send your letter of concern to:

Mr. Jeffrey Zucker
President
NBC Entertainment
3000 W. Alameda Avenue
Burbank, CA 91523

MAU swag box available to Mother's Day event organizers / communities!!

In previous years, we’ve sent all free, but at this time, we are compelled to charge a nominal purchase fee for MAU swag.

Swag boxes (movie, 15 calendars, 100 bumper stickers) $40!!

We WILL send a DVD of the MAU movie free to each organizer, even if you choose not to purchase the swag box. Sending postage to MAU Central would be lovely.

These items are a great addition and support for any Mother’s Day event. Here in Nashville, we’ve passed out bumperstickers on our parade route, and had these lovely items available to all who add themselves to MAU’s mailing list. Additionally, we offered Nashville MAU tee shirts for a donation amount, which enabled us to make the money for our Metro permit and additional expenses. I’ll post details to the RMD list serv only.

IF YOU WANT A SWAG BOX, please email beheard@mothersactingup.org with PLEASE SEND SWAG BOX in the subject line.

If you are not yet on the mauRMD@yahoogroups.com mailing list and are organizing an event, please join. This will be *the* place for support and discussion of MD events.

Thank you so much!!

Memphis MAUs reclaiming Mother's Day.

Memphis mamas are mobilizing!!

Join their yahoogroup to build community and plan for Mother's Day, and check out their blog. Get involved!

Denver MAU launches Mindful Mama.

Denver MAU Sarah Kraft has launched Mindful Mama, a guide for pregnant and new mothers. If you're a mom-to-be, a care provider for same or just intrigued, check her out. You can even download a sample copy of Mindful Mama for perusing at your leisure....

Cool!

Let Them Be Girls.

Juliana LeRoy guests over at Kathy Sena's Parent Talk blog, and writes about girlcotting!

Today I'm jazzed to share with you a guest post from Juliana LeRoy, an award-winning writer and editor at Family-Life magazine in northern California. LeRoy also blogs over at at www.mamabear.pnn.com. I love what she has to say about shopping for clothes for young girls.

It seems to me there is a massive disconnect between what people want and what we have to choose from in the marketplace. Like the ridiculous clothing choices available for girls, when everyone is so against the objectifying of them.

In 2005 Abercrombie & Fitch put out tee shirts with phrases across the front that were demeaning to girls, including, “Who needs brains when you’ve got these?” A group of girls in Pittsburgh decided to take the company to task by “girlcotting” the stores — their version of boycotting — and they made their voices heard. Abercrombie & Fitch removed the offending shirts.

Mothers Acting Up is a group that has taken “girlcotting” to another level and (more here.....)

Breathing Earth.

We are all connected.

This remarkable simulation does an exemplary job of SHOWING us all linked, one to the other.

MAU: The First Principle.

The following is the first of a series of essays which discuss the 5 founding principles of Mothers Acting Up, a national non-profit organization which exists to inspire and mobilize mothers to advocate on behalf of the world’s children.

From all over the country, people are taking the MAU Pledge to bring the security of the world’s children into the forefront of all discussions – from conversations with family and friends, to our wider communities and certainly with candidates and elected officials.

How to do this effectively? To answer that, let’s begin at the very beginning, with the first of the 5 MAU Principles:

Be exuberant: Since we're ACTING UP for the rest of our lives, our activism has to be joyful. No one wants to rally around anger; studies show that negative advertising causes women to politically disengage. This movement is about the JOY of standing up for what you believe & publicly declaring your priorities. Let's gather in the streets, not with bullhorns, but singing.

With its roots in the lavish abundance of growing and being fruitful, the quality of exuberance smacks with the juicy goodness of mother nurture, Mother Nature and Mothers Acting Up.

As of this writing, we at MAU Central are nodding our heads in collective understanding as to precisely why one presidential nomination candidate’s message of hope and of change has engaged, inspired and ignited citizens across lines of gender, race, class and socioeconomics. While we do not organizationally endorse any candidate, we know from our studies that research shows proof positive that women as a whole, and mothers in particular, disengage when activism and campaigning turns nasty – not just in the presidential race to the nomination, but in life itself! It seems no wonder then, that a swell of support favors positive messaging, declaring that we are not to be saved by any one elected leader alone, but that yes, WE can make the difference all together. Yes, WE can be scrappy and strong and sassy and also sublime when we collectively hold corporate and government leaders accountable for policies that uphold values and services and for the great human family rather than a few select someones. We the mamas, say YES.

Exuberance in practical application means saying, for instance: “Thank you, Delta, for revising your policies in support of breastfeeding families,” instead of, “Hey, Frontier, you messed up and breastfeeding moms are angry!” or by saying “Children Deserve a Bigger Piece of the Pie” instead of “Bush Hates Kids.” But this is not about being sunny for sunny’s sake. This is about focusing on WHAT WE WANT rather than looking back at what we reject. It’s moving towards, rather than against.

While perhaps Pollyanna in part, this primary MAU principle is neither easy nor simple. Sustaining exuberance is a tough row to hoe, a perennial crop whose nutritive value staves off depression, indifference and offers a real life solution to overwhelm and fear. Kind of like mother’s milk for the great human family itself, exuberance promotes real security.

Go forth and be exuberant mamas. Live in liberation of what others’ think of your choices. Model this joyful abundance because it feels good, because your kids will enjoy it far more than staying holed up in fear and loathing, and because you’re likely to inspire others to sing along while plucking up the fruits of your labor.

Try sowing seeds of exuberance by sharing this essay with two friends and asking them to declare themselves Mothers Acting Up. Try bolstering your own activism by writing YES on a mirror with lipstick so you see it each day; the affirmation a reminder of your call to duty and your sheer brilliance in carrying out your mission.

Holler at me with your comments, questions and desire to act up!

MAU Live at the National Conference Mothers 08.

MAU LIVE is going on the road!
The (M)other Tour will be at the National Conference Mothers 08 in April and in Evergreen, CO, Toronto, and Austin. Visit MAU Live to find our more and to see a video clip.

Us, only in space....

Hey, are you our friend over here?

C'mon, c'mon. Declare yourself a MAU today, here, there, and everywhere....

(M)other, an excerpt.

Sing it Out, Mamas: vote.

The Gubmint: how ordinary mamas and other mortals can make a difference.

	We realize that we live in a world that does not prioritize or protect our children's well-being and that this will not change without each of us finding the courage and commitment to speak out on their behalf . . . Our local, state/regional and federal lawmakers spend our tax dollars and represent our concerns; isn’t that handy? The crucial ingredient in making this relationship work is to ensure our elected leaders HEAR our concerns. MAU focuses on building relationship with federal leaders (a.k.a. Members of Congress or MOCs). In the US, we each have a representative in the House of Representative (435 total) and two senators (100 total) in the Senate. They work for us. So whistle the old song, “Getting to know you” and begin to create a relationship with your elected leaders. You may need to throw your weight around a bit, build up your Mama Grizzly strength – a couple of practice growls a day. As with all important, long-term relationships, working with decision makers entails respect and a series of contacts: Introduce yourself: send a handwritten card or letter (evidence of a REAL person who has the wherewithal to find stamps) beginning with who you are and your personal reason for writing; followed by a direct request; and concluding with, “Thank you for your leadership. I request the honor of a reply.” Remember to declare you are part of a global movement of mothers (makes everyone sit up straighter.) IMPORTANT: If you write as part of an online email campaign, ALWAYS add something personal to the beginning of the auto-letter; “As a mother acting up, I request…” or “As a mother of our future leaders.” Faxing is good. A faxed handwritten letter is great. Call and reintroduce yourself as a MAU. Repeat your request and/or new concerns. Call early and often; deluge can be a good word. Gratitude to those who serve is an important ingredient. Plan to stop by. MAU has a recipe for Field Trips to our MOCs. Use it to plan out your visit. The start of summer vacation is a great time to bring a school bus of children from the neighborhood. “We just visited the office for one of the 100 top leaders in our country,” shared a MAU with her children after a Field Trip to the MOCs. Contact information for US citizens (all global citizens might want to make contact, given the global impact of the US Government): The White House (202) 456-1414 – Ask for the comment line and leave short messages with the White House Operators (some of the nicest humans on earth.) Capitol Switchboard (to call your US legislators): (202) 224-3121 or visit their Websites: US Senators=www.senate.gov, US Congress members=www.house.gov. Check out the Office of Management and Budget (www.omb.gov) to read the US budget, and Department of Defense Contracts page (http:/www.defenselink.mil/contracts/index.aspx) for keeping abreast of what your tax dollars are funding. Be sure to be sitting down. Children’s wellbeing is at the top of every mother’s agenda. It’s time to bring it to the top of our political agendas. Make it so mamas.

MAUs in Community.

Finding MAU Communities has never been easier.

If you don't see your community listed on the click on map, give Paige a yell.

Security, Stay At Home, Surprise,Single and all.... the mother vote is powerful.

The Mother Agenda and mothers themselves are CRITICAL to getting out (and to the results of) the vote in 2008.



Mothers Acting Up asks each mother* to take the pledge to bring REAL security to the forefront of every conversation-- act now!!
(*mothers and others who exercise protective care over someone small)


Moms Rising is taking a poll on how their members want to be involved.


Every Child Matters is offering free reports of the Homeland Insecurity Report, and bumper stickers declaring "I VOTE FOR KIDS."


Children's Defense Fund has backed Susie for President.

Mothers Vote.

From The Daily Camera:

Joellen Raderstorf heads the local nonprofit Mothers Acting Up, which aims to help moms become politically active in a variety of causes. She said she likes Clinton, but thinks the senator brings too much baggage to the race, which is why she gave Obama $1,000.

More here.

Question for the candidates.

Chalking4Peace...

Chalk for Peace founder John Aaron gives MAU a holler!

Mother's State of the Union.

The year to engage.

Dearest Joy Warriors and Apron String Revolutionaries, Happy New Year and oh mamas, we're off to a good start with the highest number of actions taken in MAU history with January's MAU pledge, a promise to help bring security to the forefront of all conversations! Congratulations, and keep those pledges coming: sign if you haven't yet and/or invite your circles of friends to sign. See if your community can have the most signatures by February 15, and I'll send you a grab bag celebration package to share with your community of mamas. As Mothers Acting Up, we're serious about our celebrations, and celebrate our seriousness. To that end, my dears, after signing the pledge, I ask that you put your hearts toward what it is that makes YOU a MAU. We'll share your thoughts on this hot topic on the MAU national blog, and you can further expand your thinking by joining in spirited dialogue on the brand new list serv for MAUs nationwide. Come by and introduce yourself and start composing your list of the top ten ways to be a MAU. From the Mothership, to jumpstart the conversation, our top ten ways to be a MAU: Join MAU and receive monthly actions & newsletters. Participate in collective actions, strengthening the impact of what we all do TOGETHER. Buy the MAU Handbook for daily inspiration. And then buy one for a friend. Memorize the MAU principles and apply them in your discussions, visions, plans and actions. Make a cheat sheet and xerox it onto card stock to hand out! Contact your Members of Congress at least three times a year (bonus points if you show up with kids and share cookies or homegrown tomatoes with the staff; they will remember you!) Publicly Reclaim Mother's Day in your community, from radio shows to parades: Arise! Girlcott EVERY DAY: Use money to create social change! Write a letter to the editor and/or op-ed about one MAU action and get it published! Need encouragement? Give a yell. Participate in the annual MAU collective postcard action. Sign and send your own, then pass them out at library story-time and coffee house knitting parties! Get inspired by attending MAU Live! or by hosting a presenting MAU event. Spread the mighty Word of MAU to five friends — invite them to begin at #1! Click here for the MAU top 10 ten list with handy links to get started! We look forward to hearing from you, and encourage you to share this missive with your friends and family. It's time for all hands on deck, mamas. There's big work to be done, and we're just the ones to do it. The children say: YES! Yours for the Apron String Revolution, Paige, AKA Ms. Booty Homemaker, for the MAU Mavens Janna Vance of Longmont, CO is championing MAU as her charity of choice in Parade Magazine's America's Giving Challenge. Make a $10 donation to MAU via Janna's link and MAU has a chance win the challenge! If 1 in 4 MAUs gives and/or tells 3 friends, we'll win. Read Janna's appeal.

5 Questions to ask EVERY elected leader and candidate.

From Families Online Magazine.....

My vision is a world of compassion where caring for and empowering children and their families around the world is the first priority of nations. – Octavia Allis

From Mothers Acting Up

5 Questions to ask EVERY elected leader and candidate

Ask these questions whether you’re at a Town Meeting, a cookie drop off or on a Field Trip with fellow community members and a great raft of children. For more information: www.mothersactingup.org.

1. World leaders have committed themselves to the 8 Millennium Development Goals, the most universally agreed to framework for ending extreme poverty. Will you vote for full funding of our country’s promise to contribute .7 percent of our GNP to the Millennium Development Goals?

2. In order to address the growing threat of global warming, scientists tell us that we need to reduce global warming emissions by an average of 2 percent each year through the middle of the century – achieving 80 percent reductions by 2050. Do you have a plan to meet these or other targets? (source: www.heatison.org.)

....More here!