Dreaming Initiative

Dear MAU Mavens,

I recently returned from the rainforests of Ecuador, meeting with indigenous families. While staying with the Achuar tribe, we partook in their daily ritual of waking up for a 4 a.m. tea ceremony and dream sharing. They use this information to plan each day. Believing we are all one, they use the power of collective dreams to create the world we want.

Returning to my hi-tech life with multiple synched calendars, I recognize that in my daily life I am led by the power of MAU's collective dream of happy, healthy and safe children. As mothers*, we know that when children everywhere thrive, humanity will thrive, a belief many indigenous people have held for thousands of years. The work of realizing this vision is what sustains me, and I thank you for sharing this vision.

Ok, now an update: The world of MAU is a-buzz with action, leadership and partnership and Mother's Day on the horizon. Here's the short story:

STAND FOR THE WORLD'S CHILDREN: More than 90 mothers* from 27 states and Canada are participating in this campaign by organizing gatherings on Mother's Day and field trips to their Congresswomen and men. You can participate too, by signing a pledge to President Obama on the STAND website. Please sign it and forward to everyone you know.

THE MOMENT, local action…global change: MAU has launched a TV show on Channel 8 in Boulder, highlighting people who are responding to moments of global concern by taking action. The best part of the WEB is that we can stream the show all over the world. If you are in Boulder, come see the BIG SCREEN PREMIERE on May 11th.

YOU: Mothers are stepping into new leadership roles across the country to create a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. The stories are inspiring and contagious. MAU Central is looking for better ways to facilitate MAU to MAU communication and action! If you have ideas for the MAU website, social networking tools etc., please email beheard@mothersactingup.org.

We are in a time of awakening, the dream of the modern world is shifting and new leaders are emerging, reaching across cultures to build a more sustainable future. There is a place for each and every one of us, whether we have 5 minutes or 5 hours to give.

I am grateful to be live amongst such inspired dreamers. Thank you for your partnership,Joellen on behalf of the MAU Central MavensPS. MAU will be featured in the June issue of Parents Magazine, within the "Power of Parents" column. PSS. To learn more about changing the dream of the modern world, visit the Awakening the Dreamer Initiative.

Gearing up to STAND for the worlds children

Hi. Our children are growing up in a global community that’s highly connected. I believe my child’s security and our country’s security depends on children thriving everywhere. I’ve joined Stand for the World’s Children. This spring, we are reaching 1 million mothers and others (through personal contact, media, FaceBook and Twitter) to influence our elected leaders to prioritize the lives of orphans and other vulnerable children. We are asking:
1. President Obama to designate a Children’s Ambassador - reporting directly to Secretary of State Clinton - to oversee and prioritize funding for programs that serve children internationally. 2. Congress to fully fund programs benefiting orphans and other vulnerable children.
Ensuring all children have access to what they need to grow and participate productively, is not only a moral decision, it’s a strategic one. As Secretary of State Clinton said, “Our security, our vitality, and our ability to lead in today’s world oblige us to recognize the overwhelming fact of our interdependence.”
Would you like to sign a postcard to your congressional member or get involved?

STAND

We are gearing up for the annual Mothers Day celebration. This years focus is on Stand for the Worlds children, and here in Central Oregon we are collaborating with a national movement, funded by Oprah, Mothers Acting Up, and STAND to urge Obama to elect a international child advocate. The advocate would be the voice for all children in the world and would report directly to Senator Clinton.
Please stay tuned for more announcements, our local event is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, May 10th at 11:30am at the top of Drake Park. We will parade down, in costume, on stilts or tricycles, using your wildest imagination, and making joyful noises to Harmon Park. Free cake, original mothers day proclamation read by a MAU maven in costume to resememble our beloved Julia Ward Howe.
We need help spreading the word, please save the date, and go to www.MothersActingUp.org to support and learn more.