Bend Mothers Acting Up

Reclaiming Mothers Day 2010!

2010-04-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bend MAU is celebrating Mothers Day this year with our 3rd Picnic at Harmon Park.

Come on by from noon-2pm for music, Julia Ward Howe's inspirational Mother's Day Proclamation, dancing, kids games, and community fun.

We will be collaboration with the Oregon Midwifery Council to raise support for a relief birthing center network that first opened in Bali and has now expanded to Haiti.

http://www.bumisehatbali.org/

Please start gathering baby blankets, and sturdy tents and tarps to send as donations. We will also be hosting a bake sale to raise funds for shipping. Come enjoy a day by the river and send some mother love around the world!

Contact:
Kate Ast
kate.r.ast@gmail.com

rebirth

2010-02-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Central Oregon,

Over the past year, I have had the amazing privilege of assisting a wonderful midwife here in Bend. I have learned more than I can say in words about the strength of motherhood. I have whitnessed amazing families laugh, cry, dance, and roar their babies into the world. I have enjoyed a sisterhood of midwives that reminds me of the yoga term seva, "self less service."

Midwifery is as old as the earth and just as sacred.

Waking up in the wee hours of the morning, leaving my children snug in their beds and traveling to another families home to attend their birth has also allowed me to notice the moon, the stars, on nights I normally would have slept on through. I have been graced dreamlike experiences watching siblings greet each other in their parents arms, watching men thank their women as they pushed out new life....I have learned more about love and how much we can accomplish as women. We are infinite, incredible and capable of more than we ever imagined.

We give birth in many ways and this brings me back to MAU. In my story, I need to pass on the midwife hat, dive back into my own young family, and continue to serve the global family through MAU. Someday those hats will merge...How badly do I want to go be with women giving birth in Haiti! Sustainable, smart growth Kate...all things that apply to our environment apply to us as well.

So, I vowe to twitter! Which for any of you who know my technoknowhow is HUGE. Yes, Joellen I will twitter for a better planet, what the heck. Join me!
This Thursday, twitter for ending world hunger and for conversation about Haiti info below:

Join MAU each Thursday for a tweetchat (an online chat in 140 character tweets) 10am PT.
Join at: www.tweetchat.com.

Enter MAUact at the #hashtag and you’re good to go. The chat lasts for one hour, and it’s okay to watch without adding, but don’t be shy for long!
To get started: Go to www.twitter.com and sign-up. To find followers: start by following @mothersactingup, then look at @mothersactingup followers and troll for the most interesting people.
Follow them. Post something everyday, and respond or retweet someone’s comments everyday. Stay tuned for upcoming MAU tweet trainings!

2009-11-17T13:42:00.001-08:00

Ready for some really great news?
Mother engagement is at an all time high, in the flesh and especially online! The time is ripe to bring the world's children to the forefront of our conversations and our actions.

Sharing passion, commitment and brainy ideas on a DAILY BASIS. Actually, minute by minute in all the old ways, and by embracing new tools like twitter. This is revolutionary.
On Friday, MAU is launching our new Website designed to support this growing network of mothers acting on behalf of the world's children. You'll find tools, stories, twitter tips and daily actions. Did we mention videos? Stories from the Mother Front? Starring YOU? Here's a sneak peek:

Movie Mondays: movies to inspire our mother leadership.
Talk about it Tuesdays: juicy info to practice out loud and share with others.Write & Call Wednesdays: communicating with decision makers.Traction Thursdays: amplifying our voices. Friends Fridays: engaging friends in acting up.Spending Saturdays: spending money to benefit our global family.
Family Sundays: creating new habits & practices within our family.
Stay tuned for the launch of the NEW MAU website on Friday, Nov. 20, Universal Children's Day!

Reving it up

2009-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Bend,

MAU central is evolving with the times. Here is the latest and greatest that they are doing:

Dear Mamas,
We've been experimenting with new ways to mobilize mothers to act on behalf of the world's children. Asking some hard questions. How DO we get the people of one country to care about the children of another? How do we bring the issue of the world's children to our dinner tables?
How can we talk about issues facing the world's children without overwhelming our audience, without pouring on more guilt, and in bite size pieces? How do we communicate with each other through all the noise?
And most importantly, are mothers collectively up for shaping the world our children will inherit? If so, can we make acting up more engrossing than losing weight?
Like President Sirleaf, MAU believes mothers are up for the challenge and we're launching a BRAND NEW WEBSITE on November 20, Universal Children's Day! The site will revolve around action: small daily actions that fit into a busy life, and collective actions in collaboration with other organizations. Because as we all know, numbers matter.
The best part of the new site is that it's going to put the spotlight on the people that matter most: all of YOU working on behalf of the world's children. As we build our numbers, we'll learn how to act from each other with plenty of inspiration and education sprinkled throughout the site.
Get involved: Join the MAU tweet-a-thon to bring the world's children and the new MAU website to the forefront of our collective tweeting. Prizes: A beautiful Juliana Forbes (MAU co-founder) print to the 1st 5 MAUs to sign-up, a MAU bumper sticker for all.Sign up to join the tweet-a-thon and get fabulous prizes!
In the meantime, don't forget to follow us on twitter and facebook!
Happy acting up,Joellen on behalf of all the mamas at MAU Central

Art for climate change

2009-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Let's make art for a safe climate future.
World leaders will gather in Copenhagen next month to negotiate a new international climate treaty.

We need to let President Obama and the Senate know that we want them to show leadership in enacting bold climate solutions.

Our partners at the 1Sky Campaign are coordinating "Make Art for Climate" gatherings across the country, where mothers and children can come together to decorate pieces of cloth with images reflecting the urgency of the climate challenge. Mail in your art projects by November 18 in a postage paid envelope supplied by 1Sky.

The art gatherings will culminate in a series of nationwide public actions during the first week of December - just before the international conference on climate change - to reinforce the need for strong action.

Visit MAU's take action page to learn more.

In spirited partnership,JoellenP.S. Have you heard about MAU's new website coming your way on November 20th, Universal Children's Day? Get ready to ACT UP, OUT AND OFTEN!

Summer

2009-07-09T22:03:00.002-07:00

What does supporting our mission as consious mothers entail this summer?

MAU central posted the challenge. We raise $100. A kids/parent yoga class in the park will be announced soon, any volunteers?

On a more personal note, we are raising chickens and trying to learn the basics of organic gardening. We continually save the world one cloth diaper at a time and by trying our hearts out at peaceful negotiating 101.

The most brilliant thing I have read within the last hour is, "what people think of you is none of your buisness."

2009-07-09T22:03:00.001-07:00

Dear Mother Leaders, Thank you for your tremendous efforts over the past few months. The awareness you raised in your communities and with your US Representatives has set the stage for gaining Congressional support when the bill is introduced. For the next phase of the campaign, we need your leadership in raising funds for MAU. This may sound daunting, but we believe that with a small effort from each of us, we can make a significant difference. We challenge each Mother Leader to raise $100 over the summer. This may look very different to each of us. For example: Elizabeth, in New York, is going to hold a garage sale and give the proceeds to MAU. This is awesome because it raises money and awareness (she'll have the petition to President Obama for people to sign)! Jean, in Montana, is offering reiki treatments in exchange for donations to MAUYou can use your social networking site to get the word out. Facebook Causes is great for small amounts and you could challenge 20 of your friends to give $5.00 each. Twitter your campaign and let your followers know that you’re raising $100 towards MAU. Give updates of what MAU is doing and why our work is important. You can pull this info off the STAND and MAU websites. You could involve your kids and set up a lemonade stand on a busy corner and give the proceeds to MAU. If you can, you could write a check yourself. You could ask your friends to honor your birthday with gifts to MAU as your birthday present. You can think of another clever and creative way to raise this money. If you choose this option, please share your experiences with other Mother Leaders so that we can continue to learn and be inspired from each other. In addition to the funds that we raise, we have received a matching grant from a generous donor who will match the money raised from Mother Leaders this summer. So essentially, your money is doubled!Are you scared to ask for money? If so, don’t worry, that is completely normal. If you would be interested in finding out some tips and practicing with another Mother Leader, email Amy Rosenblum (amyrosenblum@gmail.com). Amy is MAU's Sustainability Chair and a Mother Leader. She is also a fundraising professional who works with people in training them to ask for funds all the time. If there is enough interest, we might hold a few calls, or if you prefer to talk one-on-one, just let Amy know that too.Thank you for all that you do for MAU, and more importantly on behalf of the world’s children. In spirited partnership,Anjali and AmyP.S. If you haven't had a chance to complete the short Mother Leader survey, please click here!

Thanks for the event and happy SuMMEr

2009-06-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Bend Maumas,

Thanks for the great Reclaiming Mothers Day Event!

As always, the cake was out of this world, and this one in fact was a globe of fantastic culinary confection with different color children holding hands over a star sprinkled blue sea. Many thanks to Magadalyne Hasse for all of her creative and DELICIOUS contributions.

Aspen and Charles came to play live music again this year and the weather was perfect for dancing, hooping, and bubble blowing festivities.

Our honorary Julia Ward Howe was Miss Erika Garvey of COCC. And the central purpose for this years event was to appoint a Children's Ambassador who would oversee and prioritize funding for programs that serve children internationally and to urge Congress to fully fund programs benefiting orphans and other vulnerable children.

For the first time in 48 years, our members of Congress are working to reform foreign aid!

Stay tuned for pictures off this years Reclaiming mothers day event.

Bend Mothers Acting Up is currently looking for volunteers. Please contact kate.r.ast@gmail.com if you are interested.

Happy Mothers Day Central Oregon Mamas

2009-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day,
First of all, take a moment to look in the mirror and recognize one of the most amazing humans on the planet. You have given your all, over and over again. On Sunday, our day of recognition, it matters most of all that YOU recognize the gift you are to this world.

In 1870 Julia Ward Howe wrote a Mother's Day Proclamation that called for a day when the world would honor what mothers hold most dear: the lives of our children, of all children. In honor of the world's children, take action and ask President Obama to designate a US Children's Ambassador to oversee and prioritize funding for programs that serve children internationally. Add your voice, sign the pledge.Watch the new MAU video about why mothers are stepping into leadership roles to protect the world's children, and then forward this email to your friends and family.

Join mothers and others at a Reclaiming Mother's Day event.
Click here to find an event near you.There's still time, make a donation of $25 or more in honor of a mother in your life and MAU will send a Mother's Day card. Cards will be mailed the day of the donation.

Julia wrote, "Arise, arise, all women who have hearts!" This Mother's Day, let's answer her call. Happy Mother's Day!

In grateful and spirited partnership,Joellen, Juliana, Beth, Erica, Anjali, Kay, Tina and Nini on behalf of the MAUship

For more information about reclaiming Mother's Day events, click on the cities below:Flagstaff, AZRedondo Beach, CABoulder, CODenver, CONiwot, COBend, ORCedar Falls, IAArlington Heights, ILKokomo, INOverland Park, KSHarbor Springs, MIHenderson, TNAustin, TXLubbock, TXSnohomish, WA

Come join in the fun

2009-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

This Reclaiming Mothers Day Event is going to be fabulous. The weather is improving and we may have a sunny day in store!!
Just like last year, Magadalyne is making one of her creative confections to tantalize our taste buds. We have live bluegrass music, childrens activities and the ability to celebrate our collective Mothering grace through the STAND campaign. Looking fwd to seeing you there, start decorating your costumes and strollers now:)

Dreaming Initiative

2009-04-28T21:44:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

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.

What moves you to change, and what new changes moving you?

2009-03-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

Happy freaky Friday!

These are the MAMA GREEN POWER tips of the week:

Sara Berger of Richmond, VA is raising chickens. She wants to build a home for 6 pullet hens with recycled or "found" materials. She is blogging about her experiences at citizenmama.blogspot.com.

Robine Bots-Jeffrey's of Central Oregon and her sister, Anna Marie, are investing in worm bins. Robine said the worm bin was her birthday present to herself. Anna Marie, is a worm bin enthusiasts and also proudly sports only using her dryer once a week. She uses the dry heat of her pellet stove to save energy by hanging her clothes dry. Turn on the ceiling fan, and she gets the bonus of humidifing her home.

We chatted about simple tips to conserve like vacuuming the coils under the fridge and making sure the dryer tubes are cleaned out properly.

Get creative with lessening your consumption and have a great weekend!

2009-02-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

Dear MAU Mavens and Change Agents,

America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America. The best way to advance America's interest in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions. This isn't a philosophical point. This is our reality.
--Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her confirmation testimony

MAUs have long recognized our role as world citizens, but doesn't it feel good to hear it from our leaders?! We now have an opportunity to support Secretary of State Clinton in crafting global solutions that benefit the world's children. She will need the support of a powerful constituency to realize her vision. Luckily she has one waiting in the wings: mothers.

Envision 1 million mother leaders shifting policy to create a better world for all children. Why mothers*? Because mothers are the ones primarily raising children around the world, we are already committed and concerned and we recognize that our security depends on children thriving everywhere.

PLUS we have STELLAR negotiating, organizing and communication skills. As MAU begins our second 7-year cycle, we will be promoting campaigns that shift policy to benefit the world's children. Our first campaign is called Stand for the World's Children.

Without further ado, here is your invitation to be one of the 100 Mother Leaders (as sexy as it sounds):Join 100+ mothers who will STAND FOR THE WORLD'S CHILDREN in communities across the U.S. between now and Mother's Day. We are asking President Obama and Congress to fulfill old promises to fund programs benefiting AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children and to designate a Children's Ambassador that reports directly to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Imagine a high-level position in the State Department given the mandate to champion programs that serve children! This is NOT too good to be true.

It's too important to remain an idea.

Here's the glorious truth of Mother Leverage:100Mother Leadersdonate 1 hr/wkthroughMother's Day.Reach1,000,000mothers* through media, social networking and face to face.Shift policy affecting 132,000,000 orphans in the world!

Click here for more info on the invitation.p.s. This invitation comes with all the materials you need (including 100 postcards for your community to sign - no sweat!)We are living in a time of tremendous opportunity; a veritable plethora of possibility.
I invite you to join the 100 Mother Leaders and, as always, send news of your actions on behalf of the world's children and MAU will shout out your glorious news from pillar to post.

In excited partnership, Joellen, on behalf of the MAU Mavens

It begins with energy!

2009-02-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

Mamas in support of Obama lets look at our energy consumption. Here in Bend, we can utilize free services to have someone inspect our home and point out areas to improve our energy conservation.
Lets vow to conserve when we can, walk and bike more, buy local to reduce our carbon footprints and stimlate our local economy.
This week I am going to get a worm bin from wonderwormer.com and finally make a rain barrel for out down spouts. Use the glorious spring cleaning energy to revamp our homestead into a sustainable sanctuary.

Obama

2009-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

It comes in waves. Election Day, Inaugration Day, seeing the Obamas on people magazine when I am in the super market in Central Oregon...
The joy, the amazement, the enlightening belief that we did it, we the United States elected President Barack Obama. We want change, we want to change for our dreams.
I hear many of my friends talking about how happy they feel to be American, for the first time in a long time. We are onto something good. We are listening to mothers and children who want peace, a healthy planet, and a sustainable future. Wow, MAUmas, can we breathe in a collective sigh of thank goddess, that our global villiage is making headlines. We matter to our current administration.
There are so many levels of why this is glorious, who Obama is, what he stands for, his family, his global relationships...
I will work along side him, I will have hope, I will weave motherhood into my politics with new vigor and commitment. I will let this hope waterfall over my dreams.

Joellen's article on Global Citizenship

2008-12-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

MAU Published in World Pulse MagazinePosted by Joellen Raderstorf
12:00 AM Dec 03, 2008
Raising Global Citizens
Featured in World Pulse Magazine Winter/Spring 09 (Subscribe)Easy things you can do to help any child get a better appreciation of the world she lives in Ask a class of fourth graders to check the labels in each other’s t-shirts, and you’ll find at least fifteen different countries listed after “Made in . . .” Our world’s children are inextricably linked: They breathe the same air, listen to the same music, sleep under the same stars, and wear t-shirts from each other’s countries. I was not raised in a family of world travellers, so my global experience as a child was limited to a trip with my high school a capella choir to the U.K. My own children have had the opposite experience; they’ve traveled literally around the world, meeting people of all faiths, cultures and economic circumstances. I am a mother committed to raising global citizens. The roots of Global Citizenship can be traced back as far as Ancient Greece. Two and a half millennia later, the definition of it, declared by Oxfam Education school curriculum, is:understanding the need to tackle injustice and inequality, and having the desire and ability to work actively to do so. It is about valuing the Earth as precious and unique, and safeguarding the future for those coming after us. Global Citizenship is a way of thinking and behaving. It is an outlook on life, a belief that we can make a difference. Over the years, I have accumulated a raising-global-citizens treasure-trove: books to read, games to play, and school activities to bring to the classroom. I’ve also discovered some golden rules to raising a global citizen. #1: Teach by example: If you are engaged in making the world a better place, your child will be too. #2: Learn from your children: They understand acceptance and diversity better than we ever will. #3: Expose children to many forms of action, but let them choose their causes for themselves. A few items from my trove:Start with reading. Children’s books hold life’s most precious secrets. Find books with the most beautiful messages, ones that highlight different cultures, faiths and lives (see sidebar). Expose your children to stories with powerful environmental messages and characters who undergo transformation from greedy antagonist to compassionate protagonist. As a brand new mama, I spent most of a 2,500 mile road trip in the back seat reading Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain, by Verna Aardema. I can still recite the rhythmic verses and see Kipat standing on one leg, like a big stork bird. It made me yearn to visit Africa and I imagined the same hunger instilled in my sweet, gurgling son.Bring lessons into everyday activities. Integrating global awareness into everyday events makes it a natural part of life from the get-go. Watch movies that depict life in faraway lands. Host a lemonade stand to buy mosquito nets for children in malaria-prone countries. Start a giving-circle tradition, allowing each member of the family to gift money to non-profits. Help your child identify what they are passionate about. The best way is to listen. I recognized my middle son's passion for animal rights when he said, "Mom, we are all animals—humans are no better that any other animal."Role play. When we put ourselves in the shoes of others, our eyes begin to open. At my son’s school I organized an event called “The World Sits Down to Lunch”. Each child was randomly given a ticket determining what lunch they would receive. The number of tickets in each group proportionally represented the world’s population. That meant that the majority of children were sent to the “Not Enough Area”, with no table, used yogurt containers for bowls, a pot of rice and a large pan for collecting water. The “Just Enough” group were shown to a crowded table with rice, beans, one very small cookie per person and a Dixie cup of juice. And the “More Than Enough” children—only eight of the 54 students—were served by high school students gesturing to sit at a beautifully set table, urging: “Help yourself to all the burrito fixings and dessert you would like.” The classroom transformed into a microcosm of our world: scarcity, war, stereotyping, begging and plenty of emotion. But the children got it.In the following weeks they shared this experience over and over again. I witnessed the beginnings of an authentic sense of global family. Experience the world first hand. Step one: place a large map on a promenant wall in your house. Now ponder adventures your family might have and track where you’ve already been. Start a travel fund and check out travel books from the library. The options are vast—from a one week service trip to a round-the-world adventure. With our sons aged 12, 10 and 7— each carrying their own backpack—we embarked on the learning experience of a lifetime, visiting 14 different countries. Six weeks into our six month trip, we found ourselves running from a Tsunami. Travel as close to the ground as your appetite allows. My children preferred the temples of Angkor in Cambodia to the museums in Italy. Our time spent in orphanages in South Africa and befriending working children in Cambodia left a lasting global imprint.Whatever you do, acting as members of one global family will transform your children’s lives – and yours. SIDEBAR: Resources:Books:The Giving Tree, by Shel SilversteinA Life Like Mine, by UNICEF and Dorling KindersleyBringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain, by Verna AardemaThe Quiltmaker’s Gift, by Jeff Brambeau and Gail De MarkenThe Wump World, by Bill PeetThe Milestones Project: Celebrating Childhood Around the WorldGames: Games for Change highlights digital games for social change. www.gamesforchange.orgCurriculum: Oxfam's curriculum for Global Citizenship and more. www.oxfam.org.uk/education/gc/Philanthropy: YouthGive is building a community of giving, created and guided by young people. www.youthgive.orgTravel: Globe Aware offers volunteer vacations for families. www.globeaware.org
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Global Citizens

2008-12-05T20:16:00.001-08:00

Dear MAU Mavens,
As children and families gather for holiday celebrations, it's a good time to discuss how we can collectively raise Global Citizens...Luckily, MAU's own Joellen Raderstorf has written an article on that very subject! How very prescient of her!Find the article in the magnificent new edition of the World Pulse Magazine or read it here. The article contains tips, golden rules, resources and quotes like this: "Acting as members of one global family will transform your children's lives - and yours." What's not to like?Yours in spirited partnership,The Mavens at MAU Central P.S. Give the gift of engagement this holiday with a 2009 Calendar and a subscription to World Pulse Magazine.
Mothers Acting Up (MAU) inspires and mobilizes mothers* to advocate on behalf of the world's children.*mothers and others, on stilts or off, who exercise protective care over someone smaller. You have received this email because you are on the Mothers Acting Up Action mailing list. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please visit this link.

Al Gore's NYT climate crisis plan

2008-11-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here’s what we can do — now: we can make an immediate and large strategic investment to put people to work replacing 19th-century energy technologies that depend on dangerous and expensive carbon-based fuels with 21st-century technologies that use fuel that is free forever: the sun, the wind and the natural heat of the earth. What follows is a five-part plan to repower America with a commitment to producing 100 percent of our electricity from carbon-free sources within 10 years. It is a plan that would simultaneously move us toward solutions to the climate crisis and the economic crisis — and create millions of new jobs that cannot be outsourced. First, the new president and the new Congress should offer large-scale investment in incentives for the construction of concentrated solar thermal plants in the Southwestern deserts, wind farms in the corridor stretching from Texas to the Dakotas and advanced plants in geothermal hot spots that could produce large amounts of electricity.Second, we should begin the planning and construction of a unified national smart grid for the transport of renewable electricity from the rural places where it is mostly generated to the cities where it is mostly used. New high-voltage, low-loss underground lines can be designed with “smart” features that provide consumers with sophisticated information and easy-to-use tools for conserving electricity, eliminating inefficiency and reducing their energy bills. The cost of this modern grid — $400 billion over 10 years — pales in comparison with the annual loss to American business of $120 billion due to the cascading failures that are endemic to our current balkanized and antiquated electricity lines.Third, we should help America’s automobile industry (not only the Big Three but the innovative new startup companies as well) to convert quickly to plug-in hybrids that can run on the renewable electricity that will be available as the rest of this plan matures. In combination with the unified grid, a nationwide fleet of plug-in hybrids would also help to solve the problem of electricity storage. Think about it: with this sort of grid, cars could be charged during off-peak energy-use hours; during peak hours, when fewer cars are on the road, they could contribute their electricity back into the national grid. Fourth, we should embark on a nationwide effort to retrofit buildings with better insulation and energy-efficient windows and lighting. Approximately 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States come from buildings — and stopping that pollution saves money for homeowners and businesses. This initiative should be coupled with the proposal in Congress to help Americans who are burdened by mortgages that exceed the value of their homes. Fifth, the United States should lead the way by putting a price on carbon here at home, and by leading the world’s efforts to replace the Kyoto treaty next year in Copenhagen with a more effective treaty that caps global carbon dioxide emissions and encourages nations to invest together in efficient ways to reduce global warming pollution quickly, including by sharply reducing deforestation. Of course, the best way — indeed the only way — to secure a global agreement to safeguard our future is by re-establishing the United States as the country with the moral and political authority to lead the world toward a solution. Looking ahead, I have great hope that we will have the courage to embrace the changes necessary to save our economy, our planet and ultimately ourselves. In an earlier transformative era in American history, President John F. Kennedy challenged our nation to land a man on the moon within 10 years. Eight years and two months later, Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface. The average age of the systems engineers cheering on Apollo 11 from the Houston control room that day was 26, which means that their average age when President Kennedy announced the challenge was 18. This year similarly saw the rise of young Americans, whose enthusiasm electrified Barack Obama’s campaign. There is little doubt that this same group of energized youth will play an essential role in this project to secure our national future, once again turning seemingly impossible goals into inspiring success.
Al Gore, the vice president from 1993 to 2001, was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. He founded the Alliance for Climate Protection and, as a businessman, invests in alternative energy companies.

This Mama is behind OBAMA!

2008-11-05T16:18:00.001-08:00

Dear MAU Mavens,
Yesterday was a monumental day! Never before in the history of our nation have so many people participated in our democracy. For two years, mothers and others have been volunteering, organizing in their communities, talking to friends about what has been universally declared the most important election of our lifetime.We have elected a new president, one who speaks of hope and unity, not red states or blue states, but the United States of America.From Barack Obama's speech to 200,000 people in Berlin, Germany.This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands... This is the moment to give our children back their future. This is the moment to stand as one.Mothers Acting Up (MAU) was born out of fear after the Twin Towers fell: fear of perpetual war, widening wealth gaps and dwindling resources. Fear that children's wellbeing would slide right off the radar screen. And it did.Today for the 1st day in the life of MAU, we have the opportunity to take action under an umbrella of hope, unity and renewed engagement.This is our moment, mamas!In hope filled partnership,Joellen and the Mavens at MAU Central

MAU 2009 calendar video!

2008-10-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.mothersactingup.org/video/2009_calendar_promo.html

MAU 2009 handbook

2008-10-05T20:27:00.001-07:00

The Moment: a calendar and guide for advocating on behalf of the world's children
The 2009 Calendar is here!The 2009 MAU calendar, The Moment, is dedicated to moments of personal change that shift the direction and purpose of our lives. Often these extraordinary moments are heralded by very ordinary tasks. They arrive -- when we're cradling babies, grocery shopping or bicycling -- and begin magically transforming us into passionate advocates.
The Moment is a weekly engagement calendar that also offers tools, information, weekly actions and most importantly, portraits of people who inspire our own activism – from the mom next door, to new moms, to Isabel Allende, Paul Hawken, Mukhtar Mai and Julie Chavez Rodriguez. This calendar and guide is a tribute to pivotal moments of change, designed to incite your own year of Moments

VOTE!

2008-10-05T20:19:00.001-07:00

Vote, as if your child's life depended on it!

Check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vtHwWReGU0

Now, isn't that inspirational, please send it to at least five friends!

Mindful Mama

2008-10-05T20:16:00.001-07:00

Check out this exclusive interview with Ani Difranco! This interview kicks-off the Mindful Mama photo/art/essay contest, inviting moms across the country to speak their mind - and heart - about parenting in today’s world. Over $10,000 in baby gear and eco-friendly prizes will be awarded to top submissions.Ani DiFranco is a pioneer of women’s music. Nominated for several Grammys, Ani owns her own record label - Righteous Babe Records-and now her own performance venue in her home State, New York. She was recently on NPR’s World Café, Jay Leno, and the cover of Mothering Magazine. Ani is a self-proclaimed feminist, participated in the march for women’s lives in Washington DC in 2004 and was the first musician to be honored with the “Woman of Courage Award” by the National Organization of Women in 2006. Ani’s daughter, Petah, is 18 months old and was born at home.The grand prize winner of the Mindful Mama contest will be awarded an all expense paid trip to see Ani DiFranco perform in NYC. Two nights at the Westin New York at Times Square, spa package and babysitter included. The runner-up will win a Green Nursery, including stylish furniture, organic crib bedding, a natural crib mattress, non-toxic paint and window coverings.Category winners will receive top-of-the-line gifts for mom, baby and home. Prize sponsors of the contest include over 20 companies that are leading the way in health and sustainability for families: BabyBjorn, Baby Planet, Baby Star, Bebe au Lait, Be Present, Britax Bumkins, Ellie’s Homestore by Eco Products, Dansko, Evenflo, Green Nest, Happy Baby, Hunter Douglas, Kushies, Kuster, Lansinoh, Maggie’s Organics, Medela, Moby Wrap, Natracare, Natural Mat, New Chapter, Nordic Naturals, Pangea Organics, RW Knudsen Family, Scandanavian Child, Summer Infant, Traditional Medicinals and World of Good.For more details on the contest visit www.mindfulmamamagazine.com

Summer 2008

2008-09-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi MAUmas in Bend,

This summer MAU Bend concentrated our effort on the Citizen MaMA campain to curb the effects of global warming, on mama at time. We parked our family car for three out of the five work week days and walked, biked, triked, and burleyed our way around our neighborhood. Visit http://www.citizenmama.blogspot.com/ to learn more about our national collaboration!
The project continues into the fall.

Welcome back Mavens! Now that school, political campaigns and falling leaves are in full swing, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Setting distractions aside (like the thousands of Sarah Palin emails), more than ever we need to engage every MAU in MAUville to ensure a peaceful and sustainable planet for the world's children.
Definition of a MAU: a mother* advocating on behalf of the world's children. Methods of advocating include, but are not limited to: raising your children to be global citizens; caring for children in your community; supporting non-profits that assist children around the world; writing letters to the editor of local newspapers; meeting with elected officials; working to elect pro-child candidates or running for office yourself(!).
In the months ahead, the MAU Website will shine the spotlight on what YOU and other MAUs are doing and expanding opportunities to network. You'll also be invited to partake in various MAU pilot projects. Send news of your acting up.
Each and every one of us are part of a revolutionary change and know 5 or 10 other mamas who are actively engaged, but aren't yet part of the MAU network. Invite every mama in your midst to join MAU today. When one million mothers* advocate for the world's children, our collective call will be heard!
Check out MAU's new home page for all the MAULights:
The Moment is HERE! The 2009 MAU engagement calendar and guidebook is inspired by the personal moments of Isabel Allende, Paul Hawkin, Mukhtar Mai and the Northern Michigan MAUs who raised $60,000 in two years to benefit children around the world. Talk About It! The political limelight is on Mothers for perhaps the 1st time in the history of the U.S. Let's use this opportunity to call for pro-child candidates rallying behind a pro-child agenda. MAU Live: The Mother Tour traveled to Vietnam and Malaysia this summer. Get a recap, tour dates and buy a DVD of the show for engaging friends and relations. Entertainment often opens doors that statistics just can't...The Girlcott of the Moment: The #2 MAU Principle is Follow the Money. If each of us spent our money on products, services and investments that nurtured the world's children, we would transform the world before our next paycheck. Check out WE ADD UP: groovy, cool t-shirts promoting efforts to curb global warming.Grateful to have your spirited partnership on this journey,
Joellen and the Mavens at MAU Central

Oregon Health Care

2008-06-02T20:09:00.001-07:00

Oregon Health Fund Board members will crisscross the state for public inpcut on health care system changes. This board is legislatively charged with the responsibility of developing a health reform proposal by the 2009 Legislative Session.
These community meetings give you the chance to promote the importance of health care issues that are important to you ( addiction issues, elders or childrens' healthcare, mental health, HIV, cancer, veterans issue, the list goes on and on...) and /or those that you serve. Please help by attending the forum in your area and spread the word about these meetings! The greater the public input in this process, the more inclusive the proposal will be.

Interpreters and childcare will be available.
Contact Oregon Health Forum at: www.healthforum.orgor 503-226-7870 or 800-501-4220.

Bend, Thursday, June 57 - 9 p.m.Bend Armory875 SW Simpson AvenueBend, OR 97702

World Food Shortages

2008-06-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
An emergency summit of world leaders is addressing the skyrocketing food crisis. The head of the United Nations will receive our call to action at the summit this Wednesday. Help us hit 500,000 signatures! Sign the petitionThe world food crisis is skyrocketing – steadily rising prices are squeezing billions and triggering food riots from Bangladesh to South Africa. Aid agencies say 100 million people are facing starvation.
In response, the United Nations is convening an emergency summit of world leaders in Rome this week. There is a real danger that rich country leaders will push half measures and band-aid solutions – we need a huge global outcry to demand rapid, massive, coordinated action.
The head of the UN, Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, will receive our petition at the summit at 9:30AM on Wednesday morning. This is a huge opportunity for our voice to reach our leaders directly, but we need half a million voices in the next 60 hours. Click below to sign the petition if you haven't yet, and forward this email to everyone you know:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/9.php?cl=95090956
Already over 200,000 Avaaz members have joined our call for emergency food aid and deeper solutions such as investing in food production in poor countries and fixing harmful rich country policies such as burning food as biofuels. Our campaign was launched in response to a personal video appeal to our community from the foreign minister of Sierra Leone, where 90% of the population are facing severe hunger. Click above to watch the video.
The food crisis, like the climate crisis, is a planetary emergency. It's another sign of how interdependent and fragile our world is. And how we all need to work together, across all our borders and divisions, to save it.
With hope,
Paul, Ricken, Graziela, Galit, Iain, Ben, Pascal, Veronique, Milena and the whole Avaaz team.
PS – here's a link to see past Avaaz campaigns: www.avaaz.org/en/report_back_1
And here's some more background information on the food crisis:
The Director of the UN Human Development report warns in the Guardian that the Rome summit could just put a band-aid on this crisis:http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/02/food.globaleconomy
The BBC analyzes the 'Silent Tsunami' of the food crisis:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/world/2008/costoffood/default.stm
The US will face criticism at the summit for 'burning food' as biofuels:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/business/worldbusiness/30food.html?em&ex=1212379200&en=7893996338e2f455&ei=5087%0A

Recap from Reclaiming Mothers Day Picnic

2008-05-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

Hello Bend MAU,
Thanks to all of y'all who braved the wind, and chilly weather on Mothers Day, we had a great first Reclaiming MD event here in Bend!
Our Global Warming awareness art was sent to Congress and our picture will be uploaded to the 1sky.org web site. We are also sending a letter about Bend MAU to our reps along with our vision to advocate for our worlds children.
Thanks everyone for helping put Bend on the national MAU map and providing a nurturing environment for activism.
Special thanks to our local musicians, Aspen, Charles, and Maggie for the tunes.
Thanks Magadalyn, for the beautiful and ultra yummy goddess cake.
Thanks Nicole, for capturing our the exuberance and love of our event. Here's the link to a web gallery with the Mother's Day photos. http://nicolewernerphoto.com/slideshows/mao/index.htm.
Stay tuned and keep in touch. Visit , bendmau.blogspot.com. We want your imput to know what Bend MAU should support, do, change, and engage in. Share your ideas and your passion for our global family.

VOTE, May 20th is the day to have your ballot in!
Below is a forward of the national MAU newletter that went out. We are in it!! Check out all the fabulous events that were happening all over the US on Mothers Day.

Dearest Joy Warriors & Apron String Revolutionaries;
The MAU Mother's Day stories and photographs keep rolling in! Thousands of mothers acting up gathered in cities and hamlets across the nation to celebrate the day in the spirit of Julia Ward Howe: advocating for the world's children. We've gone public with press aplenty, witnesses to the powerful force that is mother leadership! And in a year when many events partnered with 1Sky on their collective Mother's Day Action, it's no surprise that the weather played a large role in the festivities.
Here are a few reports:
From Teresa in Snohomish, WA: Our Mother's Day Gathering for Peace was a huge success! We had well over 125 people and it didn't rain! Our tradition is to have a girl/woman from every decade read a portion of the Mother's Day Proclamation by stepping up onto a tree stump. We even had our spry, mid-70s grandmother step proudly up on the stump!

From Kate in Northern Michigan: A great group of area women came together to celebrate and collaborate during our annual Northern Michigan MAU Mother's Day event. This year, we focused on a simple recipe for success with our theme, "Just Add Water." We honored five local women who have been passionate advocates for our lakes and rivers, and were fortunate enough to hear their inspiring stories of activism. Our bazaar brought in $8,000 -- a fantastic kick off toward our $14,000 goal to bring a PlayPump well system to a village in Tanzania.

From Paige in Nashville: Gale force winds (up to 30 miles per hour) radically altered our plans for our 3rd Annual Peace Parade. Two trees fell while we were at the park to set up. Mother Nature was to be respected and lived with in all her wonder. We opted to go out for coffee instead of setting up, then gathered for our parade and cake and a spirited reading of the proclamation. We had a surprisingly large crowd, given the weather. It was wild and great and we went from one stilt walker last year to two this year. We nearly blew away. But didn't.

From Juliana in Boulder: Mother's Day began the week before in Boulder with Girlcotts celebrating local fair trade stores, a performance of (M)other and Janna on TV! Then on Sunday, the Raging Grannies led a parade of stilt-walkers and strollers to gather for music, kids activities, cake and a thousand fair trade roses from Transfair/USA. Eight other organizations joined MAU in the celebration; talking with participants and hearing the eloquent words of MAU Co-founder Erica Shafroth and Jen Parsons. The entire crowd enjoyed stirring music from Danea Shanti and Ancestral Voices, including a troop of belly dancers! A festival atmosphere prevailed, culminating in an hour-long interview with Dr. Daddio!

From Kate in Bend, OR: I am very inspired and unbelievably satisfied: we had a splendid Reclaiming Mother's Day event. Our first annual MAU celebration of Julia Ward Howe's original vision started off with gusts of wind, snow and chilly temps. No matter though: families still came to picnic, play and participate in the movement.

David in Oklahoma City: In the midst of a rainy month we were blessed with an absolutely beautiful sunny afternoon and had a crowd of 75-100 people -- women, men and children -- who enjoyed being on the grass and even under a large shade tree, so everyone stayed comfortable. [We had] a wonderful speech by State Senator Connie Johnson, whose birthday it also happened to be. Our two elementary-school essay contest winners read what they had written on the subject, "I Want To Live In a World In Which . . . " and they each received $40 in gift certificates for their efforts.

Laura in Austin, TX: Adorned in colorful tutus, feathers, and flowers, Austin mamas marched across the pedestrian bridge, which spans our beautiful Town Lake, declaring, "There ain't no power like the power of the mama, and the power of the mama don't stop!"

Cheers to mamas, papas, mini-MAUs and all who answered Julia's call to "Arise!" Yours for the JOYFUL revolution, The Mavens at MAU Central

P.S. MAU Central gives a huge shout out to Paige for all the encouragement, support and guidance she dispatched along the planning route to Reclaiming Mother's Day.
On June 1 MAU Central will say goodbye to Paige as Outreach Coordinator, sending love and blessings to her next adventure. On behalf of all MAUs who have been touched by her spirit, we thank Paige for her incredible leadership, passion, exuberance and her wonderful laugh! We hope to hear it often in the years to come...

Reclaiming Mother's Day

2008-05-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday
May 11
2-4pm
Harmon Park
Come celebrate the original Mother's Day Proclamation. Join us for a picnic, live acoustic music, children's activities, face painting, FREE gourmet cake, and make a political statement to advocate for our worlds children. Costumes are encouraged, bring your joyous spirit and revel in the day!

10 Ways to be a MAUma

2008-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

What is the sound of mothers Arising?

This Mother's Day, MAU Mavens across the country will be strapping on stilts, baking pies for elected leaders, hawking fair trade roses and singing in the streets! Reclaiming Mother's Day events - now in their sixth season - celebrate Julia Ward Howe's 1870 Mother's Day Proclamation. This year, MAU invites YOU to celebrate her call to Arise by gathering your family and community together through cakewalks, letters to the editor, Standing Women events, mama's open-mic nights, or . . . the sky and your imagination is the limit! When mothers* publicly express our commitment to children, our communities, media and government sit up and take notice. Let's sing it out in the streets, "We will protect our children with our personal & political strength - wherever they live on earth."

Thanks to MAU Mavens and partner organizations, MAU is excited to present the very 1st ever "Top 10 Ways to Reclaim Mother's Day":

Holy Symbolism!
Step outside your comfort zone, and get up on stilts. Parade, prance and promenade with a loyal spotter by your side. When we lift our voices AND our bodies together on behalf of the world's children, we become a GIGANTIC force to be reckoned with.
Dare to be a Joy Warrior! Deliver pies to your local members of Congress as part of the Department of Peace's 4th Annual Mother's Day National Action: Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie Campaign.

Posies with a purpose:
Ask for or send fair trade flowers through Transfair/USA. Fair trade benefits every person along the path, from seed in the ground to blossom in the vase.
Review Save the Children's State of the World's Mothers Report (2008 report availably May 6). Learn simple solutions to stop the deaths of nearly 10 million children a year; educate your community with a letter to the editor on this topic.
Part your purse strings, because giving matters. Donate to MAU, inspiring and mobilizing mothers* to advocate on behalf of the world's children. Your donation, in honor of a mother or other, allows MAU to reach out to a million mamas with templates, tools and recipes for actions that prioritize the lives of our children.

Press the candidates for Prez to take action for the world's children.
Take a photo of your family at brunch this Mother's Day and send to the presidential candidates, letting them know you are a Mother Acting Up who wants Global Action for Children.

There is an elegant beauty to simplicity.
Stand with Standing Women at 1 pm (your local time) on May 11 in support of a better world for our children.

Host a 1Sky climate change event, make a banner calling for serious climate action and then upload pictures and drawings of your children and families alongside the banner as part of a national call to action to Congress.

Join with CodePink mamas at the Mother's Day Picnic for Peace in Washington, DC's Dupont Circle, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or gather at Merchant's Gate at Columbus Circle in Manhattan for the 2nd Annual Mother's Day Peace Stroll.

Find a MAU Mother's Day Reclamation event near you, and revel in it, mama! Gather round, hand out Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation, eat cake, birth strategic plans to act locally and think globally. Together, we can change the world.

Double Your Donation to MAU this Mother's Day!

2008-04-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Double Your Donation to MAU this Mother's Day!Mothers Acting Up (MAU) inspires and mobilizes mothers* to advocate on behalf of the world's children. MAU believes that when mothers lead, generations of global citizens will follow.
In celebration of all of YOU, an anonymous donor has graciously and beneficently offered to match every dollar you contribute to MAU between now and Mother's Day. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and double your donation in honor of all the mothers ACTING UP in your life; together we are Reclaiming Mother's Day.
Make a donation in honor of your favorite mom and we'll send them a Julia Ward Howe Mother's Day card on your behalf.

2008 year of the Strategy Mom

2008-04-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dearest Joy Warriors & Apron-string Revolutionaries,

As MAUs continue to design the top ten ways to Reclaim Mother's Day, we humbly offer the second MAU Principle to incite some new ideas:
Follow the money: Every dollar spent, each tax dollar collected is a vote. It's time to get educated about what we're funding with our budgets - from personal products to the government policies our tax dollars support. If anyone knows how to shop, balance a budget and make sure everyone eats, it's mothers. Make sure your dollars vote for a healthy future. If all mothers embraced this principle today, tomorrow the world would be vastly more just. In the US, women spend 83% of the money. Good gravy!!
Let us be empowered and flex our economic muscle…Girlcott: use your dollars to create social change by supporting businesses and corporations with just trade and labor practices. Spending money never felt so good…
Buy Local, buy Fair Trade:
When possible, choose local foods, supporting regional agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of mass transport. Perhaps even throw a few seeds in the ground of your own backyard! Fair Trade Coffee (and other goods) are widely available, the purchase of these commodities allows for livable wages to be paid, directly supporting a higher quality of life for farmers and their children.
Know your federal budget:
It only takes a few minutes to see with your own eyes what your tax dollars are buying. Over half our federal discretionary budget is spent on "security" without any significant percentage allocated for preventative measures like funding for education and development, including our promised share of the UN Millennium Development Goals (eight international targets to end extreme poverty).
Vote:
Speaking to the importance of mothers in the coming election, Lorelei Kelly (a mother acting up) has designated 2008 the year of the Strategy Mom. She recognizes the importance of mothers voting, and the possibility that we can be the ones to bring the well being of our human family to the forefront of this pivotal election.Share how you Follow the Money by dropping us a line. If you visit the federal budget website we'll send you a FREE MAU BUMPER STICKER!

In most spirited partnership, Paige, for the MAU Mavens

In Boulder, Dr. Karambu Ringera led school children in a lesson on the importance of education for all. All eyes were on Dr. Karambu as she spoke of dirt-floored classrooms, distances walked and how few students know whether they'll return to school next year in Kenya.It's not too late for teachers to join The World's Biggest Lesson on April 23rd at 9 am!

Reclaiming Mother's Day

2008-03-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

We are holding our first annual Bend MAU Reclaiming Mother's Day Event!
This year on May 11th at from 2pm-4pm we will be having a picnic at Harmon Park.
MAU's Mother's Day events are inspired by the life, words and actions of Julia Ward Howe. After the Civil War, Julia called for a day when mothers would unite across boundaries - of nationality, race, religion or political affirmation - to protect our global family.
The picnic is still in the planning stages, so all help is welcome. Please contact Kate at bend@mothersactingup.org if you have anything ideas to share, media contacts, groups I should invite, or you want to participate as a facepainter, stiltwalker, bellydancer, cupcake maker, or whatever you can imagine!

Be Exuberant!

2008-03-08T08:50:00.001-08:00

Dearest Joy Warriors & Apron String Revolutionaries,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 MAU Principle #1: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.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.Try sowing seeds of exuberance by sharing this email 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.In awed wonder at your beauty and power, Paige, for the MAU MavensPS. Click on the words in RED to link to more information. To respond to this email, click on Paige or email beheard@mothersactingup.org.

Spring Bend MAU

2008-01-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

Febuary 14th girlcott at Thump Coffee 9:30
Come support and enjoy fair trade chocolate, coffee, and conversation. To find out more about girlcotts or for Thump's location go to:
http://mothersactingup.org/level3/recipes_girlcotts.html
http://www.thumpcoffee.com/location.htm

March 1st, Saturday
10am-noon
Westside Village school hosts MAU community meeting.
Meet at the cafeteria for food, art, and inspiration.
1101 NW 12th street

2008-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

MAU Bend Spring 2008

Valentine's Girlcott. Lets give a big high five to a local buisness that supports fair trade chocolate. Email me at bend@mothersactingup.org if you have a favorite spot you want to nominate! We will meet there enjoy a humane treat, and give them a MAU Girlcott certificate of appreciation.

Meet and greet at Westside Villiage School the first week of March. The exact dates and time will be posted closer to the event. Come gather, take action to work toward improving the lives of children all over the world, and paint a banner for the first ever MAU Bend Mother's Day Parade.

Eat, drink, and reflect

2007-12-20T10:37:00.001-08:00

Changing the Story: YES!
It’s time to shop, reflect, give thanks, eat! During the upcoming feasting and holiday celebrations, may we celebrate in particular the individuals who are changing the world’s story with the strength of their commitment; a story in which currently every other child lives in poverty, almost half of all war casualties are children, and global warming threatens every child’s future.

Let’s take time to honor mothers like the late Dame Anita Roddick who said, “I want to connect with people who share my outrage … But I also want to tell — and hear…stories that lift our spirits, that celebrate how glorious our planet is. Outrage and celebration — let's run this gamut together.” Inspired leaders like Greg Mortenson who says, “When I look into the eyes of the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I see the eyes of my own children full of wonder. I hope that we each do our part to leave them a legacy of peace.” Mamas and community builders like Tiffany Bellah, who says, “Having a baby changes everything. Since that wonder-filled day 6 years ago when Grace entered this world, I have been reaching out of my comfort zone. She has made of me a responsible revolutionary, and my role as her mentor and mother has propelled me to take an active part in forming the world she will be inheriting.”
People who, when our common family is threatened, find the courage and strength to change the story. This holiday season, Mothers Acting Up* cheers, stomps, whistles and in every other way honors the individuals around the world who are taking action on behalf of our future generations. YES!!!!
Purchase the 2008 MAU Handbooks for tales of story-changing individuals,
information and actions: www.mothersactingup.org
*mothers and others, on stilts or off, who exercise protective care over someone smaller

business of being born

2007-12-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody, I am so excited to share that a localorganization, "The Better Birth Coalition," will bebringing the new documentary by Ricki Lake, "TheBusiness of Being Born" to Bend on January 25th. Themovie will be shown in the Hitchcock auditorium atCOCC(Central Oregon Community College). Doors open at6:30pm, and the movie starts at 7pm. This is such anexciting event to come to bend . This movie documentsRicki Lake's homebirth along with others. It alsotakes a candid look a birth in this country. If youwant to see the trailer please go to:http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/There is a small group of women working really hard tobring this film to bend. They are still looking forsponsors and volunteers to help distribute advertisingwhen the time comes. If you can help with either ofthose please let Annie Synder know.Also, if anyone has any contacts with any of the mediagroups in the area, it would be very helpful if youcould share that with Annie. If any of you run localbusiness and want to sponsor or merely hang-up a flyerat your place of work please let Annie know. Annie isaccepting all donations (no matter how big or small).Ticket sales will not cover the price of the venue orrental of the movie.Annie's email is:anniesnyder@bendbroadband.comOr you can call her at:541-325-2214 OR 541-504-1696Thanks so much for hearing about the cause. Hope tosee you at the film on January 25th.Love Janette GyeskyLicensed and Certified Professional MidwifeBend Birth center

GOOD magazine

2007-11-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

A friend recently turned me on to GOOD magazine. They are fantastic. Check out this group called bikes to Rwanda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPReMcBTF2M
Boycott Starbucks and support "patient capital."
What is "patient capital"? Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder and CEO of Acumen Fund says, it is "Capital whose purpose is to generate social and financial value that can be invested for long-term benefits; capital that is available to courageous entrepreneurs taking bigger risks on new ideas who cannot promise large short-term profits, but can offer the possibility of breakthrough business models that make our world more sustainable."

Holiday giving

2007-11-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

Looking for some alternatives to giving more stuff to people who already have a bunch? Check out these great non-profits, or go to the MAU web page for many more!

protect our global family:

RESULTS (http://www.results.org/) – creates the political will to end hunger and poverty by teaching citizens to become powerful advocates (MAU founders’ first teacher).
Save the Children (http://www.savethechildren.org/) - creates real and lasting change in the lives of children in need in the US and in over 43 countries.

preserve our planet:
Environmental Defense (http://www.environmentaldefense.org/) - innovative, practical ways to solve the most urgent environmental problems.

true cost of war:
Action for Children in Conflict (AfCiC) (www.actionchildren.org) - works to break cycles of violence, hatred and despair by providing psychological, emotional and educational support to the survivors of conflict.
Code Pink for Peace (www.codepink4peace.org) - is a women-initiated, fuchsia-wearing, grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities.

Center for a New Dream (http://www.newdream.org/) - works to conserve natural resources, counter the commercialization of our culture and promote positive changes in the way goods are produced and consumed.

YES! The 2008 MAU handbook is here

2007-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Changing the Story: YES!
It's time to shop, reflect, give thanks, eat! During the upcoming feasting and holiday celebrations, may we celebrate in particular the individuals who are changing the world's story with the strength of their commitment; a story in which currently every other child lives in poverty, almost half of all war casualties are children, and global warming threatens every child's future.Let's take time to honor mothers like the late Dame Anita Roddick who said, "I want to connect with people who share my outrage…But I also want to tell — and hear…stories that lift our spirits, that celebrate how glorious our planet is. Outrage and celebration — let's run this gamut together." Inspired leaders like Greg Mortenson who says, "When I look into the eyes of the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I see the eyes of my own children full of wonder. I hope that we each do our part to leave them a legacy of peace." Mamas and community builders like Tiffany Bellah, who says, "Having a baby changes everything. Since that wonder-filled day 6 years ago when Grace entered this world, I have been reaching out of my comfort zone. She has made of me a responsible revolutionary, and my role as her mentor and mother has propelled me to take an active part in forming the world she will be inheriting."
People who, when our common family is threatened, find the courage and strength to change the story. This holiday season, Mothers Acting Up* cheers, stomps, whistles and in every other way honors the individuals around the world who are taking action on behalf of our future generations. YES!!!!

Purchase the 2008 MAU Handbooks for story-changing individuals,information and actions: www.mothersactingup.org
*mothers and others, on stilts or off, who exercise protective care over someone smaller

It's time mamas

2007-11-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

2007-11-07T12:25:00.001-08:00

In support of wind energy we signed our household up with the Blue Sky program. The windfarm is connected to us by our energy carrier, Pacific Power. For about an extra $5-$10 we contribute to wind sources of power instead of coal! Contact your local power carrier to find out if they have any alternative energy programs. If they currently don't have alternative options, let them know they could increase your happiness with their services if they offered a more sustainable option.

2007-10-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hey there Bend,
My family has just relocated here within the last month. We are enjoying the beautiful weather, landscape, and all the amazingly positive things that are happening here. Formerly, I was a community organizer for MAU in Charleston, SC. We had yoga playdates with weekly MAU actions, organized events such as sidewalk chalk for peace, and held a Mother's Day Parade on the Folly Beach Pier. We have fun with building a MAU community, we hang with our kids, and we support global partnership through our actions.
So, as I am realizing there are loads of opportunity to get involved already in Bend. I am jazzed and will get out and about to support our many vibrant organizations! I'll keep ya posted on what I am up to as well.
First, I want to give a shout out to Susan Taylor up on Awbrey Butte for her vivacious attempt to diminish her carbon footprint via her outlawed clothesline. Susan is contesting her subdivision rules that will not allow the desert air to dry her families clothes and has been on NPR. Right on!
Be sure to check out the links below to mothersactingup.org and the MAU blog to find more info. My vision here in Bend is to connect with other families who want to share activism with there children. Mine are all teensy folks and I am geering myself up for toddler art mornings MAU style. More on that...
In spirited partnership,
K8