I believe that it may be only the power and nurturing of mothers that can heal our planet right now. As mothers we must refuse to raise our children to kill other mothers’ children, assert that there is more than enough to go around and figure out how to get it around, and commit to the safe development of every mother’s child. I believe we have a sacred obligation to envision and then work towards a tomorrow that is full of possibility for all.

- Susan Hay and her son Reilly

WHISPER this to each other…

Whether you’ve never considered yourself political or you’re a third generation activist, starting to create the world you envision begins by whispering to yourself what you care about most passionately. What is your vision for your family? Your community? Your country? Your world? What world do you want your great-grandchildren to inherit?
Take your time and write it down.

Identify any personal barriers that keep you from creating your vision. One MAU & a group of her friends spent time recognizing their main barriers to taking action: I don't see myself as an activist; I don’t feel smart enough or articulate enough to have a public voice; I don’t believe real and sustainable change is possible; I don’t know what to do; I don’t have time. Perhaps your barriers are similar…

Address those barriers and recognize you are already an effective advocate for children because you are passionate about them. You don't need to be any different, smarter, better or more schooled; And you don't need to be able to do it all.

Take a small step, that in spite of those barriers, you are excited about taking. An easy step forward is to JOIN MAU and start participating in our collective actions or to organize a Girlcott. Identify items you buy most often and find companies that sell those items with integrity and an eye toward preserving the planet for your grandchildren. Tell your friends and family about the girlcott.

Share your vision with a few like-minded souls; If they light up and then share their own hopes and dreams for a better future, get their phone number; these may be the only people who invite you for dinner after you’ve walked down your High Street on stilts. These are the people with whom you can hot glue your costume, visit your MP, write letters to the local newspaper and appear on TV. Get together and start a group.

For helpful tools to whisper this to each other and start a group