the
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Featuring Mothers Eyes on the World People for Children: A Vision to Stop Child Trafficking Goods for Good, Moms Making a Difference Published by American Mothers, Inc.速
| About American Mothers Inc.®
Join Us! In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Mother’s Day, we are having a membership drive! Be a part of this incredible network of moms making a difference. Best part is, it’s FREE! Visit www.american mothers.org and join with us to have your voice heard!
American Mothers, Inc. American Mothers is committed to valuing mothers through service and education and has been MomStrong since 1935. As the official sponsor of Mother’s Day and the Mother of the Year®, American Mothers continues the legacy of celebrating motherhood. Honoring the mission of the organization founders Sara Delano Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, JC Penny and Norman Vincent Peale,
American Mothers is dedicated to reducing rates of violence and improving the lives of mothers and children in the United States and around the world. Each year American Mothers honors motherhood by naming the National Mother of the Year® and hosting the Mom to Mom Conference. As an NGO centered at the United Nations and leader of the Global Motherhood Coalition, American Mothers organizes annual panel discussions and participates in high level meetings focused on addressing global struggles for mothers and children. By bringing mothers together from across the country, American Mothers organizes maternal energy for positive change. Many outstanding individuals throughout the United States have served as officers, leaders, members and supporters of American Mothers including Phyllis Marriott, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. After 80 years we are still MomStrong!
Join Us! Our Mission
To champion women by honoring, educating and serving mothers at home, at work and in the world.
Our Vision
To be a nationally recognized and respected voice on issues impacting mothers.
Our Values
• An abiding respect for mothers and their role in society. • A desire for collaboration between mothers in service for the common good. • A heart of compassion for issues and challenges facing mothers around the globe. • An acknowledgement of diversity among mothers and their individual choices. • A recognition of the power of a mother’s inner strength. • A commitment to honor mothers for their leadership and service at home, at work and in the world.
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American Mothers Inc.® |
Letter from the Director Happy New Year, Mom! I hope this year is a happy and healthy one for you and your family! If you haven’t already made your plans to attend our 80th Annual National Conference at the Willard Hotel from April 23–26, 2015 in Washington DC, I hope you schedule your trip soon. We are planning an exciting event that will focus on Mothers Eyes on the World. Mothers from across the country will come together to honor and recognize outstanding women for their contributions as mothers and leaders. These motivating women will offer extraordinary stories, insightful commentary and
will inspire all of us to be better moms and community leaders.
make our daily work in the office so worthwhile.
The American Mothers Annual Conference offers the opportunity to empower and educate each other by bringing women together from all walks of life and to be a united voice of motherhood. We should all be very proud of where we are today and excited about where we are headed.
As always, if we can be of assistance to you at any time, please feel free to reach out to info@americanmothers.org. A member of our team is happy to help!
American Mothers has made some great strides in the past few years and 2015 promises the opportunity to continue to work at the United Nations on domestic violence initiatives, strengthen the awards program, the Fifth Grade Essay contest and the constant dedication of the membership with our National Mom to Mom Day of Service. These efforts
I’d like to thank each of your for being a part of American Mothers, for attending the Annual Conference and bringing your knowledge to our gathering. You, as a mother and a member of our great organization, have the vision, the awareness and the experience to help us continue to work to support mothers at home, at work and in the world. — Andrea Ball, Executive Director
Table of
contents
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Letter from the Director Letter from the President Association News: Moms in Action Feature: How A Child Learns Has Nothing to do With How Brilliant They Are
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Commission on the Status of Women
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People For Children
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Human Trafficking
A Vision to Stop Child Trafficking
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Moms Making A Difference: Goods for Good
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Moms Making A Difference: Celebrating the Adoption Process
Global Coalition HARO
Global Coalition European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC)
Profiles in Leadership From the White House to Wheels on the Bus Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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Mom Strong
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2015 Annual Conference
ingle Mothers – S Rollin’ in Their Roles
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| American Mothers Inc.®
Letter From the President What’s happening right now is so exciting! American Mothers is growing in membership and expanding our reach through nominations and collaborations!
American Mothers, Inc.®
Executive Director: Andrea Ball Membership: Jacquie Ball info@americanmothers.org
2013-15 AMI Board of Directors
President: Joan Braitsch 1st Vice President: Dianne Callister 2nd Vice President: Vivian Dibb 3rd Vice President: Carrie Leonard Secretary: Yolanda Perez Treasurer: Valerie Earnshaw Area I Coordinator: Sherri Zirker Area I Co-Coordinator: Dorothy DeVore Area II Coordinator: Joyce Stevens Area III Coordinator: Renee Devine Area V Coordinator: Tara Trobaugh Area VI Coordinator: Maria Amalbert Immediate Past-President: Connell Branan Awards Chairman: Kathy Walker Public Relations Chairman: Krista Ritacco Membership Chairman: Jennifer Larsen Endowment Fund: JaLynn Prince Education Chairman: Debbie Sipos Literacy Chairman: Kimberly Stevenson Mother of the Year Search: Lela Sullivan Young Mother Search: Julie Starr Parliamentarian: Deanne Taylor Special Projects: Sheila Monke National Mother of the Year: Gerre Schwert National Young Mother of the Year: Heidi Kim
The American Mother Magazine Editor Connell Branan Contributors Dianne Callister Brandon Carter Pam Kanaly The Ricky Martin Foundation Yolanda Perez Iwona Sztajner Madeleine Wallin Henry Winkler
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of proclaiming Mother’s Day as a National Holiday in 1914, American Mothers began offering free membership on Mother’s Day! The response has been amazing across the country. With membership exploding, and a record breaking number of nominations for our national awards this year representing 49 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, be assured that the public is responding to our legacy of celebrating motherhood through service and education. Collaboration has promoted American Mothers to large audiences very quickly. Innocents at Risk, after being a preeminent organization for 10 years in educating communities, schools, and corporations about Human Trafficking, is joining forces with American Mothers. Our combined brochure on how to spot Trafficking, and what you can do about it, will be available at the 2015 National Conference in Wash-
the
Be sure to join us at our 2015 National Conference at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. April 23 – 26 where the theme ‘Mothers Eyes on the World’ will expand our reach in this International City. Hear inspirational speakers, network with other amazing mothers, bring your family for a postconference visit to National Museums and the Halls of Government, participate in a Fun Run on the Mall. AMI will name the 80th National Mother of the Year® at this conference! By bringing mothers together from across the country, American Mothers organizes maternal energy for positive change. I enthusiastically invite you to join us! It’s an honor to be associated with each one of you – creative, dedicated, and energetic women --who make the lives of mothers everywhere better in grand and small ways. — Joan Braitsch, President American Mothers, Inc.®
Join Us!
Design & Layout Kalico Design Frederick, MD www.kalicodesign.com
On the Cover: Featuring Mothers Eyes on the World People for Children: A Vision to Stop Child Trafficking Goods for Good, Moms Making a Difference Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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ington, DC. You can also learn more about human trafficking in this issue of the American Mother.
The majestic photo of the nation’s capitol is reflective of our 2015 conference theme ‘Mothers Eyes on the World,’ where moms from across the country will gather to give a powerful voice to issues impacting women and children.
The American Mother Magazine
Association News |
Our Moms in Action Members of the National Board and Advisory Council met at the JC Penny Corporate Headquarters in Dallas, Texas. They received a tour of the facility and had lunch in the private dining room with Mac Macaranas, Director of Philanthropy. The discussion revolved around the shared history and future goals of both organizations. Pictured with Mac, are Joan Braitsch, National President, Dianne Callister, 1st Vice President, Krista Ritacco, PR Chairman, Connell Branan, Immediate Past President and Arlo Sorenson, Chairman, American Mothers Advisory Council.
Congrats Mom! Tamara Passey
Kimberly Wright
Tamara Passey, 2013 Arizona Young Mother of the Year has published a new novel, The Christmas Tree Keeper, available on Amazon. She has published numerous articles and is a member of the American Night Writer’s Association. Tamara lives in Arizona with her husband and three children.
2009 National Young Mother of the Year Kimberly Wright, has published a second book, Believing Out Loud. Her first book, Bedtime Thoughts for the Christian Mom, published in 2011, is also available on Amazon. Kimberly lives in Kansas with her husband and is the busy mom of four.
Kim Stevenson
Dianne Callister
2013 Delaware Young Mother Kim Stevenson, recently received the Leonard Professional Media Award from the American Radio Relay League for her 2013 News Journal story about Amateur Radio. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the National Association for Amateur Radio. Journalists from around the country are nominated annually by ARRL members to compete for this award! Congratulations Kim!
Skoolbo USA has named Dianne Callister as one of their newest Ambassadors. Dianne was named the 2010 Mother of the Year ® and is President and Founder of Project Give, a national organization dedicated exclusively to engaging and empowering middle school students to take an active role in serving their communities. Skoolbo looks forward to partnering with Dianne, a passionate advocate for children worldwide, as they unite under the shared belief that every child has the right to learn!
Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
Connect With Us!
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| Feature
How
a child
learns has nothing to do with How
brilliant they are
My own childhood was so difficult because of undiagnosed dyslexia. I was told I was stupid, lazy and that I wasn’t living up to my potential. My parents constantly grounded me for bad grades and I didn’t see the moon for months. Even then, I still didn’t get it. My German father used to call me “Dummer Hund”. For those of you who don’t speak German, that means “Dumb Dog”. RRReaallly supportive parents!
By Henry Winkler
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The American Mother Magazine
Feature |
When I was growing up, I was told I would never achieve anything. I became the class clown to cover up my shame and humiliation because I knew I wasn’t keeping up. I didn’t feel stupid inside but when, as a child you’re told that you are stupid, you start to believe it. Somewhere inside me, from the age of seven, I knew I wanted to be an actor, and I kept that dream in the center of my mind. Putting one foot in front of the other, I finally graduated and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1970. Life as an actor wasn’t easy – reading scripts was a massive challenge. I learned to improvise. I reduced whole paragraphs to sounds to give the “essence” of the character. When I was working on Happy Days, that’s where The Fonz’s “Aaayy” came from. And I added “Whoa” which came from my favorite sport at the time, horseback riding. As well as acting, I’ve now carved out a career as a children’s author, with my writing partner, Lin Oliver. At one time, the thought of my name and the word author being in the same sentence would have made me laugh out
loud. But this is what I learned in my life. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO UNTIL YOU TRY. We’ve written two series of novels for children – Ghost Buddy, Hank Zipzer and Here’s Hank. Hank is a funny, adventurous schoolboy who just happens to have dyslexia. His glass is always half full. He just spills it everywhere. It’s now a top-rating TV series on the BBC. Hank is me – the neighborhood, the stores, the park, the school, and even Ms. Adolf – the worst teacher in the universe – are all taken from my life. I often get mail from readers asking: “How do you know me so well?” and parents exclaiming that their children, who would never have attempted to read a book before, love reading and laughing about Hank Zipzer and continue to read though the series. I am excited to tell people about Skoolbo. I look forward to having an avatar inside the game. It’s a great way to learn. Who knows, I might even learn to spell myself! I tell every child I meet that how they learn has nothing to do with how brilliant they are. Their job is to find out what their gift is, dig it out and give it to the world. I cannot wait to see who they become.
About our 5th Grade Essay Contest Sponsor
Do You Know A 5th Grader?
Get your school involved in our National 5th Grade Essay Contest! Information and guidelines can be found at www.americanmothers.org
Skoolbo is a learning company that uses games as the central medium for learning. The Skoolbo team of educators and developers spanning the globe are committed to creating accessible learning solutions for both developed and developing countries. Skoolbo’s dream is that every child learns to read and gains confidence with numbers. Skoolbo has offices in London, Canberra, Los Angeles, Singapore, Chicago, NYC, Auckland and Ho Chi Minh.
Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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| Member Profile
Profiles in Leadership From the White House to Wheels on the Bus By Brandon Carter Most people have a dream job, but few are afforded the opportunity to achieve their top two dream jobs. Krista Ritacco is one of these rare people.
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Motivated by the desire to change the world for the better, Krista, fresh out of college, got in her car in California and drove across country to Washington, DC looking for a career in politics. Without a place to live or work, thousands of miles away from her family, Krista embarked on a journey that would take her from being a Congressional Intern to Director of the White House Counselor’s Office and eventually Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education. She had wanted to help shape American policy from the inside out, but that’s a pretty competitive arena when you are dealing with some of the most ambitious people on the planet.
become one of the top aides to Karen Hughes, Counselor and trusted advisor to the President and later Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
Eventually, Krista enjoyed a prime position in the White House, the center of American power. She served a variety of positions over the course of her six years in President George W. Bush’s Administration, eventually rising to
Perspective from Tragedy
Just 29 years old, with an office in the West Wing, her future was as bright as anyone’s in the Beltway. She had worked her entire life to get there, and her future was limitless. “I had always wanted to work in the White House,” she says. “It was a dream come true.” But despite her professional success, there was still something missing in her life.
Krista was in the West Wing of the White House, steps away from the Oval Office, on the morning of September 11, 2001, and was
The American Mother Magazine
Member Profile |
hastily evacuated along with the rest of the staff. Like many Americans, she felt moved to reconsider her life and her priorities within. That’s when her journey towards mother- hood began. “It was on 9/11 that I realized that life is too short,” she says. “I had postponed having kids, but it was on that fateful day I knew that I didn’t want to postpone it any longer. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of a long, five year odyssey of medical treatments before God finally blessed us with our first child.”
“Everyone in DC is so career-oriented, it’s like a giant hamster wheel. Then there’s Karen, who would send people home early so they could watch their kids’ soccer games.” Hughes herself would later resign from Bush’s Administration to spend more time as a mother.
Life on the Slower Side of the Beltway Krista is still a happy stay at home mom to her two boys, and has no regrets.
Outside of rearing her young family, she’s still making a positive impact on those around her. She’s been able to get involved with a number of nonprofits, including the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University, Chautauqua Women’s Club and her church. Mostly though, she’s content to soak in each day with her husband and boys, and leave the hubbub and rat race to everyone else in DC. Every once in a while she gets an itch though, but it doesn’t take her long to move on.
“I’ll never say never to going back,” she says. “It’s like high school, though. It’s “My baby was napping, and I heard great when you’re in it, but you can’t go Marine One (the presidential helicopter) back years later.” thundering overhead, and my first thought was, ‘How inconsiderate! Don’t Familiar with American Mothers during her time in the White House, Krista was they know my baby is napping!’” honored as the 2013 Young Mother “That’s when I knew I had changed.” of the Year for Washington DC. She’s Plus, Krista now had the best job title of also joined our board as the director These days she spends her time like all – “Mom.” most other stay at home moms: getting of public relations, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her. After having risen to incredible the kids ready in the morning, helping heights at such a young age, Krista with homework, volunteering at her “American Mothers is a unique group, was willing to leave it all behind, cold kids’ school, making sure everyone is with moms of all types coming together turkey, to devote her efforts to the at the right practice. To the outsider, it to celebrate the one thing we all have in most important job of all: being a seems like the opposite of the chaos common: motherhood.” mother. Her relationship with Hughes and intensity of working in the West helped her realize she was making the Wing. As every mother understands “It’s amazing to be able to celebrate right decision. mothers on a national level.” though, the home has its own insanity and pressures (not to mention its own little dictators.) “While I loved my government career and serving the American people, once I became a mother, for me, I had achieved my other dream job. One that has provided even more excitement and discovery than I had experienced in politics.”
American Mothers is a unique group, with moms of all types coming together to celebrate the one thing we all have in common: motherhood.
Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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| Educate
American Mothers and the Commission on the Status of Women American Mothers is a nongovernmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. As a proud sponsor of parallel panels which take place each spring during the Commission on the Status of Women, American Mothers works to raise awareness about issues impacting women and children. Previous panels have focused on the Feminization of Poverty, HIV, and Domestic Violence. This year, our panel will take place on Tuesday, March 10th and will focus on the global epidemic of Human Trafficking. The 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations, March 9-20, 2015. Join with us and have your voice heard! Details can be found online at www.americanmothers.org.
Human Trafficking A Call to Action
Human Trafficking destroys freedom and happiness for thousands of children every day in this country and across the world, but you can make a difference! By knowing the telltale signs of trafficking, and by taking action, you can change the course of a child’s life for the better. Over 300,000 children are trafficked throughout the United States annually. These children can be hidden in plain sight — you may even have seen them. American Mothers, Inc.®, and Innocents at Risk, both 501(c)(3) charitable organizations are working together to educate mothers on ways to identify trafficking and how to take action. Learn how to identity the key signs of trafficking, who to contact, and what other actions can further protect the children of our communities. We hope you will join us by empowering mothers with the tools they need to help raise awareness about Human Trafficking.
Warning Signs Trafficked persons are not always hidden away, but can be transported from one place to another via public transportation, or be seen with an adult in a grocery store, or even be part of a community center or a place of worship. A combination of the following indicators could signal possible human trafficking: • Shows signs of physical abuse, appears malnourished or disoriented; • Has few personal possessions, wears the same clothes regardless of circumstances; • Avoids eye contact, hesitant to talk to strangers, fearful of authority figures and police; • Accompanied by someone who controls their every movement, rarely alone.
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“Future generations will not excuse those who turn a blind eye to it.” – Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State.
Hidden in Plain Sight
What You Can Do
Talk to Your Children
Growing numbers of trafficked persons are rescued because good Samaritans made a difference.
• Learn the signs of trafficking
• Agree on Internet usage guidelines.
• Know the Human Trafficking Hotline Number 1-888-373-7888.
• Warn them about exciting job offers. Traffickers lure teens with promises of opportunities like modeling, graduate programs and Nannying overseas.
• On the New York to Washington, DC • Include trafficking awareness train, a woman noticed two pretty programs in your local schools. teenage girls coughing, sneezing, • Invite an expert on trafficking to and looking ill. It was winter, but speak at community groups, they were not wearing warm clothes. workplace, and places of worship. They were accompanied by a man who watched their every move, • Write a Letter to the Editor of and the girls avoided eye contact your local newspaper or community seeming afraid. “I was sure that newsletter. something was wrong” she said. She recognized the warning sign, took initiative, and made a call.
• Be wary of strangers. Traffickers hang around malls, theme parks, schools, movies, sports clubs, community centers and other places where there are groups of children and young people. • Watch out for the Romeo approach. If a man promises a wonderful job with lots of money and great clothes, think again. • Don’t travel alone. See the world with a friend and always stay together.
Learn More
• Visit www.americanmothers.org or www.innocentsatrisk.org to learn more and get involved. •U .S. Government Agencies such as Dept. of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking; Dept. of Justice; Dept. of Health and Human Services; Dept. of Homeland Security; Dept. of Transportation are all good resources.
Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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| Educate Section Head
PEOPLE FOR CHILDREN: A vision to Stop Child Trafficking By Khrista Tani, The Ricky Martin Foundation
The right of just being a child is under constant threat of disappearing in many parts of the world. Social and economic forces beyond their control are jeopardizing their dignity. These are tragic losses. They represent a loss of possibilities. They represent a loss of innocence, joy and laughter. They represent a future foreclosed. The Ricky Martin Foundation was founded at a time when children around the world faced bewildering situations that leave them vulnerable to human trafficking. Child labor, sexual and labor exploitation, prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking, and modern day slavery are some of the most heartbreaking manifestations of this crime, which foreshadows an epidemic crisis.
to inspire and empower. They help those that have already been victimized and we also try to prevent further victimization. The Foundation advocates for the well-being of children around the world in critical areas such as education, health and social justice. Their principal program, People for Children, condemns child exploitation as a result of human trafficking.
Once they are extricated from these terrible situations, to overcome their repercussions, children must develop resilience and self-esteem. They must develop the type of optimism that lies behind every success. Caring adults must play a vital role in this process. Ask any child who overcame adversity and you typically uncover a story of an adult or peer who inspired them, a mentor who convinced them that anything is possible with perseverance.
The Foundation provides children a safer world through the creation of awareness campaigns, community programs, investigations, participating in global forums as well as by operating facilities that promote our mission.
Doing this has become their mandate. They seek to heal and to nurture. They also seek 12
Actor and singer Ricky Martin, its founder, knows that “the fight to deter this heinous crime is one of the most challenging issues faced by society today: too dreary and overwhelming to be understood by many. Around the globe many authorities lack the capacity to fight the powerful forces that generate these
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“No one should be exploited and deprived of their freedom. We believe every child has the right to be a child. As a public charity, we have discovered that we are not alone in this fight.” –Ricky Martin
crimes. Without a concerted effort that musters the required resources, exploitation will continue to take our innocent. My dream right now is seeing the abolition of modern day slavery, and human trafficking.”
awareness efforts on the grave issues regarding child exploitation.
The denial of child slavery and other crimes against children is a form of collective blindness. RMF is in the field to gather stories, make them public and The Ricky Martin Foundation (RMF) muster support for practical solutions. is a leading voice and has made great With its investigative arm, the Foundastrides in advocating for children’s rights tion is seeking to shed light and draw around the world. Seeking solutions attention to an injustice of epidemic that address child exploitation systemat- proportions. Its ultimate objective is ically, it has developed a comprehensive to mobilize public support for policies array of initiatives that include advocacy, that prevent this modern scourge. known in the beautiful Caribbean Isinvestigation, education, and prevenland as Centro Tau, is RMF’s new flag“Let’s practice compassion and give tion. Global Awareness enables us to ship project, serving as a safe haven for love to these victims” says Ricky Marinform the world of this heinous crime these at risk children. It will seek to tin. “We know what children are most and mobilize people by participating transform their lives through evidenceat risk of being exploited. Based on in forums, workshops, media intervenbased interventions. Alternative eduthis understanding, we have developed tions, and advocacy efforts. Working cational models will be used to foster educational initiatives to address the in partnership as well as by following a loving environment that addresses root causes of this problem. The ema multi-sector alliance model involving each child’s very particular intellectual, powerment of children is absolutely escivil society, inter-governmental organisocial, and emotional needs. sential to break this cycle of violence.” zations, and the private sector solidifies Germany’s RTL Foundation selected Beginning in Puerto Rico, RMF operour mission. To be effective in their the Ricky Martin Foundation Child goal, RMF advocates for the prevention ates centers to impact children holistiDevelopment and Prevention Center in cally with a comprehensive educational and protection of this most vulnerable Loiza, Puerto Rico, as the international service that addresses their academic, segment of the population against all project among other four other projects health, and emotional needs. The forms of exploitation. to be recipients of donations received insights gained from this initiative is Educating the public, other organizaduring their renowned RTL Spendenproviding support to the investigative tions, and corporations on the namarathon. The Center allows children efforts and guide the design of innovational, regional and international scope and youth at risk to receive emotional tive solutions that give at risk children of the problem of human trafficking and educational alternatives that will the support and empowerment they through awareness campaigns, briefmaximize their potential as dignified huneed to take control of their lives. ings and their website can deter this man beings, proud of their culture and The Child Development and Prevenatrocity. As popular educators, RMF heritage. Most importantly, their right to tion Center at Loíza, Puerto Rico, aims to serve as a catalyst for global be children will be safeguarded. Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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| Educate
Meet the newest Members of our Global Coalition‌
HARO
By Madeleine Wallin
American Mothers
Haro was founded in 1982 in Sweden, and is a women’s organization that works for freedom of choice, equality and parenthood and always with the child in focus.
Global Coalition
Freedom of choice: We want par-
American Mothers is leading a global coalition focused on improving the lives of mothers and children around the world. Through the collaborative efforts of international organizations and communities, the Global Motherhood Coalition offers a comprehensive approach to research, services, and action with the mission of promoting best practices in motherhood and improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children.
ents to have the possibility to choose what kind of care that best suits their family and their child and for everyone who wants to have the possibility to care for the children at home.
Equality: We want men and women to have equal possibilities to create and live their own life the way they want. We want the unpaid caregiving work to be visible and valued and especially as it is mostly women who becomes We have attended the CSW (Commismore vulnerable both economically and sion on the Status of Women) at the socially because of their choice. UN in New York for several years now and both there and at the European Parenthood: We want a more conCommission we have created a big netscious parenthood that is based on the development and the needs of the child. work with many organizations as well as politicians and experts. And we also see the development and maturation in parents who dedicate themselves in the process of this task as important and relevant in society.
Organization Work The organization has about seven hundred members. The board has meetings seven times a year during two days which gives us time for both work and team building. Our General Assembly Meeting is also a two-day meeting and gives the members an opportunity to decide about what to do and where to put the focus for the coming year.
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We publish a magazine 4 times a year. are active in social media, debate, meet politicians, arrange seminars both for parents and professionals. We also work internationally as members in FEFAF (European Federation of Parents and Caregivers at Home), which is based in Brussels. We are a member of MMM, Make Mothers Matter and through them were introduced to American Mothers and Dianne Callister.
The American Mother Magazine
This past year we have conducted a seminar at the Nordic Forum, which was a big Nordic feministic conference during 4 days in MalmĂś, Sweden. Our subject was Motherhood and the speaker was Rebecca Walker, an American author, lecturer and original leader and founder of Third Wave Feminism. We also arranged a conference about the situation for families in Europe in Stockholm in October, in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the UN International Year of the Family.
Educate |
Sweden The situation in Sweden for parents and children is both good and bad. We have a lot of support from the state and at the same time we leave our personal responsibility a bit more than necessary. People tend to trust the state more than themselves and it has created a society where the natural family bonds have been broken or at least damaged. 95 % of all the children between 3-5 years old are in preschools and there is no limit in how many hours they can be there and no limits in the group sizes. The psychological impact has been unhealthy among children and youth and the school results are declining. Nobody knows why.
It is a sad to know that we live in one of the most wealthy countries in the world and still don’t have a real choice to take care of our children in the way we want to. But fortunately there is a growing movement where especially mothers have had enough and now go their own way despite the lack of support. Even if that means you get thrown out of the social support system. They do it even though friends and family are questioning them.
About the author, Madeleine Wallin is the mother of five and a board member of Haro. She is also the President of the European Federation of Parents and Caregivers at Home.
To care for children is still not valued and it is more important then ever that we change that.
American Mothers delegate to the United Nations Dianne Callister, attended the 2014 European Conference on the Family in Stockholm, Sweden. The conference was in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Year of the Family.
Published by American Mothers, Inc.ÂŽ
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| Global Coalition
European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC)
By Iwona Sztajner
The European Large Families Confederation was founded in 2004 in Lisbon as an entity uniting large families associations from different European countries. These associations are represent-ing families from all of Europe, in which each of them has 3 or more children. In the present context, when Europe is submerged in a so-called, “demographic winter” with 1.4 children per women, it’s way below the 2.1 needed to guarantee the replacement of generations. Many factors are contributing to the decline in fertility with European social model on top. Sometimes, even without being aware, it’s penalizing or discriminating a family that has more children. That’s why the principal task of the large families association is to report such discrimination and propose solutions how to avoid it. Thanks to this, we obtained a fairer tax calculation, for example when it comes down to the properties or vehicles. Those who need a bigger house or car due to the number of family members, are calculated proportionally, unlike with the other citizens. The same method applies to the prices of water or electricity. Introducing a family perspective into public policies is one of the main objectives of EFLAC. Another one is to provide a perfect service to the families and develop a plan of discounts and special offers basing on the cooperation with companies, to organize events for families, congresses, conferences etc. Those who are associated, get a card which allows them to obtain significant discounts, i.e. on cars and petrol, health insurance, children’s clothing or in the supermarkets, cinemas, amusement parks etc. Since free time is one of the key issues when we talk about families, ELFAC developed the Seal of Family Tourism. This label certifies that a
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destination, hotel or tourist activity is perfectly tailored to the needs of families with children. Large families have a significant market basket which makes them important consumers and with these agreements the benefits are mutual — both for the families and the companies.
medium of communication and personality for the best practices towards large families.
Around 80 million people in Europe belong to a large family and with the recent economic crisis, these social entities are being seen as representing key values in the Europe of today, Each national association has its own card, such as sharing things, helping each other however as a response to growing necessity, or the joy of having siblings. Surveys show ELFAC has launched a European Large Family that the majority of European couples would Card which allows a family from any part of Eu- like to have more children than they actually rope to share the benefits that are being enjoyed have. What’s important is that ELFAC doesn’t by families in a different place, especially when insist everybody should have a large family but traveling to other countries. Moreover, ELFAC rather points out that the conditions should organizes conferences attended by politicians, allow each couple to have as many children as experts, associations’ professionals and prothey desire and only this means true freedom motes academic studies or surveys on the needs - without discrimination and with equal opporand situations of large families. Distinguishing tunities. Following this idea, children should be the efforts of foreign entities, the Confederation seen as social good, positively valued by society awards annually one European national govern- as being essential that allows us to look into the ment, European local government, company, future with hope.
From the Archives In 1957, the American Mothers Committee had established an international relations committee with the purposes of encouraging the establishment of Mothers Committees, similar to that of the American Mothers Committee in countries throughout the world, and where Mother’s Day is not recognized, to instigate such recognition. Mrs. Anthony Bott, the 1953 National Mother of the Year was Committee Chairman. Incidentally, Ethlyn Bott was the first stepmother with no children of her own to be selected as the National Mother and traveled the world promoting Mother’s Day.
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Goods for Good
By Brandon Carter
Dawn Taylor is a mother of two from Kansas City. She’s devoted her life to fundraising and non-profit organizations, including 17 years in membership and development positions at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and The NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. She’s currently the Executive Director for the American Institute of Architects, Kansas City. Dawn and her close friend Christina Eldridge were both moved by medical missions to Africa, where they felt strongly compelled to do more. Upon their return to KC, they eventually settled on commerce, or providing products that people want, as a way to generate funds for the needy. The result is Red Dirt, named after the rich soil that encompasses the roads throughout the African villages. The company offers a line of iPhone and Samsung Galaxy 3 cases featuring custom art, as well as a just-launched line of t-shirts (for both women and men). A portion of each sale is donated to a worthy cause. Under the mantra “Goods for Good,” Dawn and Christina have built Red Dirt into a global force for good in less than a year. Their creativity and generosity has connected with people, who want their dollars to help those in need – a recent survey found that 91% of global consumers will switch the brands they buy to ones who support good causes. We recently sent Dawn over a few questions, and we think you’ll find her answers both informative and inspiring! Tell us about Red Dirt. What do you sell, and what’s the purpose of the company? I launched Red Dirt with a business partner, Christina Eldridge, in April 2013. We are a social impact company, which means our customers support a cause with each Red Dirt product purchase. Our first product line is cases for iPhone 4, iPhone 5, and a limited number for Samsung Galaxy 3. We launched men’s and women’s t-shirts in late 2013 and will ramp up new designs starting in January 2014. We will add new product lines later this year.
nity to create their own access to a clean water supply in their homes (or nearby). We know that access to clean water is a fundamental game changer for people living in developing countries. Clean water means good health, and easy access means a person’s time can be better spent in school or at work than trekking up to 6 kilometers a day to fetch water. Dirty, contaminated water causes water-borne illnesses that claim the lives of people, especially vulnerable children, throughout Africa, South America, and Asia. Every 21 seconds, a child in the developing world dies of a water-borne illness. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Your website mentions “social impact through commerce,” what kinds of probWhat inspired a business like this? lems are you hoping Red Dirt can address? Our current cause is clean water access From a personal perspective, we were directly in developing countries. We partner with Water. org, which is based in Kansas City (Red Dirt’s hometown) and founded by Gary White and actor Matt Damon. Water.org is a world leader in providing both direct services (e.g., digging wells) and innovative microlending programs to give people and communities the opportu18
and profoundly inspired by our volunteer work in Africa. I just returned from my second trip to Kajjansi, Uganda (near the capital, Kampala) to volunteer at an orphanage called St. Mary Kevin Motherhood. My business partner has led three Medical Missions Foundation trips to Mali. “Once you go, you know,” which means that once you visit a country like Uganda or
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A lot of businesses talk about doing good, but the extent of their involvement is cutting checks. Cutting checks is great, but it looks like you’re going a step further. Talk about your experience in places like Uganda. Nothing wrong with the traditional methods of corporate charitable giving – our country and our local communities benefit from many generous companies who donate money through a corporate foundation or encourage their employees to volunteer. But as a social impact company, we regard our customers as the philanthropists. We educate our customers and followers about the world water crisis and about conscious consumerism, which is the wave of thought that when given a choice between similar products at similar price points, a more “conscious consumer” will choose the product that supports a cause that’s important to them or that reflects their values. This “power of the pocketbook” is not the future – it’s here now, is being studied and quantified by experts in the field, and is changing the face of retail goods and retail experiences. At Red Dirt, $5 of every phone case or t-shirt goes to Water.org. That $5 provides clean water for one year for one person. Five purchases, totaling $25, can provide a person in the developing world clean water FOR LIFE. We believe in connecting our customers to the real stories, real communities, and real individuals who benefit from having clean water as provided by their small but meaningful investment.
How has being a mother shaped your worldview and your approach to business? I am raising two teenage daughters on my own, and my most urgent wish for them is recognize their responsibility to give back and to take joy in it. I am hugely guided by the proverb “To whom much is given, much is expected in return.” My parents modeled this for
me, and I try to embody this for my girls, too. My volunteer work in Uganda takes place at an orphanage. As a mom, it is a poignant reminder of how central and formative parents are in the lives of their children. In the absence of parents, as the children at St. Mary Kevin have experienced from a very young age, there is a void that can’t be filled, despite other support systems and opportunities. It can be very sad to witness a child, even a teenager, struggle to find hope and inspiration without a parent to guide them and bolster them. In choosing to start a social impact company – while holding down another full-time job in a nonprofit organization – I want to make a difference in the lives of people who have so much potential, if they could only be met with opportunity.
MomsMaking A
Difference American Mothers is committed to telling more stories about the multitude of amazing
Why phone cases? How did you get involved with this type of product?
moms out there who
Phone cases were the result of a quick brainstorm in a restaurant parking lot when my business partner and I were just germinating the idea that blossomed into Red Dirt. We wanted a product that was used daily, highly visible, could be designed by artists, could be sold at a reasonable price point, and could be branded. We ticked off a list of other options –t-shirts, shoes, jewelry, even pet products—but nothing grabbed us.
tive difference in the
As I took out my iPhone to schedule our next meeting, I looked at my [uninspired] phone case, and the proverbial light bulb went off. I held it up to Christina and said, “This is it. How hard could it be to make a phone case?” (Turns out, it’s really hard to make a phone case, which we learned over the course of 6 months of product development.) Branching into t-shirts was part of our game plan for year #2, but we got so many requests from supporters who didn’t own an iPhone but who wanted to be part of the Red Dirt family, that we rolled out t-shirts in late fall 2013.
How can people get involved? Where can they find your products and/or support your causes? It’s easy to become part of the Red Dirt family, to learn about Water.org’s efforts to end the world water crisis, and to pick up a stylish product that does good in the world. Our shop is online at reddirtshop. com, and we are active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. #GoodsforGood
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are making a posiworld. Through our 365Mothers Initiative on our blog and in each issue of the American Mother magazine, we are profiling some incredible women in the trenches every day making an impact! If you know a mom we should profile, please send her information to awards@american mothers.org.
About the Author Brandon Carter is a freelance writer and public relations professional from Salt Lake City. He can be reached at bscarter@gmail.com
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Three Strands.
Celebrating the Adoption Process
By Brandon Carter
Stacy Coleman figures she hit bottom outside a hospital somewhere in Oklahoma City. It was the lowest point in an ongoing struggle to have a child. Years of frustration trying to get pregnant naturally gave way to expensive clinical treatments, which gave way to the complicated adoption process. There had been the twins, a couple of boys, and the process to adopt them was just about complete, but it just wouldn’t happen. None of it was as bad as this though. Just days earlier Stacy had been on her way to a meeting when the call came in. A woman in Oklahoma City had chosen her family to adopt her child, and labor was beginning. Instead of the meeting Stacy flew out to meet the baby and take him home.
“We had signed the certificate, had named him, had our bracelets on, everything,” Stacy said. But a nurse stopped them at the door… the state has taken custody…the child has drugs in his system….you can’t leave with him…I’m sorry.
“My world stopped at that moment and “I was on my way to Nashville when they all the air left the room. My dreams of called and told us we needed to be in becoming a mom were shattered within Oklahoma City tomorrow,” Stacy recalls. moments of holding what we thought “I turned the car around, stopped by was going to become our son.” Toys R Us and picked up a car seat and They say the good thing about hitting baby bag. We had nothing.” bottom is you have nowhere to go After a friend donated some air miles to but up. It was in the deepest pit of fly the Coleman’s out, they were in OKC emotional torment, in an OKC hotel less than 24 hours later. The baby was room, where Stacy was inspired to six weeks early and in the NICU, but he look up, and to see things from a was going to be alright. He was going different perspective. to be theirs. The broken system had taken a child She held him, fed him, cooed and from her arms, but she wasn’t the only nuzzled, all the while comforting the mother who was missing out on her woman who was willingly parting ways child. The birth mother would also go with her own creation, her very own home empty-handed, back to whatever child. It was perfect, and two days tough life had inspired her to place later it was time to leave. the child with an adoptive family in the first place.
Three Strands is based on the idea that BirthMoms need to be commended for choosing life, that the world needs to honor these women… 20
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“I looked at that birth mom, and I thought, ‘but for the Grace of God,’” Stacy said. “I could’ve been the one dropped off to live in a hotel, and my heart broke for her, for her loss. Now she wouldn’t know where he was going, and she was going to lose her five year old at home, due to the drugs. “I couldn’t process that. I still can’t comprehend it.” Out of that moment of great pain, an even greater passion was born: Three Strands, a non-profit designed to aid and celebrate the women who chose life for their babies, who sacrificed their bodies carrying a baby to term then giving the child a chance for a better life. Stacy teamed up with Heidi Russo, who placed her own child in the adoption process 26 years ago, and Jennie Hundley, another BirthMom, to found the non-profit. Their message is catching on, quickly.
Changing the Stigma of BirthMoms Imagine in your head the type of woman who places a child in the adoption system. She’s probably an ethnic minority, poor, from the rough part of town, extremely young, probably unsure of who the father is. These are stereotypes, but they are based on frequent truths.
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“There are no programs for these women. Nothing. Zero,” Stacy says. They just place their baby, and go home. Stacy will tell you that these women are the real heroes, though. Try changing your perspective a slight bit: these are desperate women who made a very difficult choice to carry children in their bodies for nine months just to watch them leave the hospital with another family entirely. They didn’t take the easier, quicker way out. They chose to create something that can be greater than themselves. This is what Three Strands is seeking to celebrate. Get to know Stacy a bit and you can hear it in the verbiage.Children aren’t “given up for adoption,” they’re “placed.” Birth mothers are BirthMoms. Three Strands is based on the idea that BirthMoms need to be commended for choosing life, that the world needs to honor these women, as well as encourage adoptive families to include the BirthMoms in their children’s lives. Those are the Three Strands: BirthMom, Adoptive Mom, and the child itself. Like the Biblical phrase, individually those three strands may get overpowered, but together they can be strong. “I’ve seen my boys thrive, their selfconfidence is through the roof,” Stacy says. “We found strength in connecting with their BirthMoms.”
Little Bag, Big Difference It starts in the hospital. Adoptive families walk out with a new baby and are celebrated for giving themselves to someone who isn’t even of their blood. BirthMoms are quietly discharged, and maybe they have a ride home.
The women of Three Strands are changing that with special gift bags, chosen by other BirthMoms. These bags contain items such as sweatshirts (“When everything else in a Birthmother’s life is falling apart, she can have the comfort of a big, cuddly sweatshirt to rest in.”), John Maxwell’s “The Choice is Yours” (an inspirational book; Stacy was a Vice President for the Conexus Group, working with Maxwell and Dave Ramsey), an Origami Owl “I Am Beautiful” Necklace, and a disposable camera & gift card for developing photos (for the BirthMoms to document their time with the little ones before the adoptive family leaves.
who once parted with their children are admitting it publicly for the first time.
Three Strands began handing out swag bags in November 2013 and the idea is spreading, beginning with hospitals in Georgia and expanding as far as Colorado. There are bigger plans, too – Stacy is interested in opening a home for BirthMoms,where they can stay for a while after giving birth, rest and in many cases, rehab from addictions.
“We were pregnant.”
For Stacy, it’s a far cry from the desperation of that night in Oklahoma, when years of yearning came a doorframe away from realization. If that was the bottom then everything was truly upward for her from that point on: Two months later they finally adopted Ty from San Antonio, then adopted Chase two years later. She stays close with their BirthMoms, of course, offering support as well as access to their children they birthed. By the time they brought chase home, a funny thing happened.
Long after she had given up hope of naturally conceiving, a miracle arrived in the form of Josie, a little girl born to Stacy and her husband in 2005.
For now, it’s enough that strangers are lining up to help out, that women Published by American Mothers, Inc.®
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| Mom Strong
Mom Strong Single Mothers – Rollin’ in Their Roles By Pam Kanaly About The Author Pam Kanaly, popular author of The Single Mom and Her Rollercoaster Emotions, and nominated by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin for 2015 Oklahoma Mother of Achievement, Pam serves as founder of the national Survive ‘N’ Thrive conferences. Pam exudes with a God-given desire to speak of the mother’s worth in the home. She is President and co-founder of the national organization Arise Ministries, (www. ariseministries.net) having been featured on the 700 Club and other national programs. Pam resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, with her husband Rich, and is Grammy Pammy to seven grandchildren.
I love single mothers! With over ¼ of our homes finding single mothers at the helm, never has there been a greater time to come alongside and encourage these moms raising children alone. We all know the craziness of being a mom! It often feels like being a passenger on a rollercoaster with ups and downs around every curve. Amen? Yet, being a “single” mom brings on a whole new set of challenges. She’s the cook, the taxi driver, the homework monitor, the money maker, the disciplinarian, and all the while, trying to do so with grace and charm. In her rollercoaster of never ending responsibilities, the loop-de-loops of raising children alone seem to never come to a complete halt. No wonder single motherhood is hard! Though I have been remarried for over two decades, I became a single mother when my husband left me with a two and a three-year-old. Out of that season, God worked it together for good and birthed a national ministry for single mothers – Arise Ministries. We host the only statewide single mothers’ conference in the
nation- Survive ‘N’ Thrive, which now travels to other states. Over the years, I have witnessed thousands of courageous single mothers rise above the obstacles of being a solo parent by choosing to do motherhood God’s way, modeling well to their children, and leading their sons and daughters along the pathway of positive character building and integrity. Against all odds, many have watched their children graduate with honors from high school and emerge into adulthood landing on both feet, fully equipped as leaders and respectable young men and women. Single moms matter! Single moms can do it! I am passionate about these mothers knowing their immense value in their roles of being the only parent under the roof. Moms (not dads) have a unique place in children’s hearts to mold them unlike any other human being in this world. And doesn’t that make sense? No other force is more powerful than a mom’s influence. So you GO, single moms! You are a legacy builder.
Facts about American Children (2012) n 1 in 2 will live in a single parent family at some point in childhood n 1 in 3 is born to unmarried parents n 1 in 4 lives with only one parent n 1 in 8 is born to a teenage mother n 1 in 25 lives with neither parent n 1/2 of all mothers awarded child support never receive it
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2015 American Mothers Annual Conference
April 23-26, 2015 | Washington, DC
mothers eyes on the
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Join us to learn about current issues impacting mothers and families while networking with some amazing moms from across the country. We’ll honor and recognize the significant impact of the inspi-
“I believe God brings people into your life for reason. My weekend at the American Mothers conference God brought some of the most amazing women into my life. Each one of their stories made me a stronger and better woman. I know and believe that my story made a difference in their lives also. A door was opened for me that weekend and I promise you this is only the beginning. NO GVN’ UP.” — Sabrina Wisher, Montana Mother of the Year
rational women nominated for one of our national awards while talking mom with parenting experts. Back by popular demand, ‘the Mom Mile’ will take place on the beautiful Washington Mall. Proceeds from the annual fun run will benefit local efforts to end violence against women and children. Make your reservations online and Join Us!
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“The American Mothers National Conference was a wonderful experience and a really fun trip. I so enjoyed meeting the other Mother’s and making forever friends. I have become friends on Facebook with many of them and enjoyed keeping up with them and their families. We often send little notes of encouragement to each other. I would definitely recommend it and would love to do it again.” — Kimberly Jones, 2014 Texas Mother of the Year 23
2015 AMERICAN MOTHERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MOTHERS EYES ON THE
W RLD
AMERICANMOTHERS.ORG
APRIL 23-26, 2015 THE WILLARD HOTEL WASHINGTON DC