The tragedy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination is embedded in our cultural fabric: another moral leader lost to us because of his revolutionary actions. We can honor his death by remembering his life and legacy. We've come far since Selma, but have much further to go to achieve racial equality in our society. As the North Carolina pastor, Reverend William Barber ll … [Read more...] about Freedom is a Constant Struggle
Making Change
Give Them Free-Range Play
Someone once told me that mammals learn through play. When children run and play they are also learning. They are using their creativity, developing their self-confidence, building resiliency, increasing physical prowess; learning how to work in groups, to share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts; and honing self-advocacy skills. Play is the work of children and it is through … [Read more...] about Give Them Free-Range Play
The Voices of Mothers Matter
We often ask ourselves, as women and mothers, what we can do to improve society. Those of us with young children rightly feel overwhelmed by the prospect of any more responsibilities beyond our everyday struggles. For those of us with older children, however, the timing could be right for making our voices heard outside or our own homes. And, while social action is important, … [Read more...] about The Voices of Mothers Matter
Here’s How to Be Part of Giving Tuesday
#Giving Tuesday was created eight years ago by a team from the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City that has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back since 1874. #GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations in order to celebrate and e … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Be Part of Giving Tuesday
What is Ethical Shopping? Think Where You Shop
Black Friday shopping has already begun and special sales will be held on Thursday night, Thanksgiving. According to a recent poll, 62% of Americans think stores should stay closed on Thanksgiving so workers can have the day off. In fact, only 16% of those polled intend to shop on Black Friday. If you're wondering how to escape the consumerism of Black Friday and the holiday … [Read more...] about What is Ethical Shopping? Think Where You Shop
World Children’s Day
In 1954, the UN General Assembly first established World Children's Day in 1954 as Universal Children's Day. November 20th was chosen because it was on November 20th that the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). This year is the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the C … [Read more...] about World Children’s Day
Transgender Marriage: Home
National Geographic says that its ground-breaking special issue, "Gender Revolution" is about the "shifting landscape of gender:" "To a degree unimaginable a decade ago, the intensely personal subject of gender identity has entered the public square." The compelling documentary, Trans List, reminds us that our old assumptions about gender are dead. Plus, gender is reshaping ma … [Read more...] about Transgender Marriage: Home
World Food Day: Zero Hunger
October 16th is World Food Day, a worldwide event designed to help alleviate hunger by raising awareness. It is held on October 16th to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945. Events are organized in over 150 countries across the world to promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and f … [Read more...] about World Food Day: Zero Hunger
Halloween Candy Dilemma: Sugar
The costumes are ready, and the children’s energy is rising! It’s almost time for trick-or-treating! It’s a time to be imaginative and to let go and have fun. Does the thought of managing your children’s candy make you feel uncomfortable? You may be a parent who takes care to feed your children nutritious food, so Halloween may seem like an undoing of all your good intenti … [Read more...] about Halloween Candy Dilemma: Sugar
Strong Gun Laws Save Lives
According to Brady United, 97% of Americans want expanded background checks for gun owners. In fact, firearm deaths are significantly lower in states with stricter gun control legislation. Gun violence cannot be correlated with mental illness, stress, drug use, unemployment, or inequality but with poverty, dominance of working class jobs, and with the rates of high school … [Read more...] about Strong Gun Laws Save Lives