The Mothers Movement Online!

Updates: The Mothers Movement Online
Resources and Reporting for Mothers and Others Who Think About Social Change

December 2007 Edition

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EDITOR’S NOTES:
By MMO Editor Judith Stadtman Tucker

The Renewal of Possibility, and The Caring Society
"The Caring Society" seems like a timely topic for the holiday season, which -- when stripped down to its essence -- is all about the renewal of hope and possibility. It's also one of those rare occasions when we're prodded to reflect on our common humanity, and allow our hearts to open; to remember that joy comes from giving as well as receiving; to acknowledge that there is too much bad in the world, but also the capacity to do great good; and to act from the understanding that of all human powers, love matters most.

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FEATURES:

The Caring Society
There are caring people in every society, but not all societies are caring societies.
By JUDITH STADTMAN TUCKER

Democratic Front-Runners Pledge Support For Working Families
Whether through first-hand hardships or as media consumers, Americans are waking up to the significant risks of raising families in a nation where protecting corporate interests takes priority over the well-being of workers and children -- and, at least among Democratic hopefuls, candidates in the presidential primary race are taking note. (Includes side-by-side comparison of the candidates' proposals.)
By JUDITH STADTMAN TUCKER

Camping While Black
I've tried to keep these harsh realities from my son; however, in retrospect, I wonder if that is that wise? As his mother and primary link to black history, culture, pride and pain, I worry I am making a grave mistake. My biggest fear is I'm not fully preparing him to cope in a racist society and thus he may walk straight into harm's way.
By DEB PLEASANTS

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NOTEWORTHY:

-- Social Insecurity:

In US, two-thirds of middle-class families face financial insecurity (plus: related articles); Study finds one-third of Americans are downwardly mobile - risk is greater for African Americans (plus: related resources and articles); Poverty, racial bias contribute to overrepresentation of African American children in foster care


-- Work & Family:

OECD recommends work-life reconciliation policies for family well-being, economic growth; Stressed much? Work, money and parenting are major source of stress for Americans; Business Week: Can you afford to raise kids?; More news and commentary on work, family, and public policy

-- Motherhood & Mothering:

Knocking yourself up, post-partum plastic surgery, and other madness



-- Reproductive Health & Rights:

Candidates on sex ed, more about sex, and other noteworthy items on women's reproductive healthhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif


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ESSAYS:

By MONICA CRUMBACK
http://www.mothersmovement.org/essays/07/12/crumback_girl_plus_bat.html

Parentbling Magazines
I have a few complaints to lodge against the mainstream parenting magazine industry.
By ERICA ETELSON

He Gets/She Gets
We negotiate schedules and chores with general good humor. But will there ever come a time when we won't be keeping an internal tally, an imaginary score sheet of what needs to be done and whose needs take priority?
By SHANNON HYLAND-TASSAVA

Essays - we've got 'em. Check out the recent arrivals in the Essays directory:


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COMMENTARY & OPINION:

Through The Looking Glass
By MEGAN BEYER
I look like Hillary Clinton.




Mother-related Conferences/Call for Proposals

National Association of Mothers Centers
NAMC National Conference:
Mothers ’08™ – Thinking Beyond Ourselves & Beyond Today
April 4-6, 2008, Hauppauge, NY
http://www.mothersmovement.org/get_active/active.htm#mothers08

NOW Foundation
Institute of Women's Policy Research
National Council of Negro Women
Summit on Economic Justice for Women
April 11-12, 2008, Atlanta, Georgia

Association for Research on Mothering (ARM)
MAMAPALOOZA
Performing Feminist Motherhood:
Outlaw Mothers in Music, Media, Arts and Cultural Expression
May 16, 2008, New York City
Call for submissions: Proposals due 15 Feb 2008

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MAIL:

The MMO welcomes reader mail

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RESOURCES:
The MMO Resources section provides descriptions and links to 100+ high quality reports and articles related care & economics, care & politics, family & culture, public policy reform, work/family issues, workplace standards, organizations and more… the list is always growing. Find the information you are looking for.

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SUBMISSIONS:
Please press 'send:' Submissions from new and seasoned writers are oh so welcome. Submit your essays, commentary, book reviews or opinion pieces for publication in the MMO. For more information, visit the submissions page:
http://www.mothersmovement.org/site/submissions.htm

Topics and submission deadlines for upcoming issues appear below.

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MMO PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:

The FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 edition will cover PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH: TRENDS & MOVEMENTS.
Deadline for submissions is FEBRUARY 1, 2007

The APRIL/MAY 2008 edition will cover THE MOTHERS' MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES: CONTROVERSIES, QUESTIONS, AND PROGRESS.
Deadline for submissions is APRIL 1, 2007

The 2008 EDITORIAL CALENDAR is now available (in .pdf)

Email editor@mothersmovement.org for more information.