Stop Bitching & Start A... Blog??

It's hard to believe that Activistas isn't even 1 yet.  So while we can't exactly have a birthday party for ourselves, the New Year presents the perfect opportunity to reflect and, natch, dream for 2008.  Truth be told, this time last year the idea to host a blog where busy parents could find information  - and each other - to change the public policies that fail our families wan't even on the very back burner of our proverbial stove.  Nope, we were just bitching (in my case, to pretty much anyone who would listen): no paid maternity leave!  expensive childcare!  underfunded schools!  ugh!  would someone please DO something about these problems??

So what happened??  S-o glad you asked!!  One night of communal bitching.  And during it, the realization that not only did we all have complaints, but that we all had priorities, ideas, and that there were enough of us to actually create change if we tried.  And for that, a big thanks to Moms Rising and a good friend for pushing the idea of watching & discussing The Motherhood Manifesto.  While I confess to being less than wowed by the film, it got us to think long and hard about how we could do more than gripe.  How we could, as the bumper sticker reads: Stop Bitching and Start a Revolution.  OK, so a blog does not a revolution make, but in my mind, information, inspiration and the personal connections we are making through Activistas might just take us a step or two closer to where we think this state, this country ought to be.

So when we look back on 2007, we are thrilled to have moved beyond mere bitching.  Don't get me wrong here, I am one of those people who thinks bitching is really, really useful.  Not just healthy for the one doing the bitching, but as a method to get at what's broken, what should be changed, and how it should look.  A few weeks back we asked you to share your opinions on what really needs fixing at the state level.  Your feedback covered some very important and longstanding issues, ranging from the high cost and (un)availability of quality early childhood education to wholesale state tax reform. 

Now, at the cusp of a New Year, the year in which Activistas (and my daughter...) will turn 1, what do we want from Activistas?  We don't have a full answer yet (can't, without you!), so help us, please, tell us what you'd like to see from Activistas in 2008 - what you would like to accomplish with us.  Info on the February 2008 legislative session?  Election info on the offices and candidates?  More get-togethers? Do tell.  Truly, truly we are all ears. 

Comments

[kiml]

A small thing, but we can start with the Oregonian. The past few days they've had front page stories on new laws/changes set to take place on the 1st. All front page stories, mind you. Except for the coverage of changes to employers making accomodations for breast feeding moms. That will be on Wednesday, in the Living section. Not worthy of front page coverage? I don't get it.

Anyway, great work here. I'm new to reading but interested so far. Keep it up.

[jess]

I would personally like to see Activistas publically support families headed by gay and lesbian couples. What is good for families is good for kids. The recent court decision to postpone the domestic partnership law in Oregon is devestating. This is not just an lgbt issue...it's a human rights issue.

There will be a candlelight vigil for anyone who supports domestic partnership (at a MINIMUM) in Oregon:
Wednesday, January 2nd, at Q Center with Basic Rights Oregon. 5:30-7pm.
69 SE Taylor (at Water Avenue).

[Lisa]

Both comments have got us thinking. I noted the O's story on single moms by choice on the front page of the 1/1 issue, and look forward to seeing the b-feeding coverage tomorrow. I am no pro at newspaper interaction but am working on sorting out an approach for us to do letters to the editor and interact with writers more on family issues. any and all tips on how to accomplish either are most welcome!

And as for supporting gay and lesbian parents, hear hear! I agree wholeheartedly and will post the issue & vigil tomorrow. Also, please see a past post on the topic: http://urbanmamas.typepad.com//activistas/2007/10/seven-straight-.html. Thanks for the vigil info & feedback.

[AT]

A tip for interacting with newspapers - get the name of the editor of the section you're interested in, or grab the name of the writer you want to pitch to, and email them. It can be that easy. Editors and writers are always looking for good stories. make sure you spell out why it's an appropriate story for their beat/section. Give the hard facts in bullet points or very short form. Make your contact info crystal clear. Think about what's most interesting, compelling, newsworthy, and why.