Andrea, this is everyone. Everyone, this is Andrea. Yet another person I met online! Yikes, my online connections are beginning to outnumber my live ones. Step away from the keyboard, woman.
Andrea is seriously passionate about all the issues we tackle, and good news for us, she's ready to dive right in. She's pushing the mamagenda by writing, researching, connecting, you name it. Oh how I love that! So read on, mamas, because you may well be hearing more from Andrea. She's willing to roll her sleeves up and work for change, grassroots style. Contact state legislators with ideas for change? Sure thing. Attend policy forums? Yup. Strategize for paid leave? Natch. Here's what she has to say:
Describe your family.
I
moved back to Portland last year to reunite my family. In case you
didn't already know, grandmothers hate being far from their
grandchildren. I have been married for 8 years, but my husband and I
are really celebrating our 16th anniversary this year. I have two
children: a 3-year-old son named Julian, and a 1-year-old daughter
named Eliot. My mom, sister, and brother-in-law live in Portland, and
my mother-in-law lives here half the year.
Name one thing America is doing right for parents.
Well, this is a complicated question. I have traveled a lot, and lived for a few years in rural West Africa. I have seen what life is like for many of the truly impoverished children throughout the world. So, although we have a long way to go in becoming a family-friendly nation, it can be said that (most) our children and parents are well-nourished and (comparatively) healthy.
Name one thing America is not doing right for parents.
What's one parenting issue that really riles you up, makes you ready to work for change?
Hmmm. So many choices, so little time. I would say we need universal health care. It's time. I feel like a lot of other things are linked to this issue. If parents didn't have health care benefits tied to their work, they would have more flexibility in part-time work options (another issue that riles me up), and employers would probably be more willing to offer them. Not to mention helping all the parents and children who have no benefits currently.
Oh, and I should mention that food is a major passion of mine. Especially access to good, healthy, non-GM, organic (maybe even local) food.
Who's gonna get your vote for President '08 & why?
Barack Obama. Definitely. I think he has a greater capacity than any candidate in my adult life to bridge the partisan divide and build consensus on both sides of the aisle. I also think that he will represent a true shift in American leadership, allowing us to send a message of tolerance, acceptance, and progress to our friends around the world.
Name one thing Activistas could do to be a better place.
Activistas is a great forum for parents to connect around issues that are important to them. I'd love to see the site used even more to help organize the collective power of parents. Perhaps by helping those who are passionate about the same family-friendly policy issue connect to form a small (or large) grassroots group. I was recently involved in a meeting of parents concerned about paid family leave. Perhaps Activistas could provide some guidance to other groups about how to get organized based on the experiences of those who have gone before them. Even small, but organized, groups could be powerful in shaping the dialogue (and maybe even the policy) around family policy issues.
What's your fave thing about parenting in the Portland area?
I lived in Portland before I was a parent, and moved back after having kids. I was surprised by how kid-friendly Portland is. I guess I just didn't notice that before. There are lots of great community centers, museums, parks, hikes, and other activities to do with your kids. I also LOVE how much access we have to good, locally-grown and produced food.
And another thing!!
I too have a little blog. It's about eating organic, non-GM, local food. You can check it out at: http://locafour.wordpress.com/
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