Dana Balicki, National Campaign Manager at CODEPINK (a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement), tells us what Mother’s Day is REALLY about. Do yourself a favor before getting carried away planning your Momma’s Day brunch, and pass this blog on to the important women in your life.
Mother’s Day was not invented by Hallmark, or See’s Candies, or 1-800-flowers. In fact, it had nothing to do with material forms of appreciation for your mommy dearest at all. The original call for Mother’s Day was penned by Julia Ward Howe, known for writing the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and her stance against slavery, who used her poetic gift to pen a proclamation against war, a call for women to gather together to “promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.” Believe it–the mama of Mother’s Day was a peacenik. If Julia were alive today, we at CODEPINK Women for Peace imagine she might be dismayed at the rampant commercialism her call for peace and feminine solidarity has become. We are all for appreciating mothers, grandmothers and other powerful feminine figures in our lives, but CODEPINK is bringing the original intent back in style and in pink (and to the White House.)
What more powerful way to celebrate Julia Ward Howe’s proclamation than gathering collectively for Mothers Day weekend in front of the White House? 3 years ago, we stood in solidarity in PINK as mothers, daughters, grandmothers, as women with a vision for a world without war- we haven’t stopped and we are bringing this powerful, peaceful message to Obama and Michelle’s door with our weekend-long gathering May 9-10 in Washington DC. Our gathering of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and peaceful allies will be taking a stand to end the occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine and war everywhere! You can learn more about the event here: www.mothersdayforpeace.com. And this isn’t just standing up for peace, this is a serious opportunity for some female bonding; with a late night fashion show in front of the White House, and a “manis and pedis for peace” circle during our Pink Pajama Party featuring Peacekeeper Causemetics. We would sure love it if you fierce femmes and radical dudes could join us this year to stand in solidarity with us, by either attending this event OR by contributing to one of our global projects below;
MOTHER’S DAY FOR PEACE E-CARD:
Be a part of our online photo mosaic for peace. Join us in saying, “We will not raise our children to kill another mother’s child!” by submitting a photo with that pledge. The photos – collected from individuals around the globe – will become a part to our photo mosaic Mother’s Day e-card that you can send to your Mom. Find out more here.
KNIT A COZY:
We are looking for a few radical knitters to contribute to a collectively-made 150-foot cozy that will have our Mother’s Day motto and will don the White House fence on Mother’s Day. You can contribute a knitted square or host a local knitting circle- we are accepting squares until May 8th! Learn more here.
You can read the original Mother’s Day proclamation here. We hope you will carry the message of HOPE and PEACE this Mother’s Day as we work toward ending war and creating global community!
And DO take a moment to watch our awesome Mother’s Day video created in conjunction with Brave New Films:
Dana Balicki is the National Campaign Manager at CODEPINK. CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects foreign policies based on domination and aggression, and instead calls for policies based on diplomacy, compassion and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence. Dana project managed the CODEPINK book “Stop the Next War Now: Effective Responses to Violence & Terrorism,” coordinated work camps in New Orleans post-Katrina, and organizes fundraisers, events, fashion shows–you name it–among many other projects with CODEPINK. She is currently based in New York City. Dana can be reached at [email protected] or by calling the NYC office, 646.723.1781.