Activism and a toddler

[spinach]

I have a question for you activist mammas:

How do you balance life with a toddler/children with getting out there to make a difference? I'm trying to get a good balance in my life but it seems like so many things are falling by the wayide. I haven't acted on my beliefs much since college (other than spreading the veg word to anyone with the slightest curiosity and donating money). After Paul Wellstone died, I decided I had to become ACTIVE. Here I am, months later, and sometimes I can barely manage getting dinner on the table let alone volunteering, etc. How do you do it?

[Tigerchild]

Here's how I keep up:

*Letter writing (real ones, not the form letters organizations send out)
*Phone calls
*Donations
*Posting flyers around town when I'm out on errands anyway
*Envelope stuffing
*Helping to answer correspondance at home
*Coordinating activities by email or phone, even if I can't be physically present

I normally choose a group/candidate/organization that I want to get involved with, call them, explain my limitations and then ask them how I can help. I have yet to find one that won't put me to good use. In fact, I have been told more than once that all this 'behind the scenes' work can be even more important than walking the beat (because nobody wants to do it, most of the time) AND I have found myself increasingly more informed about what's going on than some of the people I know who primarily just show up at rallies, ect.

I *highly* recommend contacting groups/candidates though. It's always nice to build contacts into your network, and if you do decide at a later date that it's once again possible for you to get out and do more face to face stuff, you will probably be able to do more exciting things and you will have already built a relationship with the folks/organizations that you like the best.

[hydrangea]

I think when it's really tough to get things done that even just wearing a button and putting a bumpersticker on one's car can make a slight difference. I know people have come up to me to ask me my opinion based on an anti-war button alone.

Also, small protests/vigils can be really nice with children. When we go to our local one, I bring snacks, sidewalk chalk, other outside toys. My girls love going and usually find other children to play with as well. There are several mothers who come with their toddlers in backpacks. Sometimes they are only able to stay for a few minutes, but every head counts, no matter how little time they are there. I know the people here like children to come. It adds a peaceful, life-affirming feel to the vigils.

[Joyce in the mts.]

Hey...one thing you can do for our world is to continue to do what you do, raising a loving, balanced and good person who will, by virtue of your example, cultivate awareness and work act on strong ideals and convictions.

Meanwhile...I think the advice and ideas of those posting before me, is all good and wise. I can't add to them.

My babies are grown but I understand that being involved is important to you. Let it be enough to feel good, yet not so much that you feel overwhelmed. Start small and add bits as you can.

That's all I can say...sorry it's not so wise or really profound...I just want to encourage you and send you my support...Joyce in the mts.