H
igh heels, lively stepping across
“Women make a decided
the presidential seal embedded
in the carpet of the Oval Office, have
difference when they come
been the subject of prime-time televi- to constitute 30 percent of a
sion dramas such as Commander in
board of directors, executive
Chief, starring Gina Davis, and 24, fea-
turing Cherry Jones as President Allison
management, political body
Taylor. Although life didn’t imitate art
or any organization. [That’s
on January 20, half of the world’s popu-
lation inherited a new dream when the
the] tipping point....”
two-year campaign trail to the White
House gave New York Senator Hillary marks Raderstorf. “In a global economy,
Clinton an opportunity to showcase her all children’s well-being is connected.”
political talents. Members point out that children around
“Hillary left us with an indel- the world breathe the same air, eat fish
ible image, a knowing that anything from the same ocean and live as neigh-
is possible and a green light to put bors. “It’s time,” she says, “to measure
our courage and commitment to use the true impact of our political and
in leading the way on issues that we personal choices by how they affect
passionately believe in,” says Joellen children everywhere.”
Raderstorf, one of four Mothers Acting
Up founders. Acting Now
for Future Genera-
Raderstorf tions Jean Shinoda
and three friends Bolen, a psychiatrist
gathered around and author of The
her kitchen table in Millionth Circle
2002 to share their and Urgent Mes-
passion for making Jean Shinoda Bolen sage from Mother:
a difference in the Gather the Women,
Joellen Raderstorf
lives of the world’s Save the World, shares Raderstorf’s
children. “We had concern about the need for women to
just returned from Washington, D.C., speak up and take action. “The dor-
where our state senator informed us mant power of women together is the
that, due to a tax cut, we would not untapped resource needed by human-
have funding for our community pro- ity and the planet,” emphasizes the
grams,” says Raderstorf. Jungian analyst. “Every woman’s voice
The four mothers realized they is needed, particularly those interested
needed to gather women like them- in keeping the premises safe for all, as
selves to advocate on behalf of chil- well as those concerned for children’s
dren. “It was clear to us,” explains needs and development.”
Raderstorf, “that we needed many more Bolen’s experience affirms that the
voices to speak out for the well-being qualifications to forward change come
of our global family.” Within weeks naturally to women. These include the
Mothers Acting Up, an Internet-based, ability to manage resources, resolve
nonprofit organization, was born. conflicts, work collaboratively, ask World, women like those in Moth-
Understanding that change will not questions, listen and learn from the ers Acting Up, who organize on the
occur without their courage, commit- experience of others, and act with com- grassroots level in their communities
ment and activism continues to inspire passion for the benefit of all, includ- and beyond, are change agents for a
the organized effort that now affords ing generations to better future. She points to research
mothers in 49 states and 23 countries come. conducted by Rutgers University’s
a say in corporate and public poli- In the eyes of Center for American Women and Poli-
cies that affect the world our children Linda Tarr-Whelan, tics, which demonstrates the benefits
will inherit. “We felt in our hearts that author of Women of empowering women in leadership
women must unite to mobilize their Lead the Way: Your capacities.
political strength, in order to ensure the Guide to Stepping “Women make a decided differ-
health, education and safety of every Up to Leadership ence when they come to constitute 30
child, not just a privileged few,” re-
Linda Tarr-Whelan
and Changing the percent of a board of directors,
May 2009 37
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