Women as Leaders
Pulling Together to Secure Harmony on Earth
by linda sechrist
Since 2005, the power of media images has been stretching our collective imagination
and changing the perception of what is possible for young girls and women who dream
of using their leadership skills to make our world a better place to live.
H
igh heels, lively stepping across
the presidential seal embedded
“The future of the planet
it organization, was born. Understand-
in the carpet of the Oval Of- depends on women.”
ing that change will not occur without
their courage, commitment and activism
fice, have been the subject of prime-time
continues to inspire the organized effort
television dramas such as Commander
~ Kofi Annan,
in Chief, starring Gina Davis, and 24,
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
that now affords mothers in 49 states
and 23 countries a say in corporate and
featuring Cherry Jones as President Allison
public policies that affect the world our
Taylor. Although life didn’t imitate art on January 20, half
children will inherit. “We felt in our hearts that women must
of the world’s population inherited a new dream when the
unite to mobilize their political strength, in order to ensure
two-year campaign trail to the White House gave New York
the health, education and safety of every child, not just a
Senator Hillary Clinton an opportunity to showcase her
privileged few,” remarks Raderstorf. “In a global economy,
political talents.
all children’s well-being is connected.” Members point out
“Hillary left us with an indelible image, a knowing that
that children around the world breathe the same air, eat fish
anything is possible and a green light to put our courage
from the same ocean and live as neighbors. “It’s time,” she
and commitment to use in leading the way on issues that we
says, “to measure the true impact of our political and per-
passionately believe in,” says Joellen Raderstorf, one of four
sonal choices by how they affect children everywhere.”
Mothers Acting Up founders.
Raderstorf and three friends gathered
around her kitchen table in 2002 to share Acting Now for Future Generations
their passion for making a difference in Jean Shinoda Bolen, a psychiatrist and
the lives of the world’s children. “We author of The Millionth Circle and
had just returned from Washington, D.C., Urgent Message from Mother: Gather
where our state senator informed us that, the Women, Save the World, shares
due to a tax cut, we would not have Raderstorf’s concern about the need for
Joellen Raderstorf
funding for our community programs,” women to speak up and take action. “The
says Raderstorf. dormant power of women together is the
The four mothers realized they needed to gather women
Jean Shinoda Bolen
untapped resource needed by humanity
like themselves to advocate on behalf of children. “It was and the planet,” emphasizes the Jungian
clear to us,” explains Raderstorf, “that we needed many more analyst. “Every woman’s voice is needed, particularly those
voices to speak out for the well-being of our global family.” interested in keeping the premises safe for all, as well as
Within weeks Mothers Acting Up, an Internet-based, nonprof- those concerned for children’s needs and development.”
36 Collier / Lee Counties
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