Mothers do tremendous jobs in today’s world. She’s a nurturer, healer, chauffeur, teacher, chef, guidance counselor, supporter and provider. How about activist? On a daily basis, we do everything to ensure our babies are healthy. Whether it’s choosing health care, food or education; we surround our children with what they need to succeed. Today, more than ever, more and more moms are activists. The environment in which our children grow is constantly threatened. Dirty energy production destroys our air, water and food — the very necessities we need to survive.
Moms don’t have a choice — activism is an essential part of motherhood. And mothers are our children’s strongest advocates.
Everywhere I turn, I see mom activism in action. From the large reduction in plastic bag usage, recycling, rallying to know what’s in our food, petitioning to remove toxins from products, protection from dirty energy and waste, protesting for cleaner air, water, and conservation efforts — moms are advocating for what they believe will protect their children. From small scale activism to large scale, mom activism is making a huge impact in the lives of children around the globe. We are heroes.
This past January, I had the opportunity to attend the largest clean air rally in Utah’s history. Over 4000, young and old citizens walked to our state’s capital in protest. Clean air and conservation groups attended, and families and children were plentiful — united in effort. The rally was monumental, and our voices were heard loud and clear. Without a doubt, this rally made a difference in the actions of our elected officials and the outcome of the clean air bills in our legislature.
Ingrid Griffee, a mother and board member of Utah Moms for Clean Air, made her presence known at the Utah State Capital during the 2014 legislative session in attempt to speak with elected officials about Utah’s dirty air. Her heroic efforts were essential in the passing of clean air bills. And although the 2014 session is now closed, she’s not close to finished:
“I think lawmakers have heard us. Now we need to work with every tool our Constitution offers us as citizens and voters all year long in order to influence and shape the political landscape in Utah such that it favors the health of our children, rather than the bank accounts of big polluters.”
While I sit here, contemplating clean air mom activism, I can’t help but consider my own situation. In becoming a new mother almost 6 years ago, I realized just how important it was for me to be the strongest advocate for my children. That “mama bear” instinct kicks in at super speed the minute my children are threatened. Along with advocating for my own children, I hope by sharing Utah’s poor air quality struggle, I am making a difference in bringing awareness to the community.
This Mother’s Day, and every day, I won’t stop fighting for clean air until I’m satisfied my children are protected!