10 Ways to Help a Mommy in Need this Mother's Day

2009-04-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

The other day my son had a nosebleed. I know they are fairly normal in children but this one was a real gusher! Since it was the second one that he’d had in the last few weeks, I made an appointment with his pediatrician and was able to get him in the next day. While we were there, the doctor gave my son his regular physical and updated his immunizations. He checked him out from head to toe and sent us on our way with a Spiderman sticker.

As I drove home, I thought about what it must be like for a mother to be unable to take their sick child to see a physician when they are hurt, or to send them off to school knowing that they could be exposed to diseases and sickness because of the lack of a simple vaccine. I cannot imagine being unable to provide food and shelter for my children or having concerns about everyday needs such as clean drinking water…things we take for granted each time we use the bathroom, enjoy a warm shower or a nice cup of tea – or to stop a nosebleed.

But this is the reality for millions of mommies around the world. Instead of wishing I could do something to help these women, I’m hoping you’ll join me in doing something to make a difference in celebration of Mother’s Day. Check out the list of fabulous vendors below and ask your spouse, kids and loved ones to purchase your Mother’s Day gift from one of these non-profits whose goal is to give women the economic empowerment they need to make a difference in the lives of their families.

Shop ‘til you drop and make this a great Mother’s Day for women around the world.

1. Mary Fisher: Abataka Collection

http://www.maryfisher.com/abataka_bracelets_main.htm

Mary focuses especially on income-generation projects that help AIDS-affected women earn a living, care for their families and sustain their health. Her latest effort, The ABATAKA Collection, links women worldwide to their African sisters in a partnership of art, work and hope. Named for an African term that means "family, community, belonging," The ABATAKA Collection is an online gallery of intricately-crafted bracelets, individually signed by their creators. Designed by Mary and fashioned from distinctive horn, bone and gemstone beads, each bracelet is unique -- lovingly hand-crocheted by African women who make all of the profits from bracelet sales.

2. Thanda: Thanda Zulu Jewelry

http://www.thandazulu.org/index.html

Thanda Zulu was started in 2005 as a way to support South African beaders and fund the work of Thanda, a non-profit organization of Orphans Against AIDS that addresses education, high HIV infection rates, and high unemployment in the area of Umtwalume, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. All Thanda Zulu jewelry is handcrafted in KwaZulu-Natal by the women of the Zulu Beadwork Project, an income generation project that empowers previously unemployed women and offers them a chance to uplift themselves and their families through traditional beadwork.

3. Beads for Life

http://www.beadforlife.org/

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful bead jewelry, and people who care open their hearts, homes and communities to buy and sell the beads. The beads become income, food, medicine, school fees and hope. It is a small miracle that connects and enriches everybody in the Bead Circle. All net profits from BeadforLife are invested in community development
projects that help people work their way out of poverty.

4. Women for Women International

www.womenforwomen.org.

Women for Women International mobilizes women to change their lives through a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of women in conflict and post-conflict environments.

5. The She Market

www.theshemarket.org

The She Market, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to aid in the
advancement of women in need, and to support and promote the Fashion and Creative Arts Industries. We host innovative events centered around this mission, in an effort to help women achieve their best from the inside out!

6. “One Pack=1 Vaccine Project” with Pampers and UNICEF

http://www.pampers.com/en_US/childrens-charities-around-the-world

The Pampers "1 Pack = 1 Vaccine" program – a partnership with UNICEF – helps get these lifesaving vaccines to the women who need them. Here’s how it works: For each pack of specially marked Pampers diapers and wipes that you buy during the promotion period, Pampers donates the cost of one vaccine to UNICEF. It’s a small step but it can and does lead to big change.

7. HandCrafting for Justice

http://handcraftingjustice.cedris.org/index.php?lang=en&pt=c&p=aboutUs

HandCrafting Justice is a project of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. We work in cooperation with women struggling for economic justice and independence in the developing world. We support them and assist them in their efforts to create employment for themselves in order to provide for their families and better their lives.

8. Bridge for Africa Vital Voices Collection

http://www.bridgeforafrica.org/catalog/index.php?pageid=12

The Vital Voices African Artisans Export Development Program is an initiative designed by Vital Voices Global Partnership and supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. This program targets African women artisans who strive to build their businesses for the betterment of themselves, their families and their communities.

9. Women’s International Fund

http://domino-201.worldvision.org/worldvision/appeals.nsf/wilfund_home

It’s been proven that women are more likely to spend any extra income they earn on improving living conditions for their families. WILFund loans give women the chance to put their plans into action and create profit-generating businesses. They make sure their children stay in school, they buy more nutritious food, they seek necessary health care, and they give families tangible hope for a better future.

10. One Starry Nite

www.onstarrynite.com

One Starry Nite provides a retail outlet for selling items made by or partly by women in countries like Afghanistan and Indonesia – where they have little advantage. Providing them a means to feed their families and teach their children a useful skill, gives them the ability to change their lives in profound ways. It is also a way to allow these indigenous people to maintain their heritage while sharing it with the world.

Become a Change Agent

2009-01-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

I've been talking a lot about getting prepared for the amazing break throughs that I see coming in 2009. There is a since of optimism and enthusiasm that the whole country can feel. Everyone was glad to say goodbye to 2008 but I think we have all been waiting on this day - waiting on the inauguration of Barack Obama to really start again.

But President Elect Obama is right. We have to BE the change that we want to see. If we want to be in control of our finances then we have to put a financial plan together and have the discipline to implement it. If we want love this year we need to make room for it and forgetting the past. If we want a new career we have to prepare for it.

But what makes us uniquely human is our ability to change course. The power of change and genuine transformation is always within us - not outside of us. Thanks for the reminder, President Elect Obama.

Fun for Two

2009-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I had one of the best New Year's Eves ever! My husband and I decided to go out with a group on a catamaran and ring in the new year on the inter coastal. With a clear view of the ball drop to the east and fireworks to the west it was a spectacular way to bring in 2009. I also realized that the fun was not about boat but about having some quality time and plan old fun with my husband which can be scarce when you are a mother of two.

But it was a reminder that it is something that we both need. And that as a super woman I have the power to make a change. So I edited my goals to reflect more alone time for me and my man! And, yes that is allowed. Goals are there to guide you and keep you moving forward. I can't think of a more forward direction than to make changes that make my marriage even better.

"More alone time in 2009"! Corny, but effective.

Start the New Year Off with Order

2008-12-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

I thought it was very apropos that I start this blog in time for the start of the New Year. I've got lots of new projects in the works; lots of new goals for 2009; and lots of new people to meet and reach. This got me thinking about what tool I will use this year to manage our busy family calendar? We've got doctor's appointments, parent meetings, lessons, courses - you name it and it's probably on our calendar somewhere.

I've used many planners over the years, but this year I'm going digital. I am tracking my entire schedule using my PDA and using a focus notebook to work on my goals. However, I couldn't resist ordering the ultra chic and stylish Mom Agenda - an original day planner created for mothers by a mother. It guarantees to eliminate chaos. I hope to have the founder on the radio show -she is definitely a Superwoman!

While some tools are more effective than others, I think the point is to select a tool, personalize it to meet your needs and use it!! On your mark, get set, get organized for 2009.

Today's Superwoman

10 Ways to Help a Mommy in Need this Mother's Day

Become a Change Agent

Fun for Two

Start the New Year Off with Order