Mother’s Day is a day we honor the mother’s, especially our own mothers, for their love and devotion to their children, and in many cases to the community around them. For the past six years the mothers of Darfur have struggled to remain strong in the face of violence, towards them and their families. Many have survived and many others have died. Many have lost children, and many carried children on their backs across the desert with little to no food or water. Today, as the situation worsens, they face death by starvation and disease.
This Mother’s Day, take action to honor the mothers of Darfur, and keep consistent and public pressure on the administration:
1. Families: write an open Mother’s Day Card to Michelle Obama. When describing herself, she says, first and foremost, she is Malia and Sasha’s mom. The mothers of Darfur need our support, and Mother’s Day is the perfect day to honor their strength and advocate for their freedom to live their lives in peace.
Send a copy to the editor of your local paper and ask them to publish it, and one to the First Lady. If you want the card to go to a mother of Darfur, send the original to Stop Genocide Now. Here are a few examples for cards and open letters.
Addresses:
First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20500
Stop Genocide Now – The Mothers of Darfur
1732 Aviation Blvd #138
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
2. Mothers, sisters, daughters: In solidarity with Darfur survivors, read one or more entries from the collection One Voice: Testimonies of Darfurian Mothers at your place of worship or Mother’s Day celebration, with your family, or perform it on a street corner.
3. Everyone: On Mother’s Day participate in a global day of Fasting – water only or refugee rations.
4 replies on “Mother’s Day Actions”
Wonderful, KTJ! Thank you!
Mother’s Day 2009
Dear Mrs. Obama,
I understand that you are a mother yourself and care for your children very much. These women do also and need support for themselves and their children. Please help them as they struggle to provide for their children.
Sincerely,
Jake Weaver
Age 12
San Francisco
Mother’s Day 2009
Dear Mrs. Obama,
You have said that your children are your number one priority. Just like you, the women of Darfur struggle to protect and provide for their children, let alone themselves. I’m asking you to please help the people of Darfur who have no one else to turn to. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Zoe Newcomb
Age 15
San Francisco
Happy Mother’s Day to all.’-.