Increasingly I find myself using the phrase, ‘I can’t not...’ I can’t not speak up and make myself visible in service to what I care passionately about . . . I think we are all in labor in these times, needing to protect and bring forth life. What is it you can’t not do? - Nina Utne

The MAU Handbooks for the Movement are weekly engagement calendars offering tools, information, weekly actions and most importantly, portraits of people who inspire our own activism. The Handbook is designed to support our daily choices and actions. Buy Now!

INSPIRATION: Mothers* know the world’s children are suffering, but often don’t know how to nurture and protect them, or change the underlying conditions that impact them. Fortunately, there are millions of individuals already engaged in addressing and changing these conditions — inspirational, committed individuals — and we can partner with them. The handbook portraits are personal invitations to join a global movement that is changing the world. Nominate a portrait for the handbook.

EDUCATION: There is a profound historical shift happening all over the world: mothers are entering public arenas of power and speaking out for children. It is essential to have the information and tools to be empowered in these new leadership roles, to feel we have a legitimate political voice. Stepping into our new roles as astute political activists gets easier when you know what the US military budget is so, brush up on the facts and get ready to educate others (i.e. rant!).

ENGAGE: The next step is engaging with others in doing work that powerfully speaks to your heart. Take action on issues YOU are passionate about. For some of us, education for all is critical, for others it is fighting AIDS, TB & malaria, or ensuring every child drinks clean water. And for all of us, it’s not just attending to one issue but being able to respond to the myriad of issues that impact children’s lives — from environmental degradation to exploding military budgets. Visit the Web sites of inspiring orgs – partners in action – and find plenty of them in the Handbooks.