Mama Says

Mothers advocate to children every day. We encourage our children to admire wildflowers - not pick them - then talk about protecting the earth. We show children how to plant seeds in the garden, then cook together and connect the source of our food. We dedicate time and nurturing early on in our children’s lives, then teach them how to play well and model how to care for others.

Mothers advocate to community members every day. We volunteer in schools to build playgrounds or chaperone field trips to support teachers in providing a quality learning experience. We make suggestions to merchants so they can be kid-friendly. We donate money or time to a good cause or a family in need.

Mothers advocate to policymakers every day. We write letters to the editor so neighbors know what we care about. We call legislators when a bill or a budget would be good or bad for kids and families. We ask employers for flexibility in work schedules or doctors for the information we need to make health care decisions. We go to forums and read newspapers to learn about issues, then we vote.

Because of the collective actions of mothers and fathers, Vermont is - in many ways – an idyllic place to live and raise a family. Vermonters have shown how much they value things that are hard to attach a dollar figure to: close-knit communities, health and wellness, a culture of giving, wild and working landscapes, and continued learning opportunities for children and parents. Vermonters have always invested in their future.

Kelly Ault
Kids Are Priority One
(find out more by clicking on our Advocacy Page)