Mother's Day: Fears, dreams, and hopes!

Today, I woke up to a happy Mother’s Day greeting, a cup of chai, cheesecake, and a bouquet of roses. ?

As the night moves on to make way for the next day, my heart is full of worries for the future of our children and there is fire under my feet to do more to make this world safer. We live in a complex world and the struggles we face here in the USA are unique, shaped by the social, political, and economic landscape that surrounds us. As a compassionate voice from a mother's heart, I share my concerns, hopes, and desires for our children.

The weight of the gun violence epidemic that plagues our nation is at the top of my worries. The recurring tragedies remind us of the urgent need for stricter gun control measures and comprehensive safety protocols, yet we await any meaningful change. Children deserve an environment without the constant fear of violence in schools, streets, homes, malls, and their communities – an environment that is truly safe and nurturing to grow and thrive.

• Every day, 11 children and teens in the United States are killed or injured by guns. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children.
• The U.S. is the only country among its peers that has seen a 42% increase in the rate of child firearm deaths in the last two decades.
• Black children and teens are 14 times more likely to be killed by guns than white children and teens.
• Children who are exposed to gun violence are more likely to experience mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Climate change, pollution, and the degradation of our natural resources threaten children’s well-being and the sustainability of our planet. The time to ensure that they inherit a world that is not only habitable but thriving is running out.

• The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere, as of May 2022, is the highest it has been in human history
• The climate crisis will profoundly interrupt the way we live and farm in the United States.
• The warming effect on our climate by long-lived greenhouse gases has risen by nearly 50% between 1990 and 2021, mainly fueled by a CO2 increase.
• Children, including adolescents under the age of 18, are often more vulnerable than the general population to the health impacts of climate change because their bodies are developing physically, which can make them more vulnerable to climate-related hazards like heat and poor air quality.

The polarization of society, the prevalence of hate speech, and the erosion of civility can take a toll on their innocence and sense of security. Children need a society that values empathy, kindness, and respect for one another, where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.

• There was an 11.6% increase in hate crimes reported to the FBI from 2020 to 2021. The most common bias motivation for hate crimes was race, followed by religion and sexual orientation.
• In 2023, the majority of Americans (65%) think the U.S. is more divided than usual,

The rapid advancement of technology and the extensive influence of social media without many guardrails adds pressure on children to conform to unrealistic standards, the constant need for validation, and the potential for cyberbullying. Children are growing up in an era where their lives are increasingly intertwined. They need an environment in which technology is harnessed for positive purposes, and they can navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

• In 2022, 95% of teens said they used some social media, and about a third said they use it constantly
• Last week, the American Psychological Association issued its first-of-kind guidelines for parents to increase protection for teens online.

The disparities in our education system are stark, perpetuating a cycle of inequity that stifles opportunities for too many children. The quality of education should not be dictated by zip code, race, ethnicity or citizenship status. We need a society that prioritizes educational equity, where every child has access to quality education, resources, and support to fulfill their potential.

• Students with disabilities often receive less support in school, and they are more likely to be placed in lower-level classes.
• Students from low-income families are more likely to attend schools with fewer resources and fewer qualified teachers.
• Students of color are more likely to be suspended or expelled from school, and they are less likely to be placed in gifted and talented programs.

Lastly, as a mother and a lifelong social justice and health equity activist, I long for a just society. The persistent presence of discrimination and prejudice hampers the growth and potential of our children. Working towards dismantling systemic barriers, fostering inclusivity, and building a society where our children are celebrated for who they are, regardless of their race, gender, or background is a dire necessity.

• 4.3 million children under the age of 19 are uninsured in the US
• Children of color are more likely to be uninsured than white children. 7.3 percent of?White?children, nearly 12 percent of Black children, and 14 percent of Latino children are uninsured as compared to 7.3% of White children.
• Uninsured children with common childhood illnesses and injuries do not receive the same level of care as others and are at higher risk for preventable hospitalizations and for missed diagnoses of serious health conditions.?

Reproductive rights of women are under assault. Access to reproductive health care and the ability to make choices, including birth control and safe and legal abortion care, is crucial for children and adolescent physical, mental, and developmental health.?

• Banning abortion in the US would lead to an estimated 21% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths.
• Multiple studies link legal abortion to increased high school graduation and college attendance.?
• Abortion bans in the?USA?will disproportionately affect women of color.?

Even though, as a mother, my worries for our children's well-being and future are profound, I am filled with hopes and resolve that together we will foster a society that values empathy, kindness, safety, education, environmental sustainability, and social justice where their dreams can flourish.

Here are a few mom’s and women’s groups working on some of these issues.

• MomsRising: A grassroots organization focused on family economic security, healthcare access, early learning, and other issues affecting mothers and families. Website: www.momsrising.org/
• National Organization for Women (NOW): An organization advocating for women's rights, including issues related to poverty, violence against women, and social justice. Website: www.now.org/
• Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America: A movement of mothers and families working towards gun violence prevention through advocacy, education, and legislative action. Website: www.momsdemandaction.org/
• National Women's Law Center: A legal advocacy group that works to improve the lives of women and girls by advancing gender equity and fighting against discrimination. Website: www.nwlc.org/
• National Partnership for Women & Families: An organization advocating for policies that promote workplace fairness, healthcare access, and economic security for women and families. Website: www.nationalpartnership.org/
• National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice: An organization focused on advancing reproductive health and justice for Latinas and their families, advocating for policies that promote access to healthcare and reproductive rights. Website: www.latinainstitute.org/
• National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF): A group dedicated to advocating for Asian American and Pacific Islander women and girls, addressing issues related to reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and gender equity. Website: www.napawf.org/
• National Women's Health Network: An advocacy organization working to improve women's health and access to healthcare, with a focus on promoting evidence-based policies and addressing health inequities. Website: www.nwhn.org/
• Moms Clean Air Force: A community of mothers advocating for clean air and addressing the impacts of air pollution on children's health, working towards policies that protect the environment and promote clean energy. Website: www.momscleanairforce.org/
• Moms Against Poverty: An organization dedicated to reducing poverty and improving the lives of children and families through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, nutrition, and economic empowerment. Website: www.momsagainstpoverty.org/