Support the Cause

Every time I've spoken to my mom in the last week all I have heard about are women's rights and gender parity. I had read the Kristof-WuDunn editorial in the NYTimes, but her AAUW book group was tapped to read an advance copy of the book, Half the Sky, upon which the editorial was based, and to discuss it for the Oprah show (turns out, they won't be on "Oprah," but their club's questions and comments may be used on the website. Way to go, Mom's book club!). And ever since she finished it, I have heard nothing but more depressing and gruesome stats on fistulae, prostitution, slavery, abuse, education, health care, etc.

And I think it's wonderful! Mom is so passionate, so inspired, that her book club is organizing to research causes, investigate organizations, and raise and donate money, inspired by Lisa Belkin's article, "The Power of the Purse," on women and philanthropy, one of several in the special issue of the Times magazine last week (Mom, recognizing the name, called Belkin "my friend" because she has commented on my blog here once or twice; it's sweet), as well as by the book. And these well-educated, well-meaning women will no doubt make a difference. I'm very proud of Mom and her friends for not just talking about the book but getting involved.

If you want to be inspired, read the book; if you want to help too, go to Mercy Corps.