My Pledge as a Woman and as a Mother

In light of an extremely volatile Presidential election that concluded unfavorably in alignment to my beliefs and ideologies, I must continue to march forward and contribute to my country and my world as best I know how--that is to continue to spread messages I believe are right and true to my morals.  And I will continue to raise my boys to be the men who act & believe in ideals I can be proud of. With that being said:

I pledge to:

• Not excuse "locker room talk". C'mon guys, we can do better. Let's be respectful of women in public and private.
• Not excuse "boys being boys"....unless that means respectful boys. 
• Not excuse ignorant entitlement.
• Not excuse behavior because it "happens everywhere".
• Not excuse behavior because it's "worse elsewhere".
• Not excuse the abuse and degradation of women.
• Not.
• Ever.

I'm saddened by this "rape culture".  I encourage everyone to start thinking about what they can do to change it,  including the perceptions that many people have about women and rape.  It doesn't matter what a woman is wearing, what her job title is, or what her socio-economic background is. Women have the right to control their own bodies--to say "no" to any sexual advances and be heard and respected. If you are a misogynist and don't agree with me, there's nothing I can do to change your mind and frankly I will not even waste my time worrying about it.  But men and women who agree with me, speak out for the rights of women.  If you're a Mom who agrees with me, raise your children to respect women and reject the "rape culture". If you're a Dad who agrees with me, you have such an enormous power to influence your sons and empower your daughters to change the "rape culture".  Together, the power and goodness of humanity can change all the self-hate and gender bias that I believe is unfortunately alive and healthy in our culture today. Together we can reverse this appalling "rape culture" and instead live in a world where men and women are equal and respectful of one another.

In March of 2016, I wrote a post entitled  Raising My Boys in a Consent Culture that I'm sharing again. I'm proud and stand by the same message today & always.

Because I feel it's important to share, here are some pro-women organizations that need your support during these uncertain times:
Center for Reproductive Rights
Emily's List 
Naral Pro-Choice America
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Organization for Women
National Women's Law Center
New York Alliance Against Sexual Assault
Planned Parenthood
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Reproductive Health Access Project
Running Start
She Should Run

Source: Jezebel

I don't specifically endorse any particular one of these organizations. I do, however, encourage anyone and everyone who feels disenfranchised by the  results of the current election to never give up on the power of your voice.  Continue to support those organizations and groups that you believe fight for YOU. Research their cause then volunteer, send donations, spread awareness etc. etc.  Keep up the fight for civil rights and gender equality.  The opposite side may never give up their position, so we must not also.