Latest from guest blogger Taryn Skees on, “On Motherhood and Politics”
Posted by Catherine on February 15, 2012
On Motherhood and Politics
As an active member of the Friends of the House – a group of young professionals dedicated to impacting the community and the families served by Ronald McDonald Charities – I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the CEO and Editor-In-Chief of the Texas Tribune, Evan Smith. He discussed his passion for journalism, specifically related to non-partisan politics and civic engagement. His impressive resume includes climbing the ladder to the top position at Texas Monthly Magazine prior to branching out and starting the Tribune.
I’ll admit, I’ve never gotten into the nitty gritty of politics; beyond serving on my high school’s student council or registering to vote (and, of course, exercising that right), I haven’t had much experience in the political realm. And although my interest in invoking change has waxed and waned throughout the years, it wasn’t until I became a mom that life circumstances impacting my children has re-ignited that spark. I have a son with special needs and another who will be entering the world of public education this fall. And recently, our peaceful, safe community was rocked by a sex offender taking up residence just two lots away from the local elementary school. If that’s not enough to get my wheels going I don’t know what is.
I find myself researching health care reform and state legislature related to ensuring my child receives all the benefits he’s entitled to because of his medical diagnosis. I’ve scoured the web reading up on state budget cuts for public schools to learn how it will impact my children’s quality of education.
As for our lovely new neighbor – his presence has definitely sparked action within our community. We are more vigilant. We have been forced to have that difficult talk about sexual predators with our children. And we are now taking steps to enact change at the state level that would prevent this guy from living in such close proximity to schools, parks, etc. Because this man is a lifetime registrant - for a child pornography offense, no less – he is no longer on probation which means he has zero restrictions placed on him. He can live in a home where he can literally see and hear the kids at school from his driveway, and has the freedom to use all of the neighborhood amenities including the pool and parks. As a mother this just doesn’t sit right with me and I’m determined to do something about it. [To find out if any sex offenders live in your area, visit the National Sex Offender Registry.
Whatever your political beliefs, have you found that your civic engagement has increased since becoming a mom? Or if you’ve always been into politics, how have your views been strengthened or changed by motherhood?
Taryn blogs about her family, motherhood and everything in between at www.moreskeesplease.com. You can read more about her here. You can also connect with Taryn on Twitter and Facebook.
