Most afternoons around 3 o'clock I find myself in the pick-up line at school. Yesterday afternoon I found myself standing in the security line to enter the Indiana Statehouse. Most afternoons I have an appointment with the stove, or maybe with some little person that needs their bottom wiped. Yesterday afternoon I had an appointment with the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana, Becky Skillman. So you could say that yesterday wasn't your typical afternoon for me, but it was very, very cool.
Lt. Governor Skillman wanted to meet with Hoosier Mom Bloggers, and so thanks to the efforts of her press secretary, Rachel Sorvig, and Cheri Lowe, one of Indiana's true blogging treasures, 27 of us from around the state sat in her office and had a chance to say whatever was on our minds. Needless to say, an hour wasn't nearly enough time for all of us to share our stories, concerns, and questions from our readers. But speaking for myself, I was so grateful that the Lt. Governor took time out of her busy schedule to listen to us.
So often I think we, as mothers, feel invisible. Maybe we are so mired in the tasks of care-taking that we feel out of the loop on current events. Maybe we are pulled in so many directions that it can often feel as if we're just treading water, without the energy to stand up and make ourselves heard. Or maybe we've had the experience of trying to speak up, only to be shunned or ignored.
Casey (Moosh In Indy), Emily (DesignHERmomma), and Michelle (Gotcha Baby) doing what we bloggers do best: listening, capturing, and writing.
I found myself among a group of diverse women: stay-at-home mothers and mothers who work outside the home, mothers of children with special needs, mothers who've struggled with depression and infertility, mothers who've found themselves with inadequate health insurance to meet the needs of their families, rural mothers, urban mothers. We were not invisible. We were heard. Amid the varied concerns and questions that were shared, the final conclusion was this:
We, as mothers and writers and citizens, have power. We have the power of our vote. We have the power of this great online community we've created to rally behind causes that matter to us. We have the power of our words to make ourselves heard. We are most certainly not invisible.
For those of you who shared your questions or concerns with me, I will be contacting you personally to let you know what the Lt. Governor had to say. Thank you for your participation – it was an honor to represent you.
Sarah says
Love this post!! It captures the day perfectly. Thank you for writing it, as I’ve been unable to describe how the day ended up feeling for me. We’ll just pretend I don’t look incredibly annoyed in that picture *snort* Not sure what was going on there *lol*
Rachel says
Great post! I’m just glad I got an invite, since I’m a mom but I don’t primarily write about it. I really thought we had a clever group assembled. Possibly more clever than the ones gathered across the hall making our laws… 😉
Michelle @Gotchababy says
Good point, Rachel….
Michelle @Gotchababy says
Oh how I love your words about this day. And thank you for a photo of me writing and paying attention, not fiddling with my phone or blowing my nose! Sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat!
Angie Six says
You were just ready for some flaming cheese, that's all. So good to see you again!
Angie Six says
I think you may be on to something …
Angie Six says
Ha! You're welcome. We do *look* like a distinguished group, don't we?
Cherie from Queen of Free says
*CHILLS* girl. You captured that afternoon so well in so many ways. LOVE this post!
Leah @ Beyer Beware says
Great Post! So glad to see so many women given a voice. Look forward to more opportunities to get together again.
Emily says
Ah! It was a great afternoon, that turned into a great evening.
Briana says
Excellent point Rachel! 😉
Lisa @ Simplified Saving says
You summed it up so well! I had a hard time articulating how incredible of an experience it was. I just know that I left feeling empowered to change my little corner of the world!
Country-Fried Mama says
I don’t know anything about Indiana politics, but I think your lieutenant governor and her staff are pretty savvy folks. What a smart move on their part. I’d pitch this idea here in Alabama, but something tells me our lieutenant governor would not be eager to have me in her office.
Angie Six says
Thanks so much for helping to organize such a dynamic group!
Angie Six says
I was pretty surprised myself – Indiana is fairly conservative. I'm not sure how much will come out of it, as the Lt. Governor is nearing the end of her term and not running for governor, but you have to start somewhere. I'd love to see you in the Alabama Statehouse, though – so pitch away!
Becky Skillman says
I wanted to thank you for coming to the Statehouse. This is the first time I’ve done a roundtable like this, but I’m glad I did. If ever I needed a group of advisers, I certainly have a group of knowledgeable, clever and creative women to call upon.
Angie – I am glad we can claim you as a Hoosier. Please continue to write as you inspire moms in your hometown and here in Indiana.
Becky Skillman
Angie Six says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Becky, and even more for giving us your time and your ear. It was such a pleasure meeting you.