“It’s time to move the apostrophe so that it becomes not just Mother’s Day honoring a single mother but Mothers’ Day, an occasion to try and help mothers around the globe as well.”
-Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times
Mothers’ Day Movement (MDM) was founded by a small group of women who believe in making a difference for women around the globe. We were inspired by Half the Sky, a book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, which chronicles the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. We know that, with support, women become empowered and their lives, the lives of their children and of their communities are forever change
LET’S SHIFT THE SPENDING
We were shocked to learn that in the US nearly $14 billion is spent on frivolous gifts for mothers like flowers and candy. We thought about how that money could be spent in more impactful ways, to help mothers and children in need; doing things like bringing clean running water into the homes of more than two million Americans living without it. We realized that if we shift the spending on Mothers’ Day, we should both make a huge difference in people’s lives and honor our deserving mothers at the same time.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Our 11th campaign beneficiary is DigDeep, a human rights non-profit working to ensure that every American has clean, running water forever. More than 2.2 million Americans still don’t have running water or basic plumbing, like a flush toilet. 44 million more don’t have clean water that’s safe to drink.
WE ARE MOTHERS HELPING MOTHERS
Honor the long line of mothers who have taught you that a generosity, even in small amounts can change a person’s life.
HOW WILL YOUR GIFT HELP?
Please join us in our campaign this year to support DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project which has been working to address water access on the Navajo Nation since 2011, where over 30% of residents live without running water at home. Women disproportionately shoulder this burden, as they are most often responsible for hauling water, caring for family members, and managing the home. COVID-19 exacerbated the risks for the large number of multigenerational families living without running water, hindering sanitation and handwashing.
POST, SHARE, AND DECLARE
Using our custom #MAKEMOTHERSDAYMATTER frames, create a special photo and share on social media in a celebratory declaration by thanking all of the mothers in your life and beyond who worked hard every day to nurture, teach, and empower you personally as well as in your community.
OUR MOTHERS, OUR COMMUNITY, OUR FUTURE
This is our chance to shift the spending on Mothers’ Day to bringing help to women, children and communities who need it now.
