blockrockers:

Who would’ve known that becoming a mom could turn you into an activist? Elisa Batista became a vocal advocate for clean air in the Latino community after having kids. The “Mama Bear” in her came out, Elisa says. Her instinct to protect future generations from the harmful effects of air pollution inspired her to educate her community about how they’re disproportionately affected by pollution.

A savvy social media activist and blogger, Elisa uses writing as a tool to educate and empower her community to make sure that their voices are heard louder than that of corporations. She also shows up at city council meetings with her kids, making sure her family is on the front lines when a plant is polluting in her neighborhood. In 2005, she helped to launch Mother Talkers, a progressive parenting blog with her partners. In her free time, this powerhouse mom runs half-marathons and is planning on running a full one soon!

She’s won many awards but, Elisa attributes her success to her humble beginnings, to her upbringing by her Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrant parents. Elisa reminds us not to underestimate the power of others (and social media) to be powerful sources of change!

You can check out her award-winning bilingual blogs at MotherTalkers.com, MomsRising.org and MomsCleanAirForce.org. 

blockrockers: Who would’ve known that becoming a mom could turn you into an activist? Elisa Batista became a vocal advocate for clean air in the Latino community after having kids. The “Mama Bear” in her came out, Elisa says. Her instinct to protect future generations from the harmful effects of air pollution inspired her to educate her community about how they’re disproportionately affected by pollution. A savvy social media activist and blogger, Elisa uses writing as a tool to educate and empower her community to make sure that their voices are heard louder than that of corporations. She also shows up at city council meetings with her kids, making sure her family is on the front lines when a plant is polluting in her neighborhood. In 2005, she helped to launch Mother Talkers, a progressive parenting blog with her partners. In her free time, this powerhouse mom runs half-marathons and is planning on running a full one soon! She’s won many awards but, Elisa attributes her success to her humble beginnings, to her upbringing by her Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrant parents. Elisa reminds us not to underestimate the power of others (and social media) to be powerful sources of change! You can check out her award-winning bilingual blogs at MotherTalkers.com, MomsRising.org and MomsCleanAirForce.org.  High-res

Kids miss more school when people smoke in the house

Smoking doesn’t just harm kids’ health — it also may lower their performance in school and cost their families money.

http://lat.ms/badsmoke

Evenflo breastfeeding ad irks mommy bloggers

via Best for Babes Foundation, “The offensive videos are now marked as “private” and unviewable; still no apology from Evenflo Baby. You moms are powerful, you are getting attention of the media! Check it out …”

http://bit.ly/evenflobf

Parenting 104: Week 2:  The Same…But Different

by Heidi Green

Max sleeps (a lot). He nurses (often). He cries—typically, when there is a diaper to be changed or a burp to be released. He needs constant care, but he doesn’t do much yet. In these ways, he is very like his siblings were and, of course, like most other newborns.

But there are differences, too.

http://bit.ly/maxweek2

Parenting 104: Week 2:  The Same…But Different by Heidi Green Max sleeps (a lot). He nurses (often). He cries—typically, when there is a diaper to be changed or a burp to be released. He needs constant care, but he doesn’t do much yet. In these ways, he is very like his siblings were and, of course, like most other newborns. But there are differences, too. http://bit.ly/maxweek2