About EveryMother's Day 2002

The Origins of EveryMother's Day

We are a group of women living in Sherborn, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. We hold different political positions. Most of us are mothers, some are not. What we share is sadness, knowing that thousands of innocent people in many areas of the world are dying as a result of war— from injuries, starvation, disease and landmines. According to the International Rescue Committee 83% of the civilian war casualties are women and children.

The final words of the Declaration of the Women's Congress for Peace written in response to the events of September 11 eloquently summarize our thoughts and feelings:

"We...call on women and men everywhere to join together.... This time of crisis in our nation and the world holds an unprecedented opportunity. Let us build a nurturing, safe, and compassionate world for our children and the generations to come. Let us commit to the well-being of all people and the continuity of life on earth. Together, let us speak and act boldly."

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Julia Ward Howe worked for such an annual womens' congress to celebrate and work for the ideal of world peace. Our decision to initiate EveryMother's Day represents our effort to return this and every Mother's Day to its original intent: a day that goes beyond chocolates and flowers to acts of compassion toward those suffering from war. It is our gesture toward working toward peace in this troubled world of ours.

We ask that on this Mother's Day you honor the special women in your life in a new way. Please consider donating some or all of the money that you might otherwise spend on a Mother's Day gift to an organization committed to alleviating this suffering. We have researched many of these programs and offer four described here for your special consideration.