Micro-culture

I learned a new word last night micro-culture. A group of women have started a mom/daughter group to help create the village to raise our daughters. A theme that ran throughout the discussion was the desire to create a safe, nurturing environment where we can impart values and ideas that are important to us, and help innoculate our girls from at least some of the dangers we see ahead. This environment is a micro-culture. In my mind's eye I saw a bubble over our block, where things might look or be different than at school or parties. We talked about creating both a sense of gratitude and empowerment, as our daughters grow up in a very consumerist, very "perfect girl" oriented culture. We talked about letting them shed their school personas and roles to "just be", to create relationships not based on who is cool, and most importantly to help them keep connections to us, the moms, as they get older and life gets very complicated.

Oh, and my personal goal in terms of empowering young women.......I really want to help start a junior roller derby league. I love the idea that there is no body type best for roller derby, that most girls will start out on the same level (few people roller skate these days...more's the shame), and that it is a hard charging sport that lets you go fast, and have fun. Not to mention look tough in all of the gear.

I have learned a lot about empowerment and gratitude in the last year. And I am extremely thankful for all of the women and girls in my life who help me to be a better mom to my girls. I'm so excited to join with other strong, smart, thoughtful women to make a difference to all of our daughters. Here's to the micro-cultural revolution!