Guest Post from MomsRising Parent Leader, Lorie Stewart

A Letter to Anyone New to the MomsRising Movement:

Welcome to MomsRising!

I’m so excited you’re here. Whether you’re brand new to MomsRising or just considering joining, I want to encourage you: jump in, get engaged, and discover the incredible power you already have to create BIG change in your community, your state, and even your country.

I joined MomsRising in 2023 as a Washington State MomsForce Fellow, and it has been life-changing. The fellows in my cohort became mentors and friends. Through this work, I discovered my own power as a tax-paying, voting citizen. I’ve met with lawmakers, watched bills get passed at the Capitol, and most importantly, learned how to use my voice to educate, advocate, and guide others.

MomsRising gave me the tools and support to get involved. I’ve tabled at events, spoken with local lawmakers, and helped advance legislation. I now organize in my own city, bringing businesses together, building community events, and knocking on doors, because I believe community is one of the strongest forms of resistance.

Being part of MomsRising has opened so many doors. I now serve on my city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commission, write op-eds, and organize across multiple groups. None of this would have been possible without the confidence and training I gained here.

Here’s what I’ve learned: we all have a voice, and it’s stronger than we think. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of our power. I stopped saying, “I wish someone would do something,” and started asking, “What can I do?” Change begins with us.

Thank you, MomsRising. I am forever grateful to have found this community—and I can’t wait to see what those of you who are new to the MomsRising movement will do with us.

With gratitude and excitement,

Lorie Stewart
Mulkiteo, WA
2023-2024 Washington State MomsForce Fellow