As we head into the Mother's Day weekend, we want to pause and THANK all of the parents, parent figures, grandparents and caregivers in our lives. We are so thankful for ALL OF YOU, and for your tireless energy for stepping up and speaking out about issues facing our families, our communities and our nation. We're honored to do this work alongside you. 

This week's top #5Actions includes our lineup of urgent campaigns around issues like family separation and protecting kids' data, as well as a special offer to give the new Keep Marching book to someone you love this Mother's Day (with all proceeds going to MomsRising!). We're also including a round-up of self-care tips from MomsRising staff, with hopes that you find some time to do something you love this weekend. Thank you for all you do!

1. Urge Amazon to Tell Be Clear About How It Will Use Kids' Data 

BACKGROUND: Amazon is releasing its new Echo Dot speaker for kids next week, and we're concerned because the company has not made it clear how it will use the information the device gathers from our kids. Parents know technology and information can be a force for good. We want our children to explore, investigate and challenge their world. But, as they do this, we do not want a record of their interests, questions and preferences being placed at risk. Join us to tell Jeff Bezos and Amazon to be clear about what they'll do with the data they collect, and how they'll make sure it's safely stored!

2. This Mother's Day: Give Keep Marching to a Mom You Love!

BACKGROUND: This Mother’s Day, help a mom you love step into power — give her Keep Marching! Women are rising with strength, resilience, and courage. We know what kind of country we want, and we're tired of waiting for it! Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’re inviting supporters like you to give the Keep Marching book to a mom you love (including you!), and support the movement that fights every day for moms and families. Make a contribution of $25 or more to MomsRising today with this special link, and we’ll send a beautiful e-card to announce your gift!

3. Tell D.H.S. Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Congress that Separating Children from Parents is Cruel and Inhumane!

BACKGROUND: Recently, the New York Times reported that more than 700 children have been taken from parents arriving at our borders since October, including more than 100 children under the age of 4. It’s cruel to punish parents who are doing everything they can to protect their children and to punish children by depriving them of their parents. Separating a child from a mother or father only leads to more trauma for all. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Join us in telling Members of Congress and D.H.S. Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen that we strongly oppose separating infants and children from their parents.

4. Send a QUICK Letter to STOP Family Separation

BACKGROUND: Forcibly taking children away from their parents? This seems to cruel to be real, but this is exactly what the Trump administration is doing to immigrant families at the border. In fact more than 100 children as young as one year old are being separated from their parents, and more than 700 children have been taken from their parents so far since October 2017. Separating young children is unspeakably cruel and inhumane. This is not who we aspire to be as a nation. Help us stop this by writing a letter to the editor telling Congress and D.H.S. Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen that we strongly oppose separating infants and children from their parents. It's quick, and we'll give you all of the tools you need! 

5. Do Something You Love this Weekend! 
As we celebrate Mother's Day, let's take a moment to celebrate ourselves! Here are some ideas for self-care from MomsRising staff!

• Light some candles and meditate for 5 minutes! - Sara
• Take a minute (or a few!) to soak in the sunshine. Get your vitamin D AND take of you at the same time. - Beth
• Spend some time outside by taking a walk or enjoying the sunshine while listening to your favorite podcast or audiobook! - Dorie
• Face masks! Or hide under the covers. - Gloria
• Lock the bathroom door and take a bath with a favorite beverage. - Erin
• Revisit an old project or hobby. - Karen
• Get some alone time! Us moms can easily feel "mommed out", so reclaim your time and get a few quiet hours in by yourself. Get a pedicure, eat some chocolate, or lay outside and read a book! - Donna
• Do something today that makes you happy. That could mean many different things, but feed your soul. - Sue Anne
• Meditate and go for a long walk by yourself or with a friend. - Ruby
• Go for a walk, on your own if possible. When my kids were younger I would put them in a stroller and go for a walk. It helped me and them unwind and decompress. If going out isn't possible, or practical, wait for a moment when the kids are asleep, switch off all devices, make some tea and read a good book. - Khadija 

Thank you for all you do and #KeepMarching! 

P.S.  Join us on the ground! Events coming up: => 

May 15 | MI: Child Care for Working Families Meeting with Sen. Stabenow's office, 10:30 AM, Impactful meeting with Senator Stabenow on the Childcare for Working Families Act. RSVP here. 

May 18 | DC: Moms Summit: Addressing the Needs of America’s Families, 8:30 AM In honor of Mother’s Day, Leader Pelosi is hosting this summit featuring national experts, academics, and Members of Congress discussing solutions for the challenges facing today’s mothers and their families. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner will also be speaking there! RSVP here. 

May 22 | PA: Lift Up PA Parents and Families Day of Action! Join MomsRising and partners to bring the voices of Pennsylvania parents to Harrisburg. We're reading messages from parents on the Capitol steps, holding a rally and press conference in the rotunda, and visiting legislator offices. RSVP here.