FIGHT LIKE A MOTHER

The founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
offers advice for women looking to take up that cause—or any other.

When the tragedy at Sandy Hook occurred in 2012, Watts was a
stay-at-home mother of five older kids. Initially using her Facebook page, she
rallied other mothers to form the organization for which she has been
volunteering full-time ever since. In her first book, which she labels as “part
manifesto, part memoir, and part manual,” the former public relations executive
compiles a list of suggestions for would-be activists, including, “be dedicated
to the ends, but flexible about the means” and “be devoted to your self-care.”
The author focuses on the importance of using social media effectively and
“branding” a movement, which Moms Demand Action does with its signature red
T-shirts. The text veers between generic recommendations for (nonworking) moms
who wish to devote their time to volunteering and more specific insights into the
conflict between Moms Demand Action and the National Rifle Association, the
group’s primary opponent, whose “bluster and posturing” Watts finds repugnant.
While the author provides a few glimpses into her personal life—particularly
the challenges her frequent travel and commitment to the cause presented to her
marriage and family—for the most part, she stays peppy and avoids revealing any
details her enemies might seize upon. Some may find Watts’ use of terms such as
“naptivism” (activism achieved while children are napping) cloying and
statements such as, “activism equals organizing, and if there’s one thing moms
know how to do, it’s organize,” reductive. Others will find her chatty tone and
positive attitude inspiring.

While the book isn’t likely to change many minds, those who
share the author’s point of view will likely feel encouraged to put their
political views into action.