The Truth Is… Politics and Parenting go Hand in Hand.
If you know anything about me, you know I’ve always been active in local and non-local politics. Whether it was grassroots canvassing in 2004 just out of college, fighting for affordable housing during the time I lived in San Diego in my twenties, protesting gun violence and almost everything else since 2016, and now in my role as a Doula advocating for my clients; social justice has been a defining factor of who I am and is something that I am very proud of. However, advocacy work can feel very defeating at times because change happens so slowly, but it’s the people you surround yourself with who keep your fire lit and give you the strength to fight another day.
Kate Schumacher is one of those people for me and while I’ve only known her a few years, she has inspired me over and over again to keep on going, even during the most hopeless moments, of which, let me tell you, there have been many (IYKYK). Kate is a fierce mother of three, environmental protection superhero, GOTV champion, PTO Guardian of the Gold, and most importantly, she knows that not only do politics and parenting intersect, they’re also intrinsically linked. I wanted to share her perspective because raising children is hard but ultimately we all want to raise children in a loving, just, and healthy environment, all of which is attainable through advocacy work.
The truth is, I would follow her into fire. In fact, I have on a few occasions.
Kate at about 10 years old after she helped pull an oil heater out of a river.
How long have you been an environmental advocate?
I have been an environmental advocate since elementary school. My mother worked for a Watershed Association and I used to go to work with her and they had me run groundwater models and help prepare mailings about water quality. In 5th grade, I joined my first environmental committee. Over the years, my involvement has evolved and changed, but it's always been part of my life. I grew up in rural Hunterdon County and spent a lot of time on my aunt's farm --- those experiences have just set the tone of how I view the world and what I want to protect in our community.
I went on to obtain an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and argued with almost everyone in my undergrad about climate change. I am currently working on my Master's degree in Landscape Architecture and not arguing as much but instead learning how to implement the tools and environmental knowledge that I believe is needed to build a sustainable future. I see myself being an environmental advocate for the foreseeable future.
What drew you to this type of work?
In 2016, I was a stay-at-home mom and hadn't been very politically involved. I was hired as New Jersey's Field Organizer for a project to help parents feel empowered to be involved in the democratic process. I didn't have a lot of political experience but that position connected me with parents from across the nation who were advocating for environmental policies to protect children's health. It was really wonderful to be surrounded by other working parents and like-minded people. It was so fun to be in an environment that was empowering parents and I learned A LOT about politics. But the best part was, we included our children. We encouraged parents to include their children. We had postcard parties, we brought them to D.C. and Trenton to attend hearings and meetings with us and they were featured on TV and news articles with us. I realized how important parents are in the democratic process. Through my advocacy, I came to realize how important voting rights are to environmental issues and all of democracy. Since 2017, I have been in a leadership position with the local League of Women Voter chapter. I am still involved in local environmental issues as I am the current vice-chair for the Lawrence Township Environmental Committee.
Kate holding her baby Lucas, third from the left, at the New Jersey Chapter of the League of Woman Voters Centennial Celebration.
How did your work change, both logistically and purposefully, once you had children?
For me, having children made it more important to be involved in advocacy and politics. As a parent, I want to be able to talk to my children about the world. I want to show them that when there are problems or issues that bother us there are ways to help and ways to solve problems. Rather than sitting around and complaining, I think it's important to show them how to be involved. I think there are always solutions if people work together and that the first step is showing up and asking questions. Given the turmoil of the last five years, I know they will have questions when they are older. I know there will be a lot of hard questions. I hope through my contributions they will not need to question my position or involvement in our local, state, and national issues.
How do you encourage your and other children to care for and get excited about our environment and why is that so important to you?
As a parent of three, I meet a lot of small friends. I think I truly am a big kid at heart and I really love hanging out with kids. I ask a lot of questions and give kids an option of whether they want to participate. I think when we show our community and our children our passions and genuine interest it has a lot of impact on them. I try to be as honest as possible without being derogatory or mean about anyone else's views. Kids are mirrors and sponges. They reflect everything we put into them. I try to be mindful of what I give out.
Do you see a distinction between your role of mother and that of being an advocate for change? If so, what is the distinction, and if not, why?
In the last eight years, I have grown immensely as a mom and as an advocate of change. They both inform and influence one another. Both require a lot of patience and communication and at times, humility.
What are some simple things other moms can do to become active in helping to ensure a sustainable future for their children and grandchildren?
The number one thing to help build a more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren is to help ensure and protect our voting rights. Ensuring that everyone has access to the ballot is the way that we build our future. Science is on our side. It shouldn't be political, but it is, and right now we need everyone to help play their part. If you vote and always do vote, volunteer to help a friend or neighbor. Your one ripple can turn into a big wave down the road.
