tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42311152363253439972024-03-05T05:18:44.809-08:00Mamas & PapasWe are an LGBTQ family group offering conversation for parents and free child care for children 6 months and older. Parents of children 0-5 years meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10-12 and parents of 5-10 year olds meet on the 3rd Saturday from 3:45-5:45pm. Both meet at the LGBT Center at 1800 Market Street in San Francisco. .Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08284241194827224863noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-18959623260061876892010-02-22T11:47:00.001-08:002010-02-22T11:47:43.246-08:00RSVP for Mamas & Papas Events Here<div style="width: 250px"><iframe name="calendar" id="mgframe" src="http://www.eventbrite.com/calendar-widget?eid=569195479" width="250" height="481" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/r/ecal"><img src="http://www.eventbrite.com/s.gif" alt="Events" border="0"/></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-24527668863989780312010-02-10T17:51:00.001-08:002010-02-10T17:51:46.857-08:00Great News!<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Thank you to the San Francisco USD Board of Education for their unanimous votes to strengthen SFUSD's Anti-Discrimination program! <br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-62212227294946395192010-02-06T11:48:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:50:24.881-08:00Support San Francisco USD Anti-Harassment Resolution<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">(from Our Family Coalition- please forward to families you think may be interested)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dear Families and Supporter,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We are pleased to announce that Our Family Coalition has drafted a letter of support for the Anti-Harassment Resolution introduced by <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_1">San Francisco School Board Member</span> Sandra Fewer to strengthen the anti-discrimination and anti-harassment protections in order to enhance the learning environment for SFUSD’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students. The Resolution is scheduled to be heard by the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_2">Board of Education</span> <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_3">on February 9, 2010</span>. The letter has been sent to the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_4">SF Board of Education</span>.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sandra Fewer has let us know there has been some opposition, so we are asking that your families continue to show your support. Please come out to the hearing and have your voice heard.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The meeting will be <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_5">on Tuesday, February 9th, 6pm</span> at Irving G. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_6">Breyer</span> <span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_7">Board Meeting Room</span>, 555 Franklin Street, 1st Floor, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1265485625_8">San Francisco</span>.<span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We hope to see you there! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sincerely, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Our Family Coalition Staff</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">If you would like more information on this resolution please contact Julia@ourfamily.org<br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-71069508664885262872009-10-11T20:09:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:13:31.268-07:00Off and RunningHello! My name is Jolynne Holloman and I am writing to let you know about an upcoming screening of the award winning documentary film <em>Off and Running</em>, directed by Nicole Opper.<br /><br />The film will be shown at the <a href="http://sfdocfest.bside.com/2009/films/offandrunning_sfdocfest2009;jsessionid=BC2EBC182E4CE17623CD812C60097496">San Francisco Doc Fest Film Festival </a>on Sunday, October 18th at 7pm and we would love to invite you and members of your organization to join us at our screening! <br /><br />Off and Running tells the coming of age story of Avery, the adopted daughter of two Jewish lesbians struggling to connect with her African-American roots. The film follows Avery as she attempts to contact her birth mother, a choice which propels Avery into her own complicated exploration of race, identity, and family. <br /><br />On a national level we have been working with Family Equality Council but we've also organized great local benefits with groups like Our Family Coalition and COLAGE. Our Family Coalition will be an official co-sponsor of the DocFest screening. Off and Running is already raising awareness about LGBT family issues on the festival circuit, and we will eventually reach an even larger audience through our national broadcast on the award-winning PBS series P.O.V. in Fall 2010.<br /><br />Doc Fest is San Francisco’s premier documentary only film festival and the theatrical release of Off and Running in San Francisco in spring 2010 is contingent on the performance of the film at Doc Fest. If we do have a theatrical release in the spring it will be held in conjunction with a full week of panel discussions, workshops, and various community engagement activities that we would love for you to be a part of! Thank you for your support and we hope to hear from you soon.<br /><br />best,<br />Jolynne Holloman<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-13099066917543019782009-08-13T22:41:00.000-07:002009-08-13T23:01:51.649-07:00Changes to the 0-5 Mamas and Papas GroupThe 0-5 year old contingent of Mamas and Papas is proud to announce that our <span style="font-weight: bold;">4th Saturday</span> of the month meeting will now be held from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10am-12 pm</span> in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">indoor</span> play area at the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lilaguide.com/reviews/eureka-valley-recreation-center-playground-478459.aspx">Eureka Valley Recreation Center</a> located at 100 Collingwood Street between 18th and19th Streets in San Francisco. <br /><br />This group will be an informal playgroup; please come for as long or as little time as you wish. While no formal childcare is provided, the indoor space has age-appropriate toys and play equipment and we will all be able to watch over the kids while we chat. Please note: no food will be provided at this meeting.<br /><br />Several people in our recent survey indicated they would prefer a more informal play group experience so we could get to know one another in a less formal basis. We hope that this format will be to everyone's liking.<br /><br />So see you at Eureka Valley Rec Center on August 22nd and every 4th Saturday thereafter.<br /><br />(We will still meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the LGBT Center for more formal, topic-based discussion. Food and childcare provided.)<br /><br />(posted by Shelli)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-7583901814419889222009-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:002009-08-13T21:56:23.230-07:00After School Care(Posted By Grant)<br /><br />I am a father of an 8 year old boy. I found out 2 weeks ago his after school care program is moving and his school will not service the new location.<br /><br />Do any of you have suggestions for after school programs in the city? Is there a nanny share service or agency that will transport children from school to after school? I work full time and single so I do not have a partner that can transport him during the day and my schedule is not flexible.<br /><br />He currently goes to public school at Alvarado.<br /><br />Thanks for any suggestions.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-29246210771594479072009-07-28T16:44:00.000-07:002009-07-28T16:52:59.883-07:00Budget CutsI just read an article in the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/">SF Chronicle</a> about the Governor's sweeping cuts to HIV/AIDS services, healthy families, and the child welfare department - not to mention the potential loss of 100 state parks and other cuts.<br /><br />The impacts of these budget cuts will be felt by our families for years to come. No matter the make-up of your family, the effects will be real and hurtful to your or someone you love.<br /><br />I am not an expert on the budget. I only know what my gut tells me - and that is that our budget is being balanced on the backs of those least able to take its weight. Is this the legacy we wish to leave for our children?<br /><br />There are no easy solutions and money does not grow on trees. I inderstand that; but it still angers and worries me - as a parent, as a Queer person, as a community member. I wish I had solutions. The only solution I do know is to try to raise our child as a compassionate person who thinks as well of others as she does of herself.<br /><br />(posted by Shelli)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-63171848124626119382009-05-15T14:07:00.000-07:002009-05-15T14:09:20.759-07:00Your Help Needed in Alameda on MondayDear OFC Friends,<br /><br />LGBTQ families of the Alameda Unified School District need your help! On Tuesday May 12th the AUSD held a public hearing on the proposed supplemental adoption of Safe Schools Curriculum Addressing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.<br /><br />Although many from our community came out in support of the inclusive curriculum, we were outnumbered by those opposed. Because there were 175 speakers requesting to speak, a continuation hearing has been scheduled for MONDAY May 18th at Kofman Auditorium at 6:30pm. For more information on the safe schools curriculum please go to<a href="http://www.mikemcmahon.info/LGBTCurriculum.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mikemcmahon.info/LGBTCurriculum.htm</a><br /><br />How Can You Help?<br /><br />1. Write an email letter of support to the Board of Education. For a list of email addresses go to <a href="http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.alameda.k12.ca.us</a><br /><br />2. Join the C.A.R.E community. A website in support of the curriculum called Alameda Community Alliance Resource for Education (CARE) <a href="http://www.alamedacare.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.alamedacare.org</a><br /><br />3. Attend Monday May 18th 5:00pm a peaceful vigil in front of Kofman Auditorium 2200 Central Ave at Oak Street in Alameda. Wear bright tee shirts, pick a color of the rainbow and wear your rainbow ribbons! Bring your signs with positive messages!<br /><br />4. Attend Monday May 18th 6:30 pm the Board of Education public hearing held in Kofman Auditorium. The PRESENCE of supporters in large numbers is critical. <br /><br />Help keep ALL of our children safe!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Lisa Orduno-Arcia<br />Community Program Director<br />Our Family Coalition<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-18007785964372985792009-05-11T15:37:00.001-07:002009-05-11T15:37:56.625-07:00A family place to eat on Tuesdays<div>-From Kevin<br /><br /></div><div>Family Night Reinvigorated!</div><div><br /></div>"Come join Supervisor Bevan Dufty and his daughter Sidney and Kevin Wakelin and his daughter Hana at the Castro's Squat & Gobble restaurant for Family Night! This tradition is being reinvigorated so that we can keep in touch with other gay moms, dads and their kids. The only information you need to know is to join us every Tuesday evening at 600pm at Squatt & Gobble located at Market/16th Street. Please spread the word amongst all your LGBT mom's and dads. We look forward to seeing you all there, starting this Tuesday May 12, 2009 at 600pm. For more info please email <a href="mailto:kevin@VITALITY-sf.com" target="_blank">kevin@VITALITY-sf.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-69018166893144256812009-03-11T21:02:00.000-07:002009-03-11T21:04:54.329-07:00Handling gifts that don't reflect our values<div style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">How do you handle a situation in which a casual acquaintance (who is not aware of your views regarding appropriate toys for your child) gives a gift that conflicts with your ideas regarding an appropriate toy for your child(ren)?<span> </span>A neighbor recently gave my twins a set of toy guns for a gift.<span> </span>We don’t allow toy weapons of any kind so I quietly re-packaged the gift and donated it.<span> </span>Fortunately, the boys are still young enough that they forgot about the gift and never noticed its absence.<span> </span>I’m curious if any other parents have experienced a similar situation and how did you handle it?<span> </span>Did you say something to the casual acquaintance or did you just let it go?<span> </span>Did you let the kid(s) keep it?</div> <div style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></div> <div style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">Thanks,</div> <div style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">Kendall</div> <div style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-3584166034603610742009-03-04T21:00:00.000-08:002009-03-04T21:02:46.615-08:00Theater for Young PeopleThe play, "Anansi the Clever Spider" is playing at the New Conservatory Theater Center (NCTC) this week-end and next. Tickets are normally $10 for kids and $15 for adults but we found them for free on <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:events@goldstar.com" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc1103.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=events@goldstar.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1236229147_0">events@goldstar.com</span></a> or <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.goldstar.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1236229147_1">www.goldstar.com</span></a> There is actually a $3.50 or $4.50 per ticket service charge but it's still a good deal. We saw the NCTC production of "<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1236229147_2">The Wizard of Oz</span>" a few months ago and it was really fun. The cast and crew are all young people -- teenagers, I think. They are definitely not high gloss productions but they are clever and fun, the kids are talented and our 5 year old loved the production we saw (in fact, she went back the next day to see it again). It is a good group to support, too...so get your <span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1236229147_3">cheap tickets</span>, then donate whatever extra you can afford when you get to the theater.<br /><br />(posted by Michael)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-13301110825852576722009-02-20T22:18:00.000-08:002009-02-20T22:36:04.706-08:00Love and IntimacyThanks to all who came to the second Saturday meeting. A great discussion on love and intimacy was had by all, I think. Even with most of us knowing each other, the topic still brought out the shyness in some of us so we did a small "ice breaker" activity to help the discussion get started.<br /><br />This got me thinking of two things. First, how at ease I am in reality with discussing this topic with our child and second, what beliefs I want our child to associate with love and intimacy. So many of us adults have had to un-learn shame-based and conservative values when it comes to this subject. While I was lucky in that my parents did not saddle me with very much of these beliefs, I am coming to appreciate how challenging it must have been for my parents to accomplish this in a society that is so restrictive and puritanical.<br /><br />When I look at Sadie who is now 3 and a half, I can't imagine her turning into a teenager and then a young woman but I know it is sure to happen and I know that her attitudes towards her body and of love and intimacy will develop based on the principles we teach her starting now. By respecting her privacy, helping her develop a positive self-esteem and body image and by answering her many, many, many (!) questions in an age-appropriate and honest way I hope that we can provide a foundation that allows her to have a healthy lifetime of love and intimacy.<br /><br />I am glad to have the Mamas and Papas community to help me navigate these challenging topics in a thoughtful and constructive way.<br /><br />(posted by Shelli)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-82015015227042290822009-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-28T09:27:37.416-08:00Book & DVD Suggestions for parents and kids?I just attended my first Mama and Papa's group in SF and really enjoyed it.<br />I would like to suggest a new topic for the blog - Titles of Books and DVD<br />for Parents and Kids<br /><div class="Ih2E3d"><br />We were all sharing books, dvd's for parenting and education of our<br /></div>children and we all discussed how helpful this would be for us. It<br />would be great to open up this discussion as to what people would<br />suggest we watch.<br /><br />Lori<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-21444441240411730222008-12-13T17:48:00.000-08:002008-12-13T17:50:05.309-08:00Local Parents Website with an LGBTQ parent group<div>I came upon your blog and wanted to share with you a great sf parent website (<a href="http://www.cpmcbabysteps.org/" target="_blank">www.cpmcbabysteps.org</a>) where you can let others know about all of the events you post as well as about your community groups.<br /><br /></div> <div>There is also an online LGBTQ parent group that I think would truly benefit from your knowledge and expertise. It is free and non-profit so definitely take a look!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sincerely,</div><div>Britt Gerhard</div><span style="color:#888888;"> <div>Program Director</div><div>CPMC BabySteps</div><div><a href="http://www.cpmcbabysteps.org/" target="_blank">www.cpmcbabysteps.org</a></div> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-56602760820383607102008-12-12T09:03:00.000-08:002008-12-12T09:09:29.911-08:00Hannukah Party at the LGBT CenterWe invite you to join with Congregation Sha'ar Zahav and the San Francisco Jewish Federation LGBT Alliance for our 2008 “Latkes, Vodkas, and More…” event, a Jewish LGBT and friends Chanukah Party created by the Lay Leaders of both the LGBT Alliance and Congregation Sha'ar Zahav.<br /><br />“Latkes, Vodkas, and More…” will be held on <strong>Thursday, December 18th at 6:30 PM</strong> at <strong>The Roof Terrace at The Charles M. Holmes LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street (@ Octavia)</strong>, San Francisco.<br /><br />This has been a moving and challenging year, and our collective Jewish LGBT identified community is in need of a fun and festive Chanukah celebration. In addition to live Klezmer music to greet people as they arrive, there will be an auction, and a Jewish-Tzedakah-Style-candle lighting ceremony, and queer Jewish Burlesque! Participants will be entertained by some of finest LGBT Jewish entertainers in the Bay Area.<br /><br />Food will include hors d’hoerves, latkes, kosher chocolates, and jelly donuts. Soft drinks, beer, cocktails, and wine will be available for purchase. So come schmooze with us!<br />This is a 21+ event and tickets are available at the door. Suggested donation $18 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds). Event proceeds will support Congregation Sha'ar Zahav’s LGBTQ programming.<br /><br />If you wish to take advantage of onsite FREE childcare please RSVP ASAP to <a href="mailto:shelli.fein@gmail.com">shelli.fein@gmail.com</a>.<br /><br />To bid on our online acution, visit here: <a href="http://www.cmarket.com/auction/item/Browse.action?auctionId=77263068">http://www.cmarket.com/auction/item/Browse.action?auctionId=77263068</a><br /><br />(posted by Shelli)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-39218480666096765192008-12-03T10:07:00.000-08:002008-12-03T10:10:46.948-08:00Great Oakland Event..<div> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;">I think this is a great East Bay workshop to complement our January meetings on race...</span></span><br /><br />Peralta Elementary School Presents: </span></strong></span></div> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">Diversity-Unity Committee Workshop - December 6 - 2-4pm</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><div><br /></div></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><div><br /></div></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Tarah Fleming of iPride and START DIALOG is coming back for another cultural competency workshop: <br /><span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">How to Talk to Your Kids About Race, Class, Sexual Orientation. ..</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">and other challenging topics</span></strong></div></span> <blockquote dir="ltr"> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></div></blockquote> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">With all of the current controversial topics facing the nation and the Peralta community around race, socio-economics, <span><span>gay marriage</span></span> and other issues, this workshop will give us tools to talk to our children about issues that challenge us.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span></div> <div dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><div><br /></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><b>When:</b> <span>Saturday, December 6, 2008</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><b>Where:</b> Peralta Elementary School Multipurpose Room, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;color:white;" >460 63rd street, Oakland</span><span style="font-size:85%;color:white;"><b></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><b>Time:</b> <span>2-4pm</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"></span></div> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><p dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Light snacks and Childcare will be provided, so please let us know if you are coming!</span></p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><p dir="ltr" align="left"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana;">RSVP required; space is limited: Diversity-Unity Co-chairs: <b><a title="workshop" href="mailto:demarris@sbcglobal.net%20?subject=workshop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Demarris Evans</a></b> demarris@sbcglobal. net; <span><span>510.388.2832</span></span> or <a title="blocked::mailto:demarris@sbcglobal.net" href="mailto:demarris@sbcglobal.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></a>or <b><a title="workshop" href="mailto:mstamperkurn@yahoo.com?subject=workshop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marjorie Stamper-Kurn</a> </b>mstamperkurn@ <a href="http://yahoo.com/" target="_blank">yahoo.com</a>; <span><span>510.595.5884</span></span>.</span></p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-47626695403716004082008-10-07T21:50:00.000-07:002008-10-11T08:01:50.059-07:00More free activities[ETA]I forgot to mention that Acrosports' Fun Night is rather hard to find on their website. You have to go to REGISTER and then scroll down to the very last activity in the list and you'll find it there. I had to search for awhile before I found it<br />Unfortunately, just after I posted about their Fun Night, I opened my mail and had an invitation to the wedding of friends at the exact same date and time, so we won't be at Fun Night on Nov.1 after all, but hopefully we'll be able to join some of you Dec. 13.<br /><br />---<br /><br />I wasn't sure whether to post this or just comment on Terri's earlier post on free/cheap activities for families in San Francisco, but decided it would be more likely read if a separate post.<br /><br />Our 5-10 year old group met last Saturday, October 4, and had a good discussion of free and cheap family activities, among other things (we tend to also deal with pressing topics of the day, which is good). Charles made a list that I'm sure will be posted later, either by him or with Terri's future posted list, so I won't list those items here, but wanted to suggest an activity (while not free and only borderline "cheap", does provide primetime Saturday night childcare for parents with children ages 6-13).<br /><br />It's Acrosports' Fun Night, which goes from 630 to as late as 10 pm one Saturday a month, the next one being November 1 and then on December 13. It costs $25 if you register 2 or more kids (of any age) on the website (<a href="http://acrosports.org/" target="_blank">acrosports.org</a>) or $30 if no siblings, but that does provide up to 3 1/2 hours of Saturday night care and a lot of supervised fun for the kids. Parents must preregister online and then just drop them off with staff at the curb between 630 and 7, with pickup as late as 10. Our daughter, age 6, has had a great time, twice now, and we were able to have much appreciated adult time off. At the meeting it was suggested if multiple families from Mamas and Papas were interested and able to do this, it would provide a chance for the kids to get to know each other better outside of the short time at Mamas and Papas, in a fun, interactive environment. And if parents from the group want to get together for a social evening, that would also be possible. There are other places that do similar activity nights sans parents that perhaps others know and could post about, like at the Mission Y (for younger kids, too, I believe), I hear. <br /><br />Hope to see some of you on November 1!<br /><br /><br />(posted by Guy)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-80541760723827318332008-09-12T20:11:00.001-07:002008-09-12T20:11:32.652-07:00Affording the Bay AreaI just saw a report that of the 10 most expensive real estate markets in the US, 8 are in California. No surprise to those of us living in the Bay Area. Even though our basic living expenses are very high, I’m always amazed at the number of free activities there are for families. The October discussion topic is to share your family’s favorite free activities (Oct. 4 for the 5-10 group, Oct. 25 for the 0-5s). I’m going to try to compile a list of everyone’s suggestions that I will post here. In the meantime you can help me get started with the list by sending a comment to the blog.<br /><br />Here’s one free San Francisco activity to get the list started. The Eureka Valley Recreation Center is free and open all year round. It’s in the Castro at 100 Collingwood St. I’ve only been to the outdoor playground, which is very nice. Apparently there is also an indoor playroom that is great – a large room with tumbling mats and things for climbing, sliding, swinging, and riding, along with toys and books. If you’re not going to the OFC sponsored conference on Queer Families at the Center on October 11 you can join the Mamas and Papas 0-5 group at Eureka Valley Rec Center. Parents and children will be together for this event. Be sure to look for us inside.<br /><br />Terri<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-65312134699280610592008-09-02T15:20:00.001-07:002008-09-02T15:22:11.492-07:00LGBTQ Parents with Children ages 5-10 Meeting this Saturday<span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);"><div style="display: inline;" id="pastedDivNode">Just a reminder that Mamas & Papas will be meeting on Saturday, September 6, 4:30pm-6:30pm.<br /><br /><div style="display: inline;" id="pastedDivNode"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);">LGBTQ Parents w/children ages 5-10: First Saturdays at The SF LGBT Community Center, from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. <br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FREE Childcare & Dinner!</span><br />Please RSVP to lisa@ourfamily.org or call 415-981-1960.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);">This Saturdays topic is: Talking to your kids about the diversity of relationships and families in the LGBTQ community:<br /><br /><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><div style="display: inline;" id="pastedDivNode">The recent advances in marriage equality have brought a great deal of attention to LGBTQ families that can be seen as the same, but different - two adults deciding to make a lifetime commitment to each other, two adults deciding to parent together. The prospect of the present generation growing up with a cultural context in which families with two moms or two dads are just a given is heartening. Many LGBTQ families spill out of those boundaries, though - two moms and two dads parenting together, two dads and one mom doing so, two moms and one dad, single parents going it on their own, large extended families of affinity that offer the support traditionally relied upon from blood relatives, complex polyamorous families, families in which one or more parents are genderqueer or transition before or after becoming parents, and many, many more. Let's take some time in September to share our experiences and perceptions as families both inside and outside those "same, but different" boundaries.</div></span></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-34109023185507952212008-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:002008-08-14T15:05:16.593-07:00Meeting Reminder: Saturday, August 23 Meeting & Playgroup!Posted by Julia<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdkenterprises.com/coloring/circus/images/balancing.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://cdkenterprises.com/coloring/circus/images/balancing.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs083/1101400738818/img/232.jpg?a=1102204942645"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs083/1101400738818/img/232.jpg?a=1102204942645" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone. Just a reminder about next Saturday's 0-5 meeting.<br /><br />When: Saturday 8/23, 10am-11:30am (please allow transition time if your child is new to the Center's Kidspace)<br /><br />Where: The SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St., San Francisco, CA<br /><br />The topic will be: Balancing Acts! As we navigate parenthood, we have to make an array of difficult decisions. Some of the most challenging may be about the time and energy we give to involving the families we grew up in with the families we've made for ourselves - how much? When? Where are our boundaries? What are our expectations? And hey, can we just stay home in our jammies sometimes when we have some too-rare free time? Will Gramma or our child's favorite Uncle forgive us?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAmcst1RIig32RFQ5fmabVbrPK99xWw5ZIMevhWVr4dVlAFpbQUWCUydvLbJIvrfp5ZrpfU_Mk6D2rFN6u_AyEAHr3fqe4s9prjbdbLN_P3XCuxSiGkP5YJqxAe6oSa_f1g-EYlVGE60/s1600-h/IMG_0651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAmcst1RIig32RFQ5fmabVbrPK99xWw5ZIMevhWVr4dVlAFpbQUWCUydvLbJIvrfp5ZrpfU_Mk6D2rFN6u_AyEAHr3fqe4s9prjbdbLN_P3XCuxSiGkP5YJqxAe6oSa_f1g-EYlVGE60/s200/IMG_0651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234497675124755218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, something fairly new to the group, we now have post-meeting playgroups (12:15pm) at nearby Koshland Park (Page & Buchanan sts.). All are invited to join us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Submissions wanted!</span><br />Don't forget the blog is for all LGBTQ parents, families, and allies. If you have something you want to ask, share, get opinions/comments on, this is a great place for it! Contact us by emailing Julia@ourfamily.org with your submission.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-22693939378111008212008-05-10T21:39:00.000-07:002008-05-10T21:47:22.426-07:00Parenting questionsToday's topic was to talk about your toughest parenting quandaries. We talked about things ranging from how to handle discipline issues, to switching from bottle to cup, to discussing the pros and cons of using a gestational carrier. Most of our discussion groups focus in on a particular topic rather than the hodgepodge of today; but it was nice to be able to be "in the moment" with the parents in the group.<br /><br />I want to encourage our readers to submit your parenting challenges to our blog (mamaspapasblog@gmail.com) and we can start an on-going dialog. Parenting is tough work - let's not make it tougher than it needs to be by trying to do it in isolation.<br /><br />(submitted by Shelli)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-90379170283767850892008-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:002008-05-08T12:25:29.923-07:00iPride introduces SF playgroup!<strong>Saturday, May 17, 2008 </strong><br /><strong>10am-12pm<br /></strong>KidPower Park in the Mission<br />65 Hoff Street - 1/2 a block from the 16th & Mission Street BART Station (between 16th & 17th Streets)<br />Enclosed Park with a lot of activity options for kids. It's also super accessible by public transit, and there's a parking garage right across the street for those who arrive by car.<br />FREE<br />~ going forward, the SF PlayGroup will be every 3rd Saturday, 10am-12pm ~<br />For more information about iPride, click on this post's headline or go here - www.ipride.org<br /><br />and the East Bay playgroups are still happening, too - Every Second Saturday from 10am-12pm:<br /><strong>Saturday, May 10, 2008</strong><br />10am-12pm<br />Kids 0-10yrs Welcome!<br />Astro Park @ Lake Merritt<br />550 El Embarcadero - Lakeshore and Grand Avenue @ MacArthurAcross the street from the Chevron and near the Library<br />Great Playground, Big Lawn, Feed the Birds,Bring your kites, balls, or blankets<br />FREE<br /><br /><strong>Saturday, June 14, 2008</strong><br />10am-12pm<br />Kids 0-10yrs Welcome!<br />Kids' Kingdom Playground<br />Lake Merritt, Bellvue Avenue, Oakland between Elita and Perkins<br />Weather Permitting...Great Playground, Big Lawn, Feed the Birds,Bring your kites, balls, or bicycles<br />FREE<br />For more information about iPride, click on this post's headline or go here - www.ipride.org<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-70730476478148302832008-05-07T09:41:00.000-07:002008-05-07T09:44:50.206-07:00Free Kidspace ClassesHi all. The Kidspace is up and running and they've got great classes starting up this month. Classes include dance, Aikido, cooking, and more. As always the classes are 100% FREE!<br /><p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Space Still available!</span></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Enjoy a moment at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center while your children delve into a world of good. KidSpace is happy to announce 4 incredible Saturday classes that will be offered for FREE starting this month.</span></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">KidSpace Kitchen</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: 3 to 4 year olds will learn about the basics with Sarah Karpman in a hands-on exploration of food and cooking. Beginning on May 17th, this class will meet from 1:00 to 2:00 PM weekly for six sessions through June 21st. </span></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Break Out Dance Project</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: 5 to 6 year olds will travel a world of beats and rhythms with Rebecca Weisser in preparation for a small debut in the Family Garden for Pride! Beginning on May 24th, this class will meet from 10:00 to 11:00 AM weekly through June 29th except on May 31st.</span></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Aikido for Kids</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">!: 7 to 12 year olds will train as a community in the non-violent martial art form with Teachers from Heart of San Francisco Aikido. This is the first time this class has been offered at the Center! Beginning on May 17th, this class will meet from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM weekly for six sessions through June 21st.</span></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Colors of Our Families Mural Project</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: 3 to 12 year olds are invited to participate in a mobile mural celebrating the diversity of LGBT families with Iraya Robles. Parents are invited to drop-in with their children. This project will meet on May 17, 31, June 14, 28 and July 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">SPACE IS LIMITED. Early Registration is encouraged; call or email emael today!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">(415) 865-5553</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:emael@sfcenter.org" target="_blank">emael@sfcenter.org</a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Location: The San Francisco LGBT Center</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">1800 Market Street//415.865.5555//<a href="http://www.sfcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.sfcenter.org</a></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-91905734245568583912008-04-15T09:21:00.000-07:002008-04-15T09:23:20.220-07:00Support a Queer Friendly Public School (SF)HEY, EVERYONE: COME EAT PANCAKES, LOOK AT ART & BUY COOL<br />STUFF!!<br /><br />FOR: New Traditions Creative Arts Elementary School<br />WHEN: Saturday, April 19th<br />WHERE: 2049 Grove St. (between Cole &<br />Clayton)<br />WHAT: *Pancake Feed 10am - noon ($6 large plate/$4<br />small plate) *Art Show 11am - 2pm (tour at 11:30am) *Rummage<br />Sale 10am -- 2pm (bring your own bag for the Earth Day<br />special!)<br /><br />-Jennifer & Carol (mamas&papas 1st Saturday members)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231115236325343997.post-17593477069587944132008-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:002008-04-10T13:09:51.565-07:00Anti-Marriage Initiative...Hi everyone...I always hate to post so many blogs...but here I am again!<br /><br />As many of you may have heard there is a very well funded anti-LGBT group (http://www.protectmarriage.com) out there who is collecting signatures (via volunteers and many paid signature gatherers) to get an initiative on the November ballot which would "amend the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman be valid or recognized in California." I've already heard from many people who have encountered these paid signature gatherers at their local farmers markets and grocery stores.<br /><br />They are VERY close to getting the 1.1 million signatures it requires to get this on the November ballot. We are coming up to the very last weeks to prevent this initiative from getting on the ballot, and need your help. Equality California is asking for your help by volunteering a couple hours over the weekend to counter paid signature gatherers in Sacramento and/or phone bank for support, if you are interested please click here: http://ga1.org/EFA/join.tcl<br /><br />I volunteered for a Saturday shift about two weeks ago and had a great experience. Our volunteer team was sent to a Walmart in a town right outside Sacramento. While we did not encounter a paid signature gatherer at our site, we heard from many volunteers that did. I encountered people that didn't support LGBT marriage...and many that did. And for all the people that said they didn't support in LGBT rights, there were people 5x as enthusiastic about LGBT rights (LGBT identified and non-LGBT identified) that DID support LGBT marriage and rights.<br /><br />So please consider volunteering your time to this extremely important "Stop the Initiative Campaign"...if you have any questions about my volunteer experience or this campaign, please feel free to email me at julia@ourfamily.org. PLEASE SEND THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Mamas & Papas</div>Steering Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979824921844040575noreply@blogger.com0