An Open Letter to “Men in the Movement” from POW David Gilbert

March 15, 2010 denverabc

February 17, 2010
An Open Letter to Movement Men

To My Brothers in the Movement,

This open letter is a call, made both passionately and emphatically, for
movement men to get fully involved in childcare. Childcare is one of the
most demanding and most rewarding jobs in the world and is essential to
advancing the struggle. I’ve been surprised to learn that in this day and
age that responsibility still falls overwhelmingly on women. Men’s failure
in this regard is not only unfair but also hurts our movement since it is
a major impediment to women’s participation, to the full range of
contribution they can make. But even more, if truth be told, this
aloofness damages men the most because we cut ourselves off from the
regular interactions that can enrich our lives in many ways. Children ask
the questions that make us think more deeply about everything, exude the
energy that buoys our spirits, embody the potential that gives us hope for
the future.

It’s for the children that we fight to make a better world. Brothers, it
is way past due to get fully involved in childcare.

David Gilbert