In the last decade, while leading Moms Demand Action, I began using the word “Firestarters” to describe the amazing women in the world who inspire me, and I think it’s a phrase we all should add to our vocabulary. What’s a Firestarter?
I have 2 friends who I would say are Firestarters. Nevada state Sen. Pat Spearman was the reason I became an Equal Rights Amendment activist. She started the campaign to ratify in Nevada, energizing the ERA movement nationally as part of our first female majority legislature and now responsible for our Nevada State ERA passing on the ballot last year. 2nd would be Zoe Nicholson. She was featured on Ann Curry’s PBS Special “We’ll Meet Again”, another ERA activist who took part in a 37 day fast in 1982 for the ERA and continues to fight for equal rights for all in Long Beach, CA. Both inspire me every day,
Love this. Greta Thunberg is a Firestarter. On the last page of her recent book, The Climate Book (2023), she states that she doesn't have all the answers, however to get to a climate crisis solution, one thing will absolutley be required: "Tell it like it is". Couldn't agree more, and that is one of the many things I admire about you, Ms. Watts.
I have 2 friends who I would say are Firestarters. Nevada state Sen. Pat Spearman was the reason I became an Equal Rights Amendment activist. She started the campaign to ratify in Nevada, energizing the ERA movement nationally as part of our first female majority legislature and now responsible for our Nevada State ERA passing on the ballot last year. 2nd would be Zoe Nicholson. She was featured on Ann Curry’s PBS Special “We’ll Meet Again”, another ERA activist who took part in a 37 day fast in 1982 for the ERA and continues to fight for equal rights for all in Long Beach, CA. Both inspire me every day,
Nancy Brinker. Motivated me to embark on my first volunteer opportunity (i.e. male crew member for the 3-Day).
Love this. Greta Thunberg is a Firestarter. On the last page of her recent book, The Climate Book (2023), she states that she doesn't have all the answers, however to get to a climate crisis solution, one thing will absolutley be required: "Tell it like it is". Couldn't agree more, and that is one of the many things I admire about you, Ms. Watts.
I nominate journalist Mariana Katzarova. She founded RAW in WAR (Reach All Women in War).
I suppose in the process you can’t be afraid to make some people disappointed and others angry when you show up honestly and don’t hold back.
Robin Rue Simmons would be an amazing Firestarter to feature (she is INCREDIBLE! Learn more: https://firstrepair.org/robin-rue/)