Midwest Mothers for Liberty Conference Highlights

Fun was had by all ... at the Midwest Mothers for Liberty Conference!!

The Mothers Institute in partnership with the South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group held its first Regional MfL Conference this past Saturday, September 27th. Twelve moms from 4 states gathered in Vandalia, Illinois, to share knowledge and forge friendships. After an opening welcome from Jan Stover, Founder and Director of The Mothers Institute, vendors had a chance to speak to the attendees about their products, services and organizations. Vendors speaking included Karin Vermillion representing South Central Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group, Leanna Clark representing The Clark Farm and the Bond-Fayette County Libertarians, Corben Rice representing Uncle Ben's Toys, Patty Tweedle representing the Bob Barr Presidential Campaign, and Jan Stover representing the Bake Back America Bake Sale and The Mothers Institute. Attendees then joined in a round table discussion sharing with each other what brought them to the Conference as well as a bit about themselves and their families.

Over lunch, Jan spoke about experiences with homeschooling and the public school system, as well as her passion for family and freedom ... all key elements in her decision to start The Mothers Institute in hopes of building an educational and networking resource for mothers of all ages and stages. She also discussed the goal of growing the "boots on the ground" aspect of the Institute, our Mothers for Liberty Meetup Groups.

After lunch, Leslie Whitney (with assistance from her mother, Robin Van Loon) demonstrated how to make homemade soap. After the demonstration, attendees had a chance to visit with Leslie and ask questions about the process. Conference attendees also received handouts on soap making and apron patterns courtesy of Leslie and her mom!

Next, Andrea Rice spoke on A Thomas Jefferson Education: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders offering attendees descriptions, discussions and tools to avoid a conveyor-belt education and instead provide age appropriate opportunities, materials and expectations for our children as well as enouraging the love for life-long learning within ourselves.

Following Andrea, Candidate Ruth Strebe-Motes offered a Behind the Scenes Look at Running for Office. Her comprehensive approach to making the decision to run for City Council and shared advice from her campaign experiences gave attendees encouragement to consider a future run for office of their own.

Along with the experience of the event itself, attendees took home a number of things from the Conference such as a complimentary coloring mug featuring The Mothers Institute and Mothers for Liberty logos as well as a "Choose Liberty" bumper stickers. Mugs were donated by Karin Vermillion and bumper stickers were donated by Jan Stover on behalf of the South Central Illinois Mothers for Liberty Meetup Group. Moms also went home with tasting treats purchased at the Back Bake America Bake Sale as well as great items from the Silent Auction. Proceeds went to support The Mothers Institute and the host MfL Meetup Group.Several of the Conference attendees stayed over for the evening Reception which was enjoyed by local liberty lovers as well.

Special thanks also goes to Don Stover for his "jack of all trades" contributions to the event and to the Sunshine House Health Food Store in Vandalia for their donations of chips, cookies, drinks and more.

Plans will be in the works shortly for a Mothers for Liberty NATIONAL Conference in 2009!