Essays, Essays Archive, From the Editors
Published on March 9, 2016

In an effort to make an effort: Raising Mothers Reader Survey 2016

By Sherisa de Groot

Raising Mothers Reader Survey 2016When Raising Mothers launched 9 months ago, I seriously had no idea what would happen here. I asked friends to submit essays (for free!) and watched as this place grew from one post a week, to two, to now 3. I struggled with the idea of writing myself because I didn’t feel this should be about me, and so far I still haven’t had to write–I want to. Raising Mothers started growing more and more on Instagram and strangers became friends. Women from all over contribute on a regular basis, sharing their stories of personhood and motherhood. I am forever grateful.

I wanted to wait a few months and get a bit closer to my 1 year anniversary to do a reader survey, but then I had a thought. I’d like to spend this time tweaking the course of Raising Mothers so that I am properly meeting your needs. Things will be changing here visually over time and I just want this place to feel like you’ve come home.

I have BIG plans for the future of Raising Mothers. My primary goal is being able to pay my writers and taking care of the upkeep of this site. I plan on eventually opening an online shop, hosting events both online and off, running group activities similar to RMWOES, creating courses, and more.

So, I need to pick your brain for a bit. I want to make sure I am on the right track when it comes to what I offer here. Please fill out this survey. I’d love to know what you like about Raising Mothers, what you think can be done better, and your general impressions of this space.

As always, thank you so much for allowing this space to not only exist, but to flourish. I look forward to building an even better, stronger place and your thoughts will propel this to where it needs to be.

Feel free to email me if you prefer.

With love,
Sherisa

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story within you” – Maya Angelou

 

Photo credit: CreateHER

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Filed under: Essays, Essays Archive, From the Editors

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Sherisa de Groot (she/her) is a writer, community builder, and founder of Raising Mothers, literary membership community Literary Liberation, and pens A Home Within Myself. Her work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Kindred by Parents, Refinery 29, Mutha Magazine, and Oldster Magazine and she was a contributor to the book ‘100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood’ by A Kid’s Company About. With a focus on intersectionality and social justice, de Groot’s writing explores the nuances of motherhood and the experiences of BIPOC mothers and marginalized genders. Through her work, she aims to amplify the voices of those who have been historically silenced and create a more equitable world for all. Raising Mothers was the 2021 Romper People’s Choice Iris Award Winner. Originally from Brooklyn New York, she is a first-generation American turned immigrant living in Amsterdam, NL with her husband, two children, and cat.