using blogs to make the political personal

Over on mamamusings, I posted today about my contribution to a fund to help an ABD woman who's struggling with extraordinary difficult circumstances. I knew I wanted to write about it here, but was trying to figure out how to connect it to women and technology. But then I realized that it was intrinsically _about_ women and technology, and specifically women and blogging.

I've never had trouble filling my "daily read" list with women's voices, because women's blogs tell me stories, and stories are how I learn. I find women's blogs by reading women's blogs, because we point to each other's stories. So I found out about Badger by reading Lilia's blog--and Lilia found her through Profgrrl, and Profgrrl found her through Academic Coach. A string of women blogging about women, connecting to other women, using blogging to change each other's lives.

Nothing Instapundit has ever written--or will ever write--has made me cry, or changed  my outlook on the world. But I woke up on Saturday morning with a new appreciation for my family and my life--all because of this chain of blogs.

On Friday I passed up buying a new computer game, and instead donated the money to the fund to help a brave woman pay for her terminally-ill husband's medical care. I hope you'll find a way to help her, as well.

And while you're at it, take a look at some of Badger's fine, fine, writing. Her LJ post on "The political gets personal" is a good starting point. Scrivener has more links.