So I’ve been teasing folks on Twitter and Facebook and on this blog about this good news that I received. So are you ready for it? Here it goes:
I have been invited to go to Washington, D.C. for the National Crittenton Foundation’s annual meeting.
Some of you might be like, “Who? What? Huh? Why is this good news?”
Well, approximately two weeks from today, I will be speaking to a group of directors from national organizations that work to empower young women. We will be meeting with executive directors. Congressional leaders.
I will be talking to them about my story: why I blog, what wonderful, strong women I’ve met while blogging, and what I hope to accomplish with this blog.
And the book. I will be talking about the book, getting insight from the girls who frequent these agencies on what they would like to see in the book.
In addition to my story, there will be a few other women speaking, including Amina Robinson, an actress from the movie Precious; Lalita Booth, a woman who went from kinship care to the streets to Harvard; and Lisette Orellena, chair of the alumnae group. All promise to be dynamic speakers – I hope I can rise to the occasion!
This is a huge stepping stone for me. While there, we will be discussing some national policy changes, including a coordinated support network for pregnant and parenting young women (through age 24) and how to begin to build that network.
This is what I’ve always wanted to do. Help create change for young mothers everywhere. I think this blog is a great start and I will never give up on the community we’ve built here, but it’s time. It’s time to get bigger, to grow larger, to make a real impact in the way young mothers are portrayed, perceived and acknowledged.
I’m ready to take our issues to D.C. – are you with me?
TPJ Goes To Washington!
Congrats on the good news and great accomplishment. Can’t wait to hear a recap of how your speech went and the trip overall. Keep up the good work with your movement you have the full support of your friends and fans at BMWK!
@Lamar – Thank you!! This blog wouldn’t be half of what it is without the support of you and Ronnie. I don’t know if I told you, but I wrote the Acknowledgments page for my book already (thinking big) and I HAD to throw in a shout out to the world-famous BMWK duo!!! You two rock!!!
This is amazing! Seriously! I am SO proud of you!!
@Katie – Thank you!!! It’s readers like you that keep the movement going forward and I’m happy to have you on board. I think I actually might use a bit of your story in my “speech.” Yours is very powerful and it deserves to be heard.
This is FANTASTIC Tara!! Your voice and words have helped me on many a stressful day. How long will you be in town? Drop me a line and let me know if have time for a cup of coffee or something.
@TDJ – I’m still waiting on my agenda, so I can see when I might have some pocket of time to meet any YML readers in the D.C. area.
I’ve only met a few of you in person so I can’t wait to finally meet you all! 
Your words and comments have helped ME so much. I owe everything to you ladies (and gents who stop by)!
I am sooooo proud and happy for you Lil’Sis. You know you have to keep us up to date with everthing leading up to the moment you speak. Pictures, details, everything. Big Hugs to you.
@hangingwithmrscooper – Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I will definitely be keeping everyone informed!!!
I am all teary-eyed reading this … just remembering when. I love your passion. Let me know how and when I can help out.
This is AWESOME! I know you are going to do a wonderful job! So excited for you! Looks like 2010 is shaping up rather nicely for TheYoungMommyLife!!!!
@MrsDeveter – Yup, I said that 2010 was going to be a great year and so far it has been all that and more.
Congrats again! This is really huge, and very proud of you.
@Arlice – Thanks again. I think all this determination is due to our Borders addiction.
You keep aiming high woman!! You are an incredible role model and I and really proud of you and happy to see you doing your thing!! Much success always
@Sheliza – Wow, I don’t think anyone’s called me an incredible role model before.
I appreciate it! You keep me inspired with your never-fail positive attitude!
Awesome news! You’ll do fantastic, what a giant step
So happy for you!
@Leah – I have to admit, I’m nervous. But crazy excited. Can’t wait to fill you guys in!
Great Tara!!!
@Shauntae – It’s all about the readers like you.
Congrats! That is so amazing, I know you’ll give these issues the voice they deserve. Have a good time and keep us updated.
@June – Thank you. I hope I can make you all proud.
Tara- This is excellent news! You deserve everything you have in store for you. I know your trip to D.C. will just be one of many more. Have a great time and I live in DC so if you get lost or need to know something send me an email I’ll point you in the right direction!! (You Go Girl in my Martin Voice LOL)!!!
@Michelle – Thank you!!
I appreciate your good wishes (and your Martin voice! 
Congrats! The passion that you have for young mothers is very inspiring! I wish you all the best in Washington and all that is in store for you. May God continue to lead, keep and bless you!
This is a huge accomplishment. You should certainly be proud to be called upon for your insights, but moreover (as you mention) for the fruits that may result from the seeds you plant.
OMG Tara!!!! I’ve been reading your blog backwards (I’m about 2 weeks behind) and was very excited to see that you are coming to my area but even more excited as to the reason. That’s is FANTASTIC!!
I am sooo happy for you and proud of you. I don’t have many young mommy friends, especially not with the drive and ambition that you do, and although you don’t know me, I definitely think of you as one (and I mean that in the most non-creepiest way possible from someone in cyberspace LOL!).
You inspire me to focus and work on my dreams. Please let us know if you have time and indeed decide to do a D.C. area young mommy meet up because I will definitely be there!
@Erica – Aww, thanks, lady! And of course I consider you one of my friends.
I have met so many wonderful young moms through this blog. I’m so glad I started it! And it is because of you that opportunities like this are even possible. So yes, I’d love to do a meet up. I do know of a few young moms in the D.C. area – I’ll have to figure out how to organize this….This is gonna be fantastic! 
Tara I was there with you that day and I will be with you every step of the way. I’m so proud to call you my big sister.
Oh, Tara, this is amazing. I had no doubt you’d do amazing things – so glad to see them happening. <3