Election 2012 Jada Pinkett Smith Says Vote Yes on Prop 35 Stop Human Trafficking in California

Election 2012

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High above Sunset Boulevard in an exclusive West Hollywood club Jada Pinkett Smith, actress and celebrity, was on hand last week for a lovely and informative tea to chat with fellow moms about our kids. But this wasn't just another social obligation or personal appearance. Jada was there to moderate a serious talk about human trafficking in California and what can be done to stop it with the power of Proposition 35.

Jada Pinkett Smith and me, Image by Valerie Mitchell, Sweeps4Bloggers

The day of the event the weather was beautiful in West Hollywood

Joining Jada to educate a handful of us women and mom bloggers invited to attend an intimate event about this important State Measure on the election ballot tomorrow were Daphne Phung of California Against Slavery; Chris Kelly of Safer California Foundation, former Facebook Chief Privacy Officer and a Silicon Valley attorney and philanthropist; and Sharmin Bock, Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, Alameda County, California. All three have been passionately involved in the development of Prop 35 since its inception in various capacities and have also been campaigning for its passage.

Sumptuous scones, sandwiches, and other treats served at tea

But for me the heart and soul of the event was hearing from the parents and survivors who have been affected directly by the horrors of human trafficking. Each real-life story told at this Vote Yes on Proposition 35 Stop Human Trafficking event was truly more heart breaking and tragic than the next. Still, I felt compelled to listen and internalize every word and feeling expressed that afternoon.

Survivor and founder of Bridget's Dream

There was the account of a mom and dad who have a daughter that is now serving five years in prison since being arrested and convicted with her child trafficking boyfriend who had physically abused and coerced her into the prostitution business. Then there was the first-hand retelling of what happened to a young woman who had been recruited into the sex trade as an innocent 14 year-old but was eventually rescued and has now started her own non-profit to help others. 

Then there was the Public Service Announcement screening which included among others, the story of an 11 year-old girl who was kidnapped, tortured and forced to work as a prostitute for several years before being reunited with her family. And when I thought I'd heard the worst of it, a sweet woman now off the streets told us how her own mother traded her for crack when she was just 4 years old and how she held captive by the sex trade for fear of her life for many years until she finally was able to break free.

Listen to that once-upon-a-time 4 year-old's story told by the actual woman who lived it in this short video clip:




Modern slavery -- otherwise known as human trafficking of mostly women and children ---- is not only alive and well in other parts of the world but in the U.S. as well. In fact, it was particularly alarming for me to discover that this horrific crime is most serious and epidemic right here in my own California backyard in the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego where the FBI says it has identified some of the highest intensity child sex trafficking activities in the nation.

Two brave survivors (center) with The Moms; Jada & Sharmin Bock 

I was further shocked, as you undoubtedly will be, to find out that while Facebook has historically had a zero tolerance for sex traffickers using its network to operate their child brothels, there are plenty of other online marketplaces like Craig's List that are still hubs for selling children for sex. We are talking here not only about women who have been prostituted by gang members but also about young kids who on average are first recruited against their will and exploited for money and sex between 12 and 14 years old, too often much younger.

A Mom & Dad put a face on families torn apart by human trafficking

Without more aggressive law enforcement and conviction of sex traffickers -- in addition to more education of parents, caregivers and kids -- countless more innocent children, tweens, and teens like the ones we learned about at this awareness pre-election event are at risk of being victimized.

Jada with the Prop 35 Team L to R: C. Kelly, S. Bock, D. Phung

We can't just rely on new laws, we need to get into the community and spread the message. As Jada herself told us, "Make it matter Moms."

That's where California Proposition 35, officially the Californians Against Sexual Exploitation CASE Act, comes in. 

The passage of Prop 35 will

• Increase prison sentences for human trafficking convictions
• Require convicted human traffickers to register as sex offenders
• Require registered sex offenders to disclose all their Internet activities
• Require criminal fines from convicted human traffickers to pay for services to help victims
• Mandate greater law enforcement leading to the apprehension of more sex traffickers

As a mother of four children I can't stand by and do nothing. I encourage you to do the same and take action on Election Day. Go to the polls and yes, Vote Yes on Prop 35. All of our children are counting on us to pass this proposition.

Everyone who attended received one of these Goody Bags

Gift Bag including Bartenura Wine, Julep Blues for a Cause + more

Jada with event organizers Melissa Gerstein & Denise Albert, The Moms

More about Prop 35
Proposition 35 is a joint partnership of California Against Slavery (CAS) and Safer California Foundation.

FTC Disclosure: I was invited to this hosted Mamarazzi event by the Vote Yes on Prop 35 team and Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein from The Moms. I received a gift bag at the event but I did not receive payment associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week November 4-10 To Win Great Prizes

Twitter Parties

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Updated 11/10/12 - Includes Sneak Peek at Coming Weeks Too!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Master Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Be sure to check back often every week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing a few Facebook parties with prizes in every issue too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter Facebook and/or by subscribing to this blog right now.


THIS WEEK

Monday, November 5

Cookies Kids Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @somedayilllearn. Prizes: THREE (3) Cookie's Kids $25 gift cards; ONE (1) Grand Prize of a $100 gift card.  #CookiesKids #cbias RSVP

Holiday Card Etiquette Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Celebrations @FineStationery @CraneandCo. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners will each receive $50 worth of stationery gift cards. #FSHoliday RSVP

Where's My Water Hasbro Twitter Party with @Resourcefulmom at 3 pm ET. Prizes: FIVE (5) Hasbro Where's My Water Games will be given away. #HasbroWMW RSVP

Holiday Traditions Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomof3 Prizes incl Arthur SWAG and Grand Prize: a SONY Cyber-Shot TX Camera #TMOM #ArthurChristmas RSVP

Holiday Crafts Twitter Party with @OfficialCricut @JylMomIF @Dadventurous @TroyPattee @MomitForward at 9 pm ET. Prizes: TWO (2) winners will receive the Cricut Mini Machine. #GNO #Cricut RSVP

Prepping for the Holidays Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @SavvyBlogging @SavingLifestyle @HappyHousewife @5dollardinners @CrystalECollins @ebates. $200 in prizes to be given away. #ebatesholiday RSVP

Kleenex Hand Towels Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @MomTrends @savvysassymoms. Prizes include L'Occitane prize pkg valued at $80 plus a $50 GC for a manicure, Pottery Barn prize pack (value $157), Essie prize pkg valued at $98 + $50 Visa GC. Other prizes too numerous to list. #CleanHands RSVP 

Fall for Art Twitter Party at 10 pm ET with @ThriftyChicMom @GalleryDirect talking about Fall art, Halloween art and Pinterest. FIVE (5) winners will each receive a custom piece of art valued at up to $200. RSVP

Tuesday, November 6

Cypher Kids Twitter Party at Noon ET with @KellysLuckyYou @TheMommyFiles @cypherkidsclub chatting about reality and learning games. Prizes: ONE (1) Visa Gift Card in each of the following denominations $25, $50, $75 and $100. #CypherKidsClub #cbias RSVP

Kmart #WWEChat Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Kmart @KmartDeals @StacieinAtlanta @crissy. $1000 in Kmart gift cards will be given away. RSVP

Join the weekly Tech Tuesday Live Twitter Chat at 3 pm ET with @Windows @SonyElectronics @KristinALibby @BrandonLeBlanc @Daniellaycock @windowsblog. Today talking about the differences between the DUO 11 and the VAIO T. Prize: ONE (1) VAIO T laptop will be given away.  #WinChat Details 

Simply Fine Gourmet Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @spokesmoms @AliLandry @SimplyFineGMT @AllAroundBeautE @FaVeMama. Prizes: $50 Simply Fine Gourmet GC, Grand Prize is Winner's Choice of Turkey Bill Niman Ranch Heritage Turkey #SimplyMom RSVP

Wednesday, November 7

Elmer's Glue Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @consumerqueen @tsue1136 talking about holiday crafts and gifts. Prizes: TWO (2) $25 Walmart Gift Cards, ONE (1) $50 Walmart GC, ONE (1) $100 Walmart GC. #GlueNGlitter #cbias RSVP

Holiday Beauty Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms @beautydotcom. Prizes: SIXTEEN (16) Beauty.com $25 Gift Cards including 8 winners who pre-Tweet about the Party and 8 winners during the Party. RSVP

Kinks n Kisses Twitter Party at 7-10 pm ET to talk about caring for natural hair and makeup in winter. A variety of hair products, cosmetics and handbags will be given away. #KinksnKisses RSVP

Disney Holidays Twitter Party with @MomTalkRadio at 8 pm ET. Prizes: FIVE (5) Winners will receive Disneyland merchandise from the park. #DisneyHoliday RSVP

Gluten Free Thanksgiving Twitter Party with at 8 pm ET sharing recipes and ideas for Turkey Day with @TheBlogFrog and others. Prizes: Udi's Gluten Free products. #GFcommunity RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET this week discussing preparing for emergencies. Prize: Kindle Fire HD. To be eligible to win RSVP

Ab Cuts Sleek and Mean Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Ab_Cuts @GNCLiveWell. FIVE (5) winners will receive coupons for Health Package redeemable at GNC. #AbCuts #CLA Details

Thursday, November 8

The Amazing Spider-Man Twitter Party at Noon ET with @7onashoestring talking about your favorite super heroes. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 Walmart gift cards. #cbias #SpidermanWMT RSVP

Glad Wild Life Twitter party at 3 pm ET with @momcentral @momcentralchat @dadcentral @StacyDeBroff. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 gift codes + Glad products. #GladWildlife RSVP

Moms and Brands Holiday Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @momsandbrands. Prizes from Horizon Organic, 34 Degrees, Bhakti Chai PackIt.  #MomsandBrands RSVP

Tiny Prints Holiday Twitter Party with @ResourcefulMom at 8 pm ET. 31 Prizes for the holidays from Tiny Prints. RSVP

Land Central Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @mompact @TheIQMom @HorridHousewife talking about land ownership. Prizes: TWO (2) Flourish Gift Cards and ONE (1) $50 Amazon giftcard. #OwnLand RSVP

Life Simplified Twitter Party at 9 pm ET talking about productive time savers. With @rockdrool @centsiblelife @detroitmommies @ringymobile. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 Amazon gift cards. #Ringya RSVP

Friday, November 9

Healthy Value Twitter Party at 1 pm ET chatting about Band-Aid Adhesive Bandages with @Kellysluckyyou @themommyfiles. Prizes: Sam's Club Gift Cards ONE (1) each in the following denominations $25, $50, $75 and $100 #HealthyValue #cbias RSVP

AT&T Mobile Safety School Twitter Party at 2 pm ET. Five prizes including TWO (2) Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 devices and THREE (3) $50 Target gift cards #ATTMobileSafety RSVP

Weekly Verizon Wireless Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm ET chatting about mobile lifestyle. Prizes: ONE (1) Grand Prize winner will receive a surprise wireless device + a $125 Verizon Gift Card and Verizon SWAG Bag plus ONE (1) runner up winner will receive a SWAG bag filled with Verizon goodies. To be eligible to win participate in the party, use hashtag #VZWBuzz and RSVP

The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @mamamae @resourcefulmom talking about favorite children's apps, music and education. Prizes: TWENTY (20) winners each receive a Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee download. Grand Prize ONE (1) winner gets an iPad 3 16GB with the Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee app (approx $650 value). RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Sunday, November 11

Udderly Smooth Twitter Chat at 9 pm ET with @mmc67 @udderlysmooth. Prizes: NINE (9) winners will each receive a trio of Udderly Smooth products + a pair of cow slippers; Grand Prize is a Pandora bracelet with cow charm. #UdderlySmooth RSVP

Monday, November 12

Libby's Thanksgiving Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @libbystable @resourcefulmom. Prizes: THREE (3) winners each receive a Sculpted Turkey Platter from Pottery Barn and ONE (1) Grand Prize winner receives a Fresco Turkey Platter and 4 plates from Pottery Barn. #LibbysThanks RSVP

Breaking Dawn Twitter Party at 8:30 - 10:30 pm ET hosted by @eOneFilms with @ETCanada @HelloCanada @MuchMusic @TributeMag @UrbanMoms. Prizes include autographed posters, DVDs, prize packs, and a private screening for you and 20 of your friends. #BD2Party RSVP

Tuesday, November 13

Sun Chips Holiday Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @5minutesformom @SunChips @jennifer_sikora @susancarraretto @janicecroze. Prizes: THREE (3) Sun Chips prize packages and Grand Prize Sun Chip prize package + $100 American Express gift card. #SunChipsHolidays RSVP

Midnight Velvet Dazzle Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @shopMV. Prizes every 10 minutes. #MVDazzle Details Soon 

Funky Monkey Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET talking about coping strategies for fitness, stress and nutrition during the holidays. Prize: ONE (1) winner gets a variety party of Funky Monkey Snacks #Funkychat RSVP

The Aflac Holiday Duck Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Shespeaksup @AflacDuck. Prizes TBA. Stay tuned for more details and link to RSVP soon

Green Gifts Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @TheEcoChic @EFFBlog @GreenChildMg. Prizes: Lots of green mom, family & baby friendly prizes too numerous to list. #GreenGifts RSVP

MOMentumNation Building Your Brand Twitter Party with @Childhood @Kdevito @TJMaxx and others at 9 pm ET. Prizes include a TJMaxx gift card and many others too numerous to list. Follow hashtag #Mybranding to participate. Details

Wednesday, November 14

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party chatting about video games for the family 9 pm ET. Prizes: FIVE (5) new video games or an XBox 360 Kinect. To be eligible to win a prize RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #XBoxFamily.

Kikkoman Twitter Party hosted by @MySmiley360. Prizes TBA. More details coming as soon as they're available.

Thursday, November 15

Keeping a Safe and Healthy Home Twitter Party with @_workingmother_ @Safetyathome at 7 pm ET. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 Bed Bath & Beyond GC. #WMHealthyHome RSVP

Home Depot Twitter Party talking about Fall home style at 8 pm ET hosted by @MomSpark @momsparkmedia. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Home Depot gift cards and ONE (1) $100 Home Depot GC. #AskTHD RSVP

Family Date Night Out Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @KidsLiveWell @BlogRConnection @LisaSamples @Zipporahs @StacieinAtlanta @RachelFerrucci @RobynsWorld + others. Prizes: $700 in gift cards from some well known restaurants. #KidsLiveWell RSVP

Torani Holidays Drinks Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Torani @Zipporahs @LisaSamples @StacieinAtlanta @jonbonjovious @erinclane @MommaDJane. Prizes include FOUR (4) Mr. Coffee Drink Makers and Grand Prize of ONE (1) Mr. Coffee Drink Makers and ONE (1) case of 12 Torani Syrups #ToraniFlavors RSVP

Friday, November 16

The #VZWBuzz weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm ET talking about the latest apps for fun, creativity and productivity. Prizes: A surprise smart device and a surprise accessory. To be eligible to win participate in the party and RSVP

Mom's Milk Boutique Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @clothdiapergeek @dirtydiaperlaundry. More than $1500 in cloth diaper prizes: ONE (1) year's supply of Rockin Green Soap, stacks of cloth diapers and more. #MMBStacks RSVP

Tuesday, November 20

Wine with Chicken Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @chickenfarmers. Prizes: TBA. #WineWithChicken RSVP

Thursday, November 29

First Barely There Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @intimateguide. Prizes and more details TBA soon. #barelythere


COMING SOON

More Twitter Parties constantly be added to this list as soon as they're scheduled so stay tuned by following this blog.  

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your  message. 

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis@janiselspas.com for information with Twitter Party Consulting Query in the subject line. 

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Family and Friends Kmart Savings Sale Event Nationwide Sunday 11/4 Downloadable Coupons

Deals

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With a family of six including four kids to buy for, I shop often at big discount stores that offer quality products at really good prices. So when I hear of great mass merchant special deals that I plan on taking advantage myself to save some big bucks, I naturally want to share these savings opportunities with Mommy Blog Expert readers -- especially when it comes to super sales on the necessities you would buy anyway for your family. Besides in these tough economic times we can all use a little boost to stretch our dollars more, right?

Me, Hubbie & Our 4 Kids when they were younger, Vintage family photo

To help you live more frugally, in this post I'm spotlighting the Kmart Family & Friends One Day Sale going on this Sunday, November 4 nationwide (or on Saturday, November 3 in Utah, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Idaho and select stores in New Jersey in Westwood, Lodi, Elmwood Park, Closter, and Paramus). 

It seems just about everything in the store -- both regular and clearance merchandise -- will be 10 percent off when you use the required coupons during this Kmart Family and Friends Sale that runs all day this Sunday. From clothes, accessories, jewelry, and shoes for men, women and kids to sporting goods, lawn & garden, baby stuff, electronics, toys and even seasonal shelf items.

Things you'll need for your Fall garden + Winter prep will be on sale on 11/4

I bet you'll find more than a few things that each member of your family needs or wants during this event. Plus Bonus Members get 5 percent in points on qualifying purchases when you use your Sears card at Kmart. Just think of the money you'll save that you can then use toward your holiday shopping this season.

Download these coupons because you'll need them to save big time at this upcoming sale. You'll also see a complete list there of all the various product categories that are included in this huge chance to save.

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to facilitate this post through a program with Mom Bloggers Club. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.