Weeds are threatening spring’s fragile buds, and they need to be yanked out by their roots.
We are planting seeds to benefit our future selves and future generations, but we’re also reaping what was sown months, years and generations before. Sometimes beauty springs from the soil. Other times, something invasive and choking creeps in. And when a seed is planted to silence us, our job is to chop it down and salt the earth so it never returns.
As always, there is a lot happening here at TWP/ef – we hope you will join us at one of our events, through a fundraiser, and by sharing the art and resources we are creating for reproductive rights, equity and justice.
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Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) Update
It has been more than two weeks since the House Judiciary committee heard the EACA. Reach out to Chairman Bob Craven to say,”Thank you for hearing the EACA. It was made clear that this bill is an important priority for Rhode Islanders. Please, get this bill to the floor for a vote this year. Thank you.” Reach out today ([email protected] and 401-294-2222).
We are still waiting on the Senate Judiciary Committee to schedule a hearing. We would have loved to see the bill get moved to the Health & Human Services Committee where it really belongs, but the main thing is to stop the delays and get the bill moving. You can start to prepare your testimony today and even let us know if you want to testify on the day of the hearing. We will keep you updated, but may only get a couple days of notice, so good to get ready now!
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TAKE ACTION: Help us put pressure on the Senate to bring this bill to the committee for a hearing. Take a moment TODAY to call and email Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson ([email protected] and 401-276-5584).
Sample Message: “I am calling/writing in support of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act. Many people in our state are struggling to get by. We should not make it worse by taking away affordable access to abortion services. Please, do all you can to get this bill heard and to the Senate floor for a floor vote.We need to get rid of harmful bans on health coverage for abortion. Thank you.”
We need to make it LOUD and clear that we expect to see a floor vote on the EACA in both chambers this year — and the majority of Rhode Islanders support this bill!
Activist Billboards
Abortion is Healthcare, Healthcare is a Human Right – that is the message on the first of four billboards by The Womxn Project Education Fund, which will be visible in the metro-Providence area beginning April 3. Featuring original photography and designs by local artists, these public art installations reflect our mission of using the creativity and emotional impact of the arts to encourage civic engagement, advance social justice, and promote political progress. Keep your eyes open for each of our four billboard designs – off of I-95 South, 146 North and on Orms Street near the State offices – through July 17th. Save the date for an interview with artists Kannetha Brown and Mesa Serbin about their billboard artwork on Friday April 7 on Instagram Live.
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National Updates
While we wait for the federal judge in Texas to announce his ruling on the future of mifepristone, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a bill last week that makes it a felony to prescribe, sell or use “any drug for the purpose of procuring or performing an abortion.” This legislation, which will take effect in July, makes Wyoming the first state to explicitly ban abortion medication. Quite a legacy, Gov.
Look out for an ACTION ALERT from us and plan to meet us at the State House at 7:30pm the day that decision comes out
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Black Maternal Health Week
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance is holding its Black Maternal Health Week April 11 – 17 with the theme, “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!” This week-long campaign amplifies awareness, activism, and community-building aimed at amplifying the voices of Black mamas, bringing visibility to Black-led maternal health initiatives, and centering the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
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Online Resources for Reproductive Justice
Misinformation is everywhere, making reliable sources of information more important than ever, particularly when it comes to our health and our rights. The Womxn Project Education Fund and The Womxn Project have partnered to build an online resource of the local and national organizations that we rely on to do our reproductive justice work. These include organizations that provide abortion services, do reproductive health research, and engage in direct action and lobbying for reproductive justice. Visit our new online resource here and please share widely!
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401Gives: Support The Womxn Project Education Fund’s Artivist Work!
This is the third year that The Womxn Project Education Fund will participate in this statewide fundraiser, run by the United Way of Rhode Island. On Friday, March 31, the RI Foundation will match donations beginning at 6am, and beginning at noon on Monday, April 3, every donation over $5 will be matched with $20 from the Papitto Opportunity Connection. There are many other opportunities for cash matches each day of the campaign – so give when you can, from 6AM on March 31 to 6 PM on April 3. Please support our 401 Gives campaign and help us reach our $5,000 goal!
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
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RISD Founders Day| Saturday, April 1st, 10:00am-1:00pm
The RISD Alumni Club of RI is celebrating Founders Day by rolling up their sleeves to silkscreen some Womxn Project Education Fund-designed and inspired panels, which will be hung across Frazier Terrace, creating a temporary public art installation. Join us at RISD Frazier Terrace 223 Benefit Street, Providence and help pull screens, hang panels and take some selfies in front of our artivist installation! Rain date: Sunday, April 2, 10am-1pm
Healthcare Town Hall to Mark 13 Years of the Affordable Care Act | Monday, April 3rd, 5:15-6:15pm
The Womxn Project Education Fund is hosting a Healthcare Town Hall in partnership with The Womxn Project and Protect Our Healthcare Coalition RI. Featuring Rep. Seth Magaziner and Congressman David Cicilline, this Town Hall is an opportunity to examine how the ACA has been critical for the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders and discuss strategies for protecting that coverage into the future. RSVP for our Healthcare Town Hall here.
Abortion is Healthcare: Health Professionals Lobby Day | Tuesday, April 18th, 2:30-4:30pm
We are thrilled to partner with Women & Infants Hospital and other health care organizations and individual providers to advocate for the EACA together. House Majority Whip, Rep. Katie Kazarian will also be there! We will try to meet in the Senate library, but due to possible repairs we may need to find an alternate location. Register to get the latest info and materials.
Lobby Day for Grassroots Activists | Thursday, May 4th, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Join campaign partners and activists to speak out to get this done this year! We will meet in the State House Library. Lead Senate sponsor, Sen. Bridget Valverde will join us.
Register, so we can share info and details.
Tuesdays with TWP | 3:00 – 4:30pm
Every Tuesday, our executive director, Jocelyn Foye, will be at the State House with a group of volunteers and EACA campaign members to lobby on behalf of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act. We’re a warm, welcoming group with ages that span the decades, and we want you to join us and add to our numbers. Sign up to join!