Happy Spooky Season!
Do you know what’s actually really scary? As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month MILLIONS of Latines around the country are living under terrible abortion bans and restrictions to reproductive healthcare.
This is personal for me. As a queer Latina, daughter of immigrants, and someone who hopes to have my own children one day, I’ve seen the ways that lack of open conversations around reproductive healthcare have affected our communities. I’ve seen how immigration status, lack of resources, poverty, and fear of judgment has changed lives. But I am hopeful for the changes that we can make, not just for future generations, but for those of us experiencing these struggles now.
This Latine Heritage Month I ask that you all make an effort to learn more about the communities being affected by these restrictions. Here is an article to get you started.
We were surprised to hear that the Columbus Square statue of Christopher Columbus, which was vandalized multiple times before being put into storage, has found a new home. We thought he’d be permanently in a dark box – where he belongs – but the controversial statue now stands in Johnston Memorial Park. Our hopes that he’s merely making a brief stop on his way to Johnston’s landfill will likely go unfulfilled.
It’s unconscionable that while a problematic figure is memorialized, the people he harmed remain pushed aside, their culture threatened. This installation perfectly illustrates why it’s imperative we recognize Indigenous people this month and support the Landback Movement always.
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New Board Elections
The Womxn Project Education Fund is excited to announce two additions to its board.
Jackie Anderson (she/her) is a lifelong Rhode Island resident. As a registered nurse with a focus on reproductive access, health and rights, Jackie began working closely with The Womxn Project. In 2022, she ran for state representative in her district, challenging the house speaker with the sole purpose of facilitating the passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA). She enjoys spending her free time with her family, her three dogs, and singing in a band with her husband.
Kait Castillo (she/her/ella) was born and raised by her two dads in Northeast Los Angeles. She made her way to Providence from Boston with her partner and has quickly been finding her community here. Kait has a background in communications, policy, and community organizing that she brings to TWP/ef. She spends her free time volunteering at the local bookstore (shout out Heartleaf!!), cuddling her cats, and reading.
Voice your Vote!
Don’t forget if you live in Congressional District 1 the deadline to request your mail ballot is October 17th at 4pm! You can find that form here.
Early voting starts soon on October 18th, you can find hours and locations here. You can find more information at Vote.ri.gov.
Policy Preview
We had a great Grill and Chill party where we announced our policy plan for the coming years while we look to a Spring to do our organizational strategic planning for the longer term.
In two weeks when we launch our next newsletter, will plan on talking about our policy and programmatic plans, but look to our social media this week for this information.
