Summer is definitely the time for air conditioned movie theaters, lots of water to stay nourished, and as much rest as your life allows. The Womxn Project team never stops, but we’re slowing down this summer a little bit to protect our physical and mental health, and we hope you do the same.
Extra! Extra!
The Womxn Project recently made headlines in Rewire, a publication dedicated to repro rights journalism. Our executive director, Jocelyn Foye, wrote a piece on Rhode Island’s success in securing abortion rights for the people in its borders. Read it here.
Counter Service
Big news in birth control this month! At long last, over-the-counter birth control is a reality, breaking down barriers to people who don’t have easy access to a medical professional. We applaud this move that has been a long time coming. And it’s coming to your local pharmacy early next year!
Learn more here.
–> But as we celebrate, it’s important not to turn away from the people still suffering under draconian abortion laws that wrest bodily autonomy from US citizens. In Nebraska, a 19-year-old woman was sentenced to prison for violating her state’s abortion laws and illegally hiding the evidence of her medication abortion. Evidence used against the girl and her mother were their private Facebook messages, giving credence to concerns that private communication can be used against pregnant people seeking abortion and those who help them.
–> And Georgia, which is one of 12 states that have a six-week abortion ban, recently passed the one-year mark of its anti-choice policy. The occasion was marked by numerous protests against clinics that have spent the last year turning patients away.
Breaking Up the Ban
On July 7, The Womxn Project and The Womxn Project Education Fund held a celebration with members of the EACA steering committee at Revival Brewing in Providence. Getting together with our partner organizations and celebrating the years-long effort to improve abortion access for our state was a wonderful way to spend a hot July night. Our work isn’t over as we look to supporting implementation of the new law and education surrounding it.
Speaking Of …
We’re hearing from medical professionals in our community that Medicaid recipients who now receive abortion coverage through their health plan aren’t necessarily aware of this new benefit. A focus for The Womxn Project Education Fund over the next year is creating projects that educate people on their increased abortion access in Rhode Island.
New Face at The Womxn Project Education Fund
TWPEF’s long-time director stepped down this summer and Nicole Adams has joined the organization as a temporary administrative lead as it undergoes a restructuring. Nicole works at an area Providence school and comes to Rhode Island from the Bronx, allowing her to bring a new perspective to our organization. She carries an additional sense of thoughtful care to our office and we are thrilled to share space with her. Nicole is available at [email protected].
Welcome Our Interns
We’re excited to have two powerful, passionate people lending a hand in our office this summer. Kaitlynn Castillo, our operations director, has put together a wonderful internship program for them that is benefiting us all.
- Natalie Tyson is a rising fourth year in the Brown RISD dual degree program, and is studying textiles at RISD and public policy at Brown. Natalie is excited to collaborate and bring new ideas to the table! She is originally from Charlotte, NC, and is passionate about fair housing and equity policy. While in Providence RI, she loves to weave, knit, and occasionally walk through the RISD Museum. Her art portfolio consists of emotionally charged vibrant weavings and paintings with symbolic messages. Natalie is looking forward to bringing her talents and creativity to The Womxn Project.
- Alexis Thompson is attending Rhode Island College obtaining her double bachelor’s degrees in political science and justice studies with a minor in international nongovernmental organizations. Being born and raised in Rhode Island and a queer woman, she is passionate about women’s rights and the other human rights issues that impact the state and its people. While working with TWP, she hopes to delve into public policy and learn the skills needed to run a nonprofit.
Save the Date: Join the Party!
We’re diligently planning a late September party where we’ll announce our 2024 legislative action plans. Save the date for September 30th and keep an eye on your inbox for party details. We hope to see you there!
We’re still celebrating the passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA), but you might be looking ahead and wondering what is next for your activism. Perhaps a Political Campaign?
- Jordan Banick, a co-founder of The Womxn Project, is hosting an upcoming information session about the nonpartisan campaign manager training here.–> This is not affiliated with TWP as we do not endorse. However, if you know it’s something you want to do, the application with more details is here. If you have any questions about the training, just send Jordan an email and she would be happy to chat ([email protected]).
- On August 4, The Women’s Fund is also hosting a Women Run campaign training. Learn if you have what it takes to serve in legislative office. Hint: You do!
