Commentary by Caitlynn Douglass, November 20, 2025
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When we look back through the years, nonprofits have foundationally supported underserved and underrepresented populations, keeping them safe, empowered and joyous. These same nonprofits, and the historic social movements they have powered, touch the lives of every single community member.
As a queer woman, I understand that the privileges and rights I use to move through my life are the result of the laborious and dedicated work of community organizations that existed long before me and will continue their work for many years to come.
Sometimes the right thing to do is also the hardest, and nonprofits willingly step into the face of that challenge every day. They dismantle social inequities, consistently speaking truth to power, while also keeping compassionate care anchored to the core of their actions.
Nonprofits also seek to bring joy to our community members, igniting a glow to dimly lit times. Through farmers markets, art shows, cooking classes, educational series and so much more, we see convening and community building breathing life to individual happiness – that happiness as a means for rebellious survival.
The Womxn Project is a powerful example of an organization that has pushed forward in the face of adversity. They have been able to take their mission of bodily freedom for all – at a time when the right to one’s body continues to come under attack – and transformed it through artivism (activism through art) to connect with individuals across our state. Through tireless hours at the Rhode Island State House, beautiful displays at community events and illuminated projections in the night, The Womxn Project advances the safety and empowerment of all Rhode Islanders, and makes bold statements look elegant.
I have been lucky enough to be part of one of their community art projects where each person was invited to make a mini foam version of themselves and then stick it to a painted cardboard rainbow. We were all just strangers at an art market, stopping for a few moments to help one another create a tiny world where we all stood side by side engulfed in happiness – a wish for a better tomorrow and a reminder of what could be. Art as a vehicle of resistance is how leaders have continuously stood against injustice time and time again, and The Womxn Project continues to honor this vital tradition in tumultuous times.
As a community, we must hold our nonprofits close to our hearts, boisterously supporting the staff who work to make our voices louder, our art rebellious and our neighbors united.
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Caitlynn Douglas is the operations manager for the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI.
