Just the other day, I got a message saying, “These are such dark days, but I feel better knowing you and your org are doing this important work.” It touched me, always does, as The Womxn Project formed and keeps building from a place that fights for equality- not just abortion but truly equality for Womxn’s healthcare needs. However, since we work with a few part-time folks and volunteers, we voted to take on this {big} topic. We see the fight for abortion access as the first domino in a series of issues that once it topples, so many others will follow.
After 45 years on the front lines I rest easier knowing that you and your troops have picked up the torch and are running with it now.
– MAS, 12/5/2021
I go back to why we started and where we are now. We learned we can’t depend on the courts. And sadly, we also can’t depend on lawmakers to just do the right thing. So we are continuing to develop smart and creative ways to draw attention to how and why we need to live in a state (and country) that allows all people who can become pregnant the right to choose for themselves when that is. Not giving that right to predominantly wealthy white cis men to decide.
The work that The Womxn Project is doing is an integral part in making Rhode Island a more just and equitable state for everyone. I first became involved with TWP when I organized a Vanessa Guillén Vigil and have been a strong ally ever since. Wether you want to advocate for reproductive justice rights at the State House or educate folks on the history of the slave trade here in Rhode Island, there is a spot for you with The Womxn Project. I admire the amazing job TWP does in collaborating with different organizations across the region in accomplishing successful advocacy campaigns. TWP truly understands the value in coalition building.
– MS, 12/8/2021
We always appreciate the outpouring of gratitude (who doesn’t) and take it very seriously. We formed in a time of crisis and have not stopped feeling it since. But what’s different between then and now is we built an inclusive movement that invited anyone and everyone to join to help pass the Reproductive Privacy Act (RPA), a huge moment in RI’s history!
The late Congressman John Lewis talked about getting into ‘good trouble’. TWP has combined art and advocacy into ‘good trouble’. Whether in-your-face advocacy at the Statehouse or projected on the side of a building or getting arrested if need be. Who says performance art can’t have consequences? The TWP did great work in support of passage of the reproductive healthcare bill. For that I thank them.
-DL, 12/8/2021
We have heard time and again that the Reproductive Privacy Act (RPA) would not have passed without us and we know this to be the fact, but do you know that STILL not everyone is able to access abortion when they need or want one in RI?! That is why immediately we secured sponsors and worked to get the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act (EACA) introduced once the RPA passed. Once we get the EACA passed, it will provide health coverage for state employees and the state Medicaid plan, so that almost everyone in Rhode Island can realize their right without barriers.
Rhode Island would very likely not have protected access to abortion without the leadership of The Womxn Project. They make plugging in and advocating for change fun, equitable, and effective.
– KH, 12/8/2021
It would be easy to get mad or sad – and I have done both lately, don’t get me wrong. But I think of my daughters first and look forward to not leaving these fights to their generation. Soooo, to that we are already making plans with activists (join this Sunday!) and making plans with over 20 organizations to build a campaign to fight for the EACA’s passage this year because it is going to take all kinds of efforts coming together to pass a bill that considers EVERYONE having access, not just the wealthy people. We are ready. Are you? Join!
Giving to The Womxn Project is a priority for me because they see abortion rights as the critical gender, race, and economic justice issue that it is. No one is doing the kind of thoughtful feminist organizing that TWP does. I’m proud to help them do it.
– WB, 12/8/2021
We need you to be ready to pick up the phone and send the emails and show up (when we can) at the State House. But we also need your financial support. The Womxn Project has done all of this incredible work (again I will repeat this) with only a few part-time folks and volunteers. Imagine what we could do with a full-time staff person. We have plans. We have goals. We know we could get even more done if we can grow and enhance our capacity. But we need your help to do that.
Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I love being a part of an organization that raises up marginalized voices and engages advocacy and change through art and education.
– EG, 12/8/2021
Whether you can give $5, $50 or $500, we need you. If you can commit to giving $10 a month, we need you. We have a big opportunity and such an important obligation to do all we can to pass the EACA — and get rid of the obstacles that young people face, and so much more! Please, give what you can today. You know we will give it all we’ve got!
TWP helped me find my activist voice in a meaningful, thoughtful, and creative way. And as y’all know now, the work continues!
– CJ, 12/8/21
Thank you in advance. We will continue to provide information and opportunities and yes, we will continue to lead!
Sincerely,
Jocelyn Foye
Executive Director of The Womxn Project