In recent months, we have made it clear that when we come together we are strong and we make a difference! We are building a movement to create real and lasting change. We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to do together to push to protect our rights. But there is something else you can decide to do that will have a HUGE impact on the issues that you care about – not just the right to abortion, but the myriad of challenges facing women and families in our state and the untapped opportunities. You can run for public office!
We understand that it can sound intimidating, but as we look back at the recent mid-term elections we see so many amazing, inspiring stories of moms with young children and young women and women of color and LGBT people deciding that we cannot just sit back and watch the system negatively impact us and our communities – we need to be part of shaping policies and programs at the local, state and federal level.
We know that representation matters. When women are at the table, we are more likely to see legislation that creates fair workplaces and acknowledges and affirms that reproductive health care IS health care. When people of color are in halls of power, the lived experiences and systemic barriers faced by marginalized people are acknowledged and innovative solutions are advanced. We need to be there – at every level – to make our voices heard and to push for the kinds of change that we all need to be healthy, to be supported and to thrive!
That is why The Womxn Project is launching #takeitbackRI to help match people in our state with resources, training, support and encouragement to take the leap and run for public office! Whether you want to be get a seat on your local school council to ensure access to quality education, including comprehensive curricula to support young people’s sexual health or you want to be in the General Assembly and play a role in pushing for state laws or appropriations to make a positive difference for you, your family and your community – we need you!
In the coming months, we will provide links to trainings where you can learn more or get the skills to win – like the “Run As You Are” training with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island on July 27th.
We will help you learn more about organizations that are supporting candidates or endorsing and even providing financial support – like #VOTEPROCHOICE and the Victory Fund.
Here are few steps you can take today to begin your journey:
- Learn more. Check out this resource guide from our Secretary of State (and Reproductive Health Care Act supporter), Nellie Gorbea on how to run for office in Rhode Island.
- Talk to your family and friends. Chances are you not only have a lot of enthusiastic support, but also some super smart and passionate people who are willing to help you. Start the conversation today.
- Put it out there – think about posting on social media TODAY to declare your intentions. This is the leap, but it will also tell people in your network that you need their help AND show our current elected officials that if they don’t protect our rights that there are brilliant, qualified people like YOU who will be willing to take those seats!
Sample Post: I am done watching as decision makers trample on our rights and ignore the real challenges facing people in our state. I am committing TODAY to run for public office at some level. This is my first step – to ask you to be in this with me. We can make a positive change together. Be with me! Let’s #takeitbackRI.
There are many incredible people at every level of government in Rhode Island. We know that. But there are also those who are not using their positions of power to make things better for us, our families, or our communities. Our activists are smart. You care. Let’s harness your passion and principles and get things done!
We can envision a future where we are all healthy and have the services we need; where our kids are safe, have enough to eat, and all go to schools where their needs are met and they get a quality education; and where we all make a living wage and are provided with basic supports and accommodations at work so we can succeed. Let’s make it happen!
Decide today to run for office and make a change with us. We will continue to provide information and resources in the coming months. Let’s #TAKEITBACKRI!