Western States Center

🌈 Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer is a groundbreaking short film that follows two transmasculine individuals and their families as they journey through the complexities of breast and ovarian cancer within the medical system. This moving story highlights resilience, community, and the urgent need for inclusive healthcare. Created by Brooks Nelson and Western States Center Fellow Yee Won Chong, this film sheds light on often-overlooked stories of survival. Watch and share to support visibility for all trans lives navigating cancer care. 💪🏽❤️ Watch now ➡️ thttps://lnkd.in/eqH64Ffc #TransDudesWithLadyCancer #InclusiveHealthcare #WesternStatesWednesday #WesternStatesSelfCare

On this Election Day, we come together to support and protect our democratic process, with a special message of resilience for voters in Washington state. Recent ballot box attacks in Clark County are an attack on our shared right to vote—but they also show the strength of our communities to stand firm against political violence and uphold election integrity. Let’s ensure every vote counts and every voice is heard today and beyond. Read more and learn how you can help keep elections safe: https://lnkd.in/eWZW6cEn 🗳️ #Vote2024 #ElectionIntegrity #DefendDemocracy

Election Day 2024 is tomorrow! Western States Center offers two valuable guides to support democracy and counter misinformation during this pivotal time. 🔹 For Community Leaders: The Community Action Guide provides strategies for leaders to safeguard democracy. From mobilizing voters to promoting fair election practices, this guide is relevant in red, blue, and purple regions across the US. https://lnkd.in/eq8aQEpT 🔹 For Schools: The Election Guide for Schools supports educators and students in navigating bigoted, anti-democracy messages, reinforcing schools as spaces for critical thinking and civic engagement. https://lnkd.in/e4WwmMzb Let’s work together for a strong, just, and inclusive democracy! #Election2024 #DefendDemocracy

🗣️ More than 80 Oregon elected officials & community leaders have united with WSC to denounce political violence and stand for a fair, transparent election process this 2024 season. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about the safety, resilience, and democratic values of Oregon. 🕊️ As the open letter says: we’re all in this together for a safe and inclusive election season. #DefendDemocracy #Election2024 #WesternStatesWednesday https://lnkd.in/ej3_8j7M

📢 With Election Day 2024 around the corner, Western States Center offers two essential guides to help communities and schools uphold democracy and counter misinformation. For Community Leaders: The Community Action Guide empowers leaders and groups with strategies to protect democracy—whether through mobilizing voters, ensuring fair election practices, or supporting the peaceful transfer of power. It’s relevant nationwide across red, blue, and purple regions. https://lnkd.in/eq8aQEpT For Schools: The Election Guide for Schools provides tools to help educators and students navigate and counter bigoted, anti-democracy messages, supporting schools as key spaces for fostering critical thinking and democratic engagement. https://lnkd.in/e4WwmMzb Together, let’s work toward an election season that reflects the values of a strong, just, and inclusive democracy. #Election2024 #DefendDemocracy

United Sovereign Americans, an election denialist group, had an audience with the Clackamas County Commission last week. Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs at Western States Center, told the Oregonian that the group “makes it clear they’re organizing to disrupt free and fair elections through lawsuits. These activities cast doubt on legitimate election results, mainstreaming anti-democracy ideas and pushing the United States toward authoritarianism.” That said, we're pleased so many Clackamas County leaders have signed onto our nonpartisan Letter from Elected and Community Leaders Denouncing Political Violence, including legislators and the Milwaukie and Wilsonville mayors. 🗳️ #ProtectOurElections #DefendDemocracy #Election2024 https://lnkd.in/emNmYU9h Navigating the 2024 Election in Schools: https://lnkd.in/ej3_8j7M Safeguarding Democracy During the 2024 Election- A Community Action Guide: https://lnkd.in/eq8aQEpT

[Shared from Bend the Arc: Jewish Action and HIAS] Six years ago today, 11 people were murdered in Pittsburgh — the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the U.S. The attack was inspired by the "Great Replacement Theory," the antisemitic conspiracy theory that falsely claims Jews are orchestrating the deliberate replacement of white Americans with non-white immigrants and people of color. Today, the "Great Replacement Theory" is still being shared from some of the largest political stages in the country to blame and scapegoat both Jews and immigrants in advance of the election. We were targeted for what we believe in and work for: connection, togetherness, and solidarity. And we know that these are the values that will keep all of us — Jews and non-Jews — safe in our shared future. When they threaten any of us, they threaten all of us. May the lives of those lost be for the brightest blessing ❤️🩹 https://lnkd.in/eV9FwuCP

In the final days of the election, mis- and disinformation poses a fundamental threat to our democracy and our safety. Learn how we can combat dangerous narratives, affirm the democratic process, and build cross-community solidarity. Moderated by Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director of A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy. Panelists include Ryan G., President, Bedrock; Scot Nakagawa, Executive Director, 22nd Century Initiative; and Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs, Western States Center. Sign-up here: https://lnkd.in/gKt44DR2

Western States Center, in partnership with Princeton’s Bridging Divides Initiative, has released a guide, "Speaking Out Against Bigoted, Dehumanizing Rhetoric: What We Can Do." This resource explains the dangerous link between rhetoric and violence and provides steps we can take to reject hate and strengthen our movements for justice! Download the guide at https://lnkd.in/dhyyv8Ck 🗞 Check out our latest newsletter for more resources like this: https://lnkd.in/eJFdGFwv #RacialEquity #Justice #Guide

Join us for "Lead with Love - Voting for a Healed Future" online event on Thursday, October 24th at 7:00 PM. Don't miss out on hearing Auburn's President Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson discussing a vision for a better future with emerging leaders. After the brief program, there will be time to connect with other leaders online! Click the link below for more details and to get tickets. #LeadWithLove #HealedFuture #VotingForChange #AuburnLeadership #OnlineEvent https://lnkd.in/gGfZZBfb