Quinn Berube, MPA’s Post

Did you know that April is National Hope Month? It's a time to reflect on various aspects of hope, including the crucial journey toward Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice. As we stand in solidarity with Black mothers, birthing individuals, and families, we recognize the urgent need to address the obstacles they face in accessing quality healthcare. Advocacy is essential. We must amplify their voices and shed light on the injustices they endure. Together, we plant seeds of hope, nurturing them with unwavering determination. In this journey of advocacy and empowerment, let's embrace the strength of community. Together, we can create a world where hope thrives, and every mother is treated with compassion and dignity. Let's go beyond words. This month, let's embody hope through concrete actions and unwavering commitments toward justice and reproductive healthcare.

As more communities turn to ballot measures to address critical issues that state legislatures have overlooked or deprioritized, they face pushback from lawmakers trying to complicate the process and maintain their power. At RWJF, we are committed to building a democracy that achieves health equity for everyone. One of the ways we're advancing this vision is by protecting the ballot measure process—an essential tool for a thriving democracy.   I recently had the privilege of speaking with our partner, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the BISC Foundation, where they are helping organizations and funders understand how ballot measures build power and strengthen civic engagement. Discover how we can work together to create equitable systems by safeguarding this vital democratic process.

Reproductive Justice analyzes power systems, looks at white supremacy and systemic racism, addresses intersecting oppressions, and centers the most marginalized. As Audre Lorde said, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives." But that also means that the people doing this work have these intersecting lives while they deal with trauma, emotional toll, exhaustion, and much more because they show up every day to support others. In order to ensure workers are being taken care of, disrupting the status quo by building caring work spaces is of utmost importance. Join us, alongside our partners Texas Equal Access Fund and Avow, on April 30th from 12- 1 pm at this virtual panel for Texas Woman's University School of Social Work in how to create caring work spaces. Register here: https://rb.gy/1hcxp4 #ReproductiveJustice #SocialWork #CaringWorkSpaces #Texas

Check out this interesting session!

First Mondays Highlights: In this clip from our September 9 First Mondays Webinar, Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United & Let America Vote, highlights one of the major structural threats to our democracy: money in politics.   Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, a flood of undisclosed funds has changed the incentives for candidates and elected officials to please their biggest donors over their constituents, undermining fundamental freedoms from voting rights to reproductive health care.   As Tiffany eloquently puts it — all our rights and freedoms are interconnected, which is why we need comprehensive solutions, both in the short and long term. Watch the full conversation: https://lnkd.in/eb4M3BGp

"Health Equity Matters: World Health Day Reflections in Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month" On this World Health Day, we express our unwavering support for Black mothers and birthing individuals, affirming their inherent right to equitable healthcare. During Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, we echo the theme "My Health, My Right," championing justice, equity, and empowerment in maternal health. Upholding Maternal Health: Here at CWCLN, we acknowledge the imperative to address systemic disparities affecting the health and well-being of Black mothers and birthing individuals. We stand committed to amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights. Our Pledge: Today, and every day, we pledge to: Advocate for policies and practices prioritizing the health and dignity of Black mothers and birthing individuals. Deliver culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of Black communities. Raise awareness and foster education on Black maternal health and reproductive justice matters. Cultivate spaces for dialogue, support, and community empowerment. Join Us: As we commemorate World Health Day alongside Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month, let's join forces to ensure that Black Mothers and birthing individuals can access safe, respectful, and high-quality maternal healthcare. #MyHealthMyRight #WorldHealthDay #BlackMaternalHealth #ReproductiveJustice #HealthEquity #MaternalHealth #Empowerment

Everyone should have the opportunity to shape the policies that impact their health and wellbeing no matter their race, class, or geography. But lawmakers in several states are trying to restrict access to the ballot measure process, making it harder for people to participate in direct democracy. They are proposing increased signature requirements, higher thresholds for initiative passage, and other barriers. That’s why RWJF is investing in protecting the ballot measure process—a key democratic tool that helps everyone shape policies that impact their lives.     In our latest blog post, Elizabeth DiLauro, Senior Policy Officer at RWJF, and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director at BISC Foundation discussed the importance of safeguarding the ballot measure process. https://rwjf.ws/raSR6p  

As we head into an election year, the stakes couldn’t be higher for democracy, and we believe that defending democracy doesn’t start or stop at the ballot box. Our grantees are community builders, voter educators, and grassroots organizers, working year-round to advance racial, gender, and economic justice. Groups like ProGeorgia and the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable are making strides to ensure that historically underrepresented communities have a voice—not just in this election year, but every year. As funders, we understand that supporting civic engagement during election cycles is crucial—but so is supporting the infrastructure that keeps these movements thriving when the cameras are off. The fight for democracy is ongoing, and investing in community power is key to transformative change. Check out this article on the importance of pro-democracy funding by FJS CEO Nicky McIntyre USSE program officer Paulina Helm-Hernández. https://lnkd.in/gEMWM-Jp

In September, world leaders will convene at the United Nations World Summit of the Future to adopt the Pact for the Future. Leading up to the Summit, contributions from civil society, academia, and the private sector have shaped the pact’s draft. However, despite civil society’s extensive involvement, it remains unclear how inputs and advocacy efforts have impacted each draft iteration. Discover the recommendations made by civil society and the key expectations leading up to the Summit in this article, featuring insights from Jennifer Rauch, our Global Advocacy Officer 👇 https://bit.ly/3yDdmwp

Today is recognized as #1in26day which acknowledges the 1 in 26 Americans who will develop #epilepsy in their lifetime. It helps raise #epilepsyawareness, giving hope & honoring all #epilepsywarriors, past, present & future. Learn more: https://ow.ly/XUJY50QuYQy