Community Organizing & Engagement
Community organizing is the ongoing activity of political education and relationship building that keeps community members, impacted by injustice, connected and politically activated. It is the connective tissue between mobilizing moments in society (like the murder of Breonna Taylor). Organizing is more than planning events, attending marches/rallies, or making new friends; it's a long-term strategy that emphasizes building power, developing trust and relationships, and weaving in value-alignment across folks with various lived experiences and realities. We believe that community organizing is essential to improving the lives of our families and the conditions of our communities.
Defend Our Kin
A Community Organizing Leadership Development Experience.
Our community organizing leadership development cohort, ‘Defend Our Kin,’ seeks to change attitudes and harmful gender norms through an 8-week, in-person training model, centering the needs of Black marginalized communities. We equip cohort participants with the language, tools, and training to confront structural barriers rooted in anti-Black and misogynistic oppression.
The People’s Portal
Find community, share experiences, learn from one another.
The People’s Portal is a community-centered space curated for folks seeking values-aligned companionship, a space to be politically curious, and answers for how to show up in tense political, social, and cultural movements.
For the protection of our community members, sensitive information about The People’s Portal events are not shared widely. If you’re interested in learning more about this carefully curated space email organizing@newvoicesrj.org.
For the protection of our community members, sensitive information about The People’s Portal events are not shared widely. If you’re interested in learning more about this carefully curated space email organizing@newvoicesrj.org.
Organizing Events
The People’s Portal Brunch - Pittsburgh
Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
The People’s Portal Brunch - Cleveland
Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
The People’s Portal Brunch - Philadelphia
Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 AM to 2 PM
This event is invitation only. Please email organizing@newvoicesrj.org if you are interested in attending.
Past Efforts & Initiatives
#SayHerName March for Justice
Launched in 2020 in Philadelphia as a response to the murder of Black trans woman Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells in Philadelphia, the “#SayHerName March for Justice” honored Fells, as well as other Black women killed that year including Breonna Taylor. The first march was attended by over 1,000 people.
#SayHerName Justice Fund
An extension of the #SayHerName March for Justice, the Justice Fund was a mutual aid initiative that provided money directly to Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized community members navigating various forms of systemic violence. In 2022, New Voices distributed $52,100 to 148 people who applied for funds across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Launched in 2020 in Philadelphia as a response to the murder of Black trans woman Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells in Philadelphia, the “#SayHerName March for Justice” honored Fells, as well as other Black women killed that year including Breonna Taylor. The first march was attended by over 1,000 people.
#SayHerName Justice Fund
An extension of the #SayHerName March for Justice, the Justice Fund was a mutual aid initiative that provided money directly to Black women, Black queer folks, and Black marginalized community members navigating various forms of systemic violence. In 2022, New Voices distributed $52,100 to 148 people who applied for funds across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
RJ Ignite Cohorts
New Voices’ former leadership development cohort, RJ IGNITE, was an 8-week course designed to introduce Black folks to Reproductive Justice – giving them tools and resources to become leaders within their communities. In 2023 and 2024, city-based cohorts ran in each city with 10 members each.