September 28 – October 2 is dedicated to lifting up voices and ensuring that when November 3 comes, you are informed and prepared. Share one of our graphics below and let your network know that you are a voter!
On September 28, New Voices for Reproductive Justice and In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda will launch our fourth annual national Reproductive Justice Week of Action (RJWOA). This year’s theme is I AM A VOTER. For the latet events in Pennsylvania and Ohio, visit this page and for our national partner events across the country, visit blackwomen.vote/rjwoa. Lastly, if you’re not doing so already, follow New Voices at @NewVoices4RJ on Twitter and Instagram and @NewVoicesPgh, @NewVoiceCleveland and @NewVoicesPhilly on Facebook. Follow In Our Own Voice on all platforms @BlackWomensRJ.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The November 2020 election will determine what the next four years and beyond will look like for our communities. We’re not just voting for a President, we’re also voting for judges—who make decisions like who has access to Black maternal health care, abortion access and contraception or how your sexuality and gender determines your employment status. We’re voting for local officials who decide how state funds are used to support policing or to support communities and whether your child has a guidance counselor or nurses at their schools and comprehensive sexuality education in their classrooms. There are several crucial issues that your vote will decide in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Making a plan to vote and sharing that plan with your network will ensure that your vote counts.
VOTER SUPPRESSION & FIGHTING BACK!
Maybe you’ve heard of long lines at the polls or grandmothers being turned away on Election Day because they cannot produce an original birth certificate. These are all forms of voter suppression which has morphed over the years. It’s no longer racist Jim Crow laws blocking our communities from voting, but the barriers have evolved. Voting rights activist Stacey Abrams breaks down voter suppression and how we can fight back!
Complete the In Our Own Voice and Move On petition to #PROTECTTHEVOTE and demand that Congress take action to protect Voting Rights for historically disenfranchised communities. It’s time to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act!
In Our Own Voice will host an Instagram Live Tap In Conversation. This IG Live will focus on combating voter suppression, activating young voters, having a reason to vote, how to make a voter plan, and what’s at stake!
– Lexi White, In Our Own Voice Senior Policy Manager
– Nourbese Flint (Los Angeles), Policy Director, Black Women for Wellness
– Jenai Patrick, In Our Own Voice Next Generation Institute Past Fellow, Lincoln University
We’re talking all thing Voting Rights for Black Women in Pennsylvania and Ohio! Get your questions about voting in the upcoming Election in November 3 from the leading voices from across both states. We welcome you to participate in both panels.
12P Pennsylvania Panel
– Maryn Formley, @veeempittsburgh
– Angie Hinton, @whenweallvote
– Brittany Smalls, @blackvotersmtr
– La’Tasha D. Mayes, @NewVoices4RJ President & CEO, Moderator
1P Ohio Panel
– Destiny Brown, OSU Student & Voter Advocate
– Alexis Crosby, @CampusVoteProject
– Kayla Griffin, @AllVotingIsLocal
– Alana Garrett- Ferguson, New Voices Cleveland Organizer, Moderator
REGISTER at rjwoablackwomenvr2020.eventbrite.com.
Meet us in Cleveland & Philadelphia to get your I AM A VOTER swag, register to vote, apply for vote by mail and ask any questions about voting and the Election.
Post on social media using handles @NewVoices4RJ @BlackWomensRJ and hashtags #RJWOA2020 #IAMAVOTER #VoiceYourVote.
PHILLY I AM A VOTER / VOICE YOUR VOTE POP-UP
CLEVELAND I AM A VOTER / VOICE YOUR VOTE POP-UP
With election day quickly approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still surging, it is essential that our communities make a plan to vote and share that plan widely. We know there are attempts to suppress our vote in Pennsylvania and Ohio so having a voter plan answers all the important questions you may have and ensures that your vote will be counted, and your voice will be heard. View tips on creating your voter plan, however you choose to vote— by mail, early voting or in-person on election day.
REGISTER TO VOTE IN OHIO BY OCTOBER 5: wecan.vote/newvoices
REGISTER TO VOTE IN PENNSYLVANIA BY OCTOBER 19: rock.vote/newvoices