July Newsletter: Take care and fight back.
A WORD FROM IRIS
Like many of you, when I found out about the supreme court's decision I was disgusted, angered and worried. I was concerned for what life would be like for me, for my children, for my community, for everyone who wants control of their own body. Then the rest of the court’s rulings came down and I felt even more discouraged.
In doing this work I know that it’s important for us to rest, feel our feelings, release our anger, find community, act and reflect. Black feminism teaches us that this should be done cyclically. I would like to offer that wherever we are in this process, we consider how the people close to us are doing and how we can best support them.
We are living in particularly difficult socio-political and economic times, and we need each other more than ever. We who are committed to justice must always see the joy and power of collective energy. Our communities, and especially our workplaces, need to be responsive and proactive.
NEWS TO CHEW ON
What do you think of President Biden’s Executive Order on reproductive care?
A message of hope and care for those who have had or are seeking abortions.
Now is a great opportunity for workplaces to show and prove.
TIDBIT FROM THE TOOLKIT
We all spend so much of our time at work; it’s critical that leaders show up for workers, in turn. Here’s an inspiring workplace policy, and something helpful from our toolkit. Also consider:
A system for folks to access abortion care resources without having to out themselves
Dedicated time and space to process current events, collectively
Additional paid days off for race/gender/sexuality/faith-based trauma
Emergency funds for survivors of hate crimes/violence
Policies around time off due to protesting or combatting injustice
TOOLS FOR RESISTANCE
Take care and fight back.
There are many ways to fight. It can be as simple as calling a senator, or as subversive as staging an action at the Supreme Court. As we build collective energy, remember:
It is OK to feel drained or discouraged, and it is OK to rest.
Check on your colleagues. Talk, connect, and care for each other.
Consider (and call out) the intersections between the work you do and the Supreme Court’s rulings. For instance, if your group serves a specific community, think about how that community is affected and what your organization can do to lessen the impact.