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January 8, 2019 | Deeds Digest No. 129
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Hello #Changemakers!
Today marks the first day of Texas' 86th legislative session and girl, do we have a full plate! Our FEM-Z agenda includes bills centered around clearing the rape-kit backlog, improving campus sexual assault protections, creating menstrual equity, improving access to reproductive healthcare and so much more. Our #Changemakers (that's YOU!) on our 17 chapters around the state are poised and ready to get involved.
If you aren't a member of one of our chapters, but want to be a part of advocating for policies included within our FEMZ agenda, please reach out to us here. We can make sure to invite you to campus trainings that will be held in your community.
I can't help but feel excited about all that we will accomplish together in the coming few months! In the last legislative session, our #Changemakers were a vital part of the passage of 7 bills into law. This session, with a slate of newly elected members joining our veteran ally lawmakers, I am hopeful about all that we will achieve.
Now is definitely the time when Deeds, not just words, will make the difference in shaping the world you want to see. Are you in, #Changemaker?? Join us, and hang on for the ride!
Much love,
-wendy
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Notes From the Field
We are beyond excited to collaborate on Movement Mujeres- a joint initiative of Deeds Not Words and Jolt Initiative.
At the heart of our initiative is the fellowship we’ve created to make a long-term investment in young women of color leaders, supporting them to hone their skills, build an alumni network they can lean on for long-term support, and place them into key leadership positions in government and social justice nonprofits in Texas. This fellowship will dive deep with 50 women over the next 4 years to strengthen their leadership, public speaking, governance and policy capacity.
The fellowship will consist of quarterly two-day gatherings where fellows will participate in intensive trainings and workshops. Given that the fellowship will require a considerable amount of time, commitment and dedication, all fellows will be awarded a $1,200 yearly stipend. Travel and childcare stipends will also be provided. At the culmination of the fellowship fellows will have:
- learned how to write op-ed pieces and placed them in local and national media
- advocated on behalf of the Movement Mujeres agenda
- organized locally on key issues important to them
- built up their social media brand and messaging
- participated in inclusive and timely trainings on equity, justice and Texas histories
The deadline to apply is in two days! The application and additional information can be found at:www.MovementMujeres.com.
Because Movement Mujeres is looking to revolutionize Texas by building local power, this application is open to all women and non-binary folks who identify as a people of color, will invest in the long term work needed to uplift Texas and fall between the ages of 21-35.
It's time that the leadership in Texas looked like us. Join us in making that happen!
Claudia Yoli Ferla
Director of Student Outreach and Organizing
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We cannot expect our state to conquer the issues that have surfaced in the #metoo movement, if our own lawmakers are unwilling to take responsibility and be held accountable. It starts here. Sexual assault protections should exist everywhere, and in the #LegeToo.
With the #TXLege returning to session this week, we need you to join us in calling for a transparent, accountable, and independent process to investigate ALL allegations of sexual harassment and assault by lawmakers and legislative staff in our state Capitol. Sign your name now to show your support and receive updates.
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This Week's #Changemaker:
Susan Zirinsky
The longtime producer of CBS News will soon be taking over as head of the network this March, making history as the first time a woman will lead the network's news division. Susan Zirinsky, upon whom the incredible 1980's movie Broadcast News is based, is already a barrier-breaking and award-winning producer for her work on the Gulf War and 9/11. Her promotion follows a chain of sexual harassment and assault allegations made against some of the network's top executives including Jeff Fager, Charlie Rose, and Les Moonves.
Addressing the recent scandals and her plan to take the network into a more equitable and accountable space, Zirinsky said, “The #MeToo movement isn’t behind us, it’s alongside us in our thinking.”
After years of credible allegations against predatory men at the CBS network -- we're glad to see a woman emerge to take the lead and demand better!
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