The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

May 27, 2021 | Deeds Digest No. 188

Hey #Changemakers,

Oh what a session has it been, there are so many emotions now that we are reaching the end. I find it very difficult to choose the right words to describe how we feel. However, let’s take a moment to pat ourselves in the back for all the amazing work and advocacy we’ve done this session! Yes, many bills passed the House and some even the Senate, but we gave them hell and we let them know that Texans Deserve Better. We elevated our voices in a unified way as we fought anti-abortion bills because Abortion is Healthcare.

As we compile the wins and losses, it’s safe to say that through your support of our work, the testimonies by our Changemakers, and the advocacy of our allies, we were able to block many bad bills. Of course, with the work of our Changemaker champions as well, these legislators fought hard to make Texans’ needs heard this session. It’s also a time to celebrate as many good bills made their way through the House and some even the Senate, too (keep reading to find out more about an amazing bill by one of our own Changemakers!)

But the bottom line is: our work does not end here and we are in this for the long haul. We keep fighting for what we stand for— for women’s social and economic opportunity, access to reproductive health, freedom from sexual assault, and equal representation in every space and at every level. As we enter the final days of the 87th legislative session, I’ll leave you with a quote from our founder Wendy Davis. "You won’t change things unless you are prepared to fight.”

In Solidarity,
Jesus Ramos, Policy & Outreach Intern

🎉 Congrats Grads! 🎉

We are beyond proud of ALL students who are graduating this year! Every grad deserves an extra big congratulations for their hard work and progress to reach this milestone in their education despite the challenging circumstances of this past year.

Of course, we are especially proud of our campus organizer grads! These Changemakers are seriously amazing and we cannot wait to see them become tomorrow’s leaders.

Laisa Hinojosa: Texas A&M, Public Health

“During my time as a campus organizer at Texas A&M, I was able to advocate for issues that I was passionate about alongside other Aggies on and off-campus. Members in my organization helped me through the toughest semester— together we dealt with the Texas winter storm, the ongoing pandemic, and social justice issues that needed attention in our community and the world.

Next, my journey will continue at Texas A&M as a graduate student in Health Administration at the School of Public Health.”

Carla Ramazan: UT Dallas, Political Science

“My time as a Deeds campus organizer was the highlight of my college experience. Watching UTD Deeds transform campus culture and inspire students to become activists of their own felt so rewarding.

In the upcoming year, I’ll be in D.C. working with The National Homelessness Law Center. Afterward, I plan on attending law school and being a trial litigator. I hope to use my skills to prevent unconstitutional laws, such as the 6-week abortion ban in Texas, from going into effect.”

Congratulations, Changemakers! We love you! 💜

Simone Biles Makes History as First Woman to Ever Land Yurchenko Double Pike: “Because I Can”

Simone Biles is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. And her greatness is not up for debate: as of 2019, Biles became the most decorated gymnast, male or female, of all time. Biles has been dominating the realm of gymnastics for eight years with no sign of slowing down. The record-breaking Olympic champion is still debuting new skills and abilities— and making history in the process.

Here’s more of what’s inspiring us…

Gov. Greg Abbott signs into law one of nation’s strictest abortion measures, banning procedure as early as six weeks into a pregnancy

Gov. Greg Abbott signed into last week a measure that would prohibit in Texas abortions as early as six weeks— before some women know they are pregnant— and open the door for almost any private citizen to sue abortion providers and others. The signing of the bill opens a new frontier in the battle over abortion restrictions as first-of-its-kind legal provisions are intended to make the law harder to block and are expected to be tested in the courts. The law takes effect in September.

Here’s more of what has us fired up…

Don't Mess With Texans' Abortion Rights!

It’s time to dust off your protest signs as we unite to let our lawmakers know not to mess with Texans’ abortions! Anti-choice lawmakers have spent the majority of this legislative session attacking reproductive rights, and we’re preparing to fight back.

This Saturday, we’ll be joining our partners in the Trust Respect Access coalition for a rally outside the Capitol to stand up against abortion attacks. Let’s show up and let our lawmakers know: Texans deserve better! Click here to RSVP and invite your friends.

You’ll also have an opportunity to hear from Texas abortion funds who need our support now more than ever. Join us to learn how you can engage in your local community to help those on the frontlines of abortion access.

Can’t make it but still want to support abortion access? Below are links to local abortion funds you can donate to!

💜 West Fund

💜 TEA Fund

💜 Lilith Fund

💜 Jane’s Due Process

💜 Fund TX Choice

💜 The Afiya Center

#Changemaker of the Week: Krithika Shamanna

Krithika Shamanna, a former campus organizer from Rice University, introduced a bill this session that has made all the way to the governor's desk! We are beyond proud of her work and commitment to making progress towards a Texas where are all FREE.

“HB 1434 requires Texas hospitals to use an informed consent standard for pelvic exams on anesthetized/unconscious women. This bill is important to me because as a student advocate for stronger interpersonal violence prevention measures, I’ve had many conversations with students at Rice regarding the practice of non-consensual pelvic exams. Most of these discussions have led to one overarching conclusion: these exams have the potential to be incredibly re-traumatizing for no good reason. Feelings of anxiety, fear, and distrust should not be associated with our healthcare system; healthcare is a basic human right necessary for the well-being of Texans. Non-consensual pelvic exams violate an individual’s right to privacy and destroy the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. This bill is crucial to protecting the basic rights of Texans.”

We see you, Changemaker! 👏

The Legislative Session is officially in full swing! Support of our work during this time will help us reach our goal of training 150 young people on how to provide testimony so they can make their voices heard!

🎉 Support our Changemakers 🎉

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