The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

January 28, 2020 | Deeds Digest No. 180

Hello #Changemakers,

It’s been a long time since I’ve communicated with you directly, and I’ve missed it so tremendously!

Much has happened since I stepped down from my role as the executive director of Deeds. As you may know, I was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Texas’ 21st district this past election cycle. Though the result was not what I had hoped it would be, I do not for a moment regret fighting the good fight for the progressive values that I hold dear. And I’m not even close to giving up. I hope you aren’t either.

That’s what I wanted to talk to you about: the power and importance of resolve.

Every single one of us has failed in some of the things we’ve tried to accomplish in our lives. It’s important, though, that we not let those failures define how we view ourselves and the value and importance of our continued efforts to fight for the change we believe in.

If you’re reading this newsletter, it’s likely that you are the kind of person who cares deeply about the issues of inequity, inequality, and injustice that our country has long failed to confront and solve. It’s also likely that you’ve wondered how you might best contribute to those efforts, but maybe you’ve been disappointed in what a long, hard slog it can be to bring about the changes you want to see.

But don’t let your disappointment turn into the kind of discouragement that breaks your resolve. As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” And that single step, followed by another and yet another will ultimately bring us closer to the more fair and just world that you deserve.

We should all be encouraged by the aggressive and swift actions that the new Biden administration is taking to confront criminal justice reform, immigration reform, climate change, COVID 19, and more. But it’s just a beginning, and your continued input will be needed to steer their policy efforts in the direction you hope to see.

Meanwhile, here at home in Texas, we’ve got a tremendous challenge to confront. Already, anti-choice lawmakers have filed numerous pieces of legislation aimed at removing access to abortion care. They’ve taken aim at local efforts to address criminal justice reform. And they’re pushing back against federal efforts to comprehensively redefine this country’s immigration policies. And that’s just to name a few.

I founded Deeds Not Words because I truly believe that only with YOUR voice at the table will we be able to push back against assaults on human rights and proactively create a more equal world. That’s why I’m thrilled that the amazing team at Deeds has designed a legislative agenda with YOUR voice and YOUR priorities in mind. The FREE AGENDA - Freedom from Violence; Reproductive Autonomy; Economic Opportunity; and Equitable Representation - will be the focus of Deeds’ efforts over the next few months.

So gather your resolve, determine to be a part of making the change you want to see, and let’s get started!

Much love to you all, beautiful Changemakers!

xo,
-Wendy

Welcome our new intern!

Meet Jesus Ramos, Deeds Organizing intern!

Jesus is a community advocate, activist, and life-long El Pasoan who continues the fight for Public Education, Civil Rights, and Gun sense. He has served as a volunteer for Moms Demand Action and a Texas State Leader for Students Demand Action. Jesus is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in Political Science and will seek a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Social Work.

Biden's gender discrimination order offers hope for young trans athletes

Among some of the first executive orders Biden signed in his first week in office, he has called on federal agencies to enforce the U.S. Supreme Court decision from last year, which expands the definition of sex discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation as well as gender identity. This particularly refers to high school and college sports, meaning transgender athletes can participate as their identified gender. “Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports,” the directive states. The administration adds that they are committed to "prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation."

Here’s more of what’s inspiring us…

Texas universities promised action after summer’s racial reckoning. But they're still reluctant to shed Confederate relics.

This summer, students at three major universities across Texas called on their schools to eliminate racist symbols, and while it wasn't the first time they faced these pressures, it was amplified by the national outcry against the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. University leaders admit there is much work to be done, and insist they remain committed to change. While the summer saw a flurry of funds and announcements towards diversity measures and scholarships, these monuments still look over the campuses. Students of color said they feel most of their calls to eliminate racist symbols from campuses have been ignored or intentionally mired in lengthy, bureaucratic processes intended to delay answers to difficult questions.

Here’s more of what has us fired up…

Take Action with Virtual Testimony on Redistricting

Did you know the TX Legislature is currently making important decisions about your future? Make your voice heard by signing up to give virtual public testimony, one of the few opportunities we may have this session to do so! You can help to ensure accurate representation and redistribution of resources for the livelihood of Texans for years to come.
Never testified before? No worries— reach out for a quick training, or you can use our testimony template, and then sign up 24hrs before your region's hearing. You also have the option to submit a public comment. Your voice matters, Changemakers!

Abortion Advocacy News & Opportunities

On the heels of the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Texas Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, the organization ‘NARAL Pro-Choice Texas’ is announcing a new chapter as an independent statewide organization named Avow. Support their bold and unapologetic advocacy for abortion rights, as a Texas-based organization!
Texas Abortion Access Network is accepting members for their next cohort of Changemakers! Sign-up for TAAN Academy to learn the skills you need to be an effective advocate for abortion access in your community and stand up against attacks on our rights. Click here to sign up by February 5th. Questions? Reach out to txabortionaccessnetwork@gmail.com

#Changemaker of the Week: Amanda Gorman

This young Changemaker captured the moment, and our hearts at last week’s inaugural ceremony with the performance of her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history and a graduate of Harvard, where she studied sociology— all at the age of 22! Not to mention, she was the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, where she’s from, and now the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate. Amanda has been open about growing up with a speech impediment and struggling with the letter R. She said in a recent interview, “that’s been a huge part of my speech pathology. It’s why I included it in the inaugural poem.”

Amanda is also known for appearing on several national TV programs, performing at the White House during the Obama administration, and writing the manifesto for Nike’s 2020 Black History Month campaign. Basically, an inspirational genius who has an authentic way with words, Amanda has a children’s book, a poetry collection, and another book coming out this year. As she uses her art to express issues she cares about, we can’t wait to see what this Changemaker does next!

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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