The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

April 9, 2021 | Deeds Digest No. 185

Dear Friend,

It is with bittersweet feelings that I’m writing this to let you know that today is my last day at Deeds. As we wrap up an amazing and powerful week of our Deeds Advocacy Days, I couldn’t think of a better way to close my chapter at Deeds Not Words. 

But don’t worry, I won’t be going too far! I will be joining the team at MOVE Texas, a close partner and grassroots organization building power in underrepresented youth communities. During such a critical moment in our movement, I remain committed now more than ever to place the voices, power, and lived experiences of young people at the forefront of our fight. 

I want to thank you for your incredible support to Deeds Not Words over the years. As I look back, I feel proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. From training hundreds of young leaders and building chapters across 25 Texas high schools and higher learning institutions, to unapologetically sharing our stories in the halls of power and shaping public opinion through art, we’ve shifted the balance of power in our state and beyond. 

Working at Deeds has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. I’ve learned so much about myself and our movement during my time here, and you’ve been such a big part of that. 

I am confident that our dynamic team will continue to take Deeds in an intentional direction that is reflective and inclusive of the values of our great state. Their energy and passion shines through everything they do, including the work of our young organizers who look up to them. Keep being a beacon of inspiration and a source of power!

To our founder Wendy Davis, thank you for believing in me and for affording me the opportunity to grow this impactful organization together. 

To our Changemakers, I believe in you. I hope you see the difference you make in our communities everyday. I know I do. 

With all of my gratitude and love,
Claudia Yoli

Thank you for supporting Deeds Advocacy Days! Our digital week of action created space for Changemakers to learn about the legislative process, how to turn art into activism, our FREE agenda, and how youth can make their voices heard at the Capitol. 

Missed it? No worries! All sessions were recorded are shared on our YouTube channel! Check out the links below for each session.

💜  Master the #TXLege
💜  Changemakers for a FREE Agenda: Intersectional Panel Discussion 
💜  
Get Ready with Queen Beatrix
💜  Changemakers Virtual Rally

Thank you to our sponsors, Transgender Education Network of Texas and Boss Babes ATX, for helping make it happen!

We have another piece of great Deeds news to share! Amorae Times, our Changemakers and campus organizer at Prairie View A&M University, was recently accepted into two graduate programs! 

"I have been accepted to both Vanderbilt and Rice Political Science PhD programs! Both with full rides and full departmental fellowships. Additionally, I received a special dean’s fellowship at Rice University. For me, the opportunity to pursue a PhD is so rewarding because I am a first-gen graduate student. I will be studying voting legislation and social policy implications in communities of color, and hope that my work will make a positive impact on the electoral landscape and provide equitable access to resources in marginalized communities!"

Lil Nas X Celebrated His No. 1 Song "Montero" With Jokes for His Haters

“All jokes aside, we get to control our own destiny, never let the world decide it for you. No matter how dark it may look keep f*cking going!" the artist wrote in a different tweet. “Y’all told a 19 year old who had just escaped the lowest point of his life that he would never have a hit again. You told him to stop while he’s ahead. He could’ve gave [sic] up. But [four] multi platinum songs and [two] #1’s later, he’s still here. Thank you to my team and my fans! [I love you],” another one read.  Lil Nas X had previously achieved the no. 1 feat in 2019 with “Old Town Road,” which made waves in the country genre due to his identity as a gay Black man.

Here’s more of what’s inspiring us…

Texas Senate approves legislation banning most abortions, testing Roe v. Wade


The Texas Senate approved six anti-abortion bills Tuesday, including a proposal that would outlaw the procedure once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is typically before a woman is aware she is pregnant, and another that would effectively ban the procedure completely. The second measure would become law if the Supreme Court reverses earlier decisions legalizing abortion. Dyana Limon-Mercado, executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, said this kind of "extreme political agenda is not what Texans need or want right now."

Here’s more of what has us fired up…

🤠 #TXLege Updates 🤠

Let's be real— this has been a particularly tough session for all our advocates and organizers on the ground. From lack of virtual testimony options to the lack of any mask requirements inside the Capitol, issues of access and safety have been major concerns added on top of the anti-choice and anti-voter extremism we have always gone against.

But that hasn't stopped our Changemakers. We have shared several of our young advocates' testimonies on our social media, making sure their voices are heard no matter what. 

Our amazing Policy Director, Andrea Reyes, even spent a day at the Capitol this week to testify on behalf of one of our Changemakers. Watch her powerful testimony here!

Our allies are also resilient and continuing their crucial work this session. Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood Texas pulled off an amazing action at the Capitol steps in protest of anti-abortion bills being heard.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates on the #TXLege and more!

#Changemaker of the Week: Natalia Monet Cox
 

Our deepest condolences to the Cox family and our Deeds Not Words chapter at Huston-Tillotson on the loss of our beloved Natalia Monet Cox. We mourn with you and will continue to honor her legacy through our work. 
 

You will forever and always be in our hearts, Natalia. Rest in power, 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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Deeds Not Words
PO Box 6009
Austin, TX 78762