The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

Hey, #Changemakers!

Storytelling is an important part of the work we do. From testifying at the State Capitol to making a speech at a rally on National Period Day, the foundation of how we advocate for the issues we care about starts with a story. 

That said, we have some exciting news on the digital front of Deeds: We will be launching our new web series, Deeds Debunks TOMORROW on our Facebook page! 

‘Deeds Debunks’ will explore the topics that matter to YOUth and debunking the myths within those topics. For our first episode, we’ll be talking about all things voting and civic engagement ahead of the March primary! 

Make sure that you’ve liked our Facebook page so you can be one of the first supporters to watch the premiere of Deeds Debunks. We can’t wait to see where this adventure goes!

In solidarity, 

Sydney Greene
Digital Coordinator 

Youth Climate Strikers In Rural Areas Are Protesting Alone

Young people around the world are following Greta Thunberg’s example and going on strike. In isolated areas, some youth activists are doing so by themselves, the only ones on the front lines, fighting for the future that younger generations might not see. 

“Being a climate activist in Uganda is very hard,” said Mulindwa Moses, a 23-year-old Ugandan climate activist. “You cannot hold a strike with large numbers to create awareness because the government [does not] allow it, and I have lost friends, who say they can no longer associate with me because I stand on the side of roads holding signs and spend most of my time planting trees.”

We stand with the solo youth climate strikers around the world who are standing up for what they believe in — even if that means standing up on their own. We see you, Changemakers!

Here’s what’s also inspiring us:

• Lash Nolen Is Harvard Medical School’s First Black Woman Class President
• Oakland's Black Joy Parade Celebrates All it Means to Be Black in America
• WNBA Players Hope Collective Bargaining Agreement Paves Way for Younger Athletes

#Changemaker of the Week: 
Bianca Castro and Yamilee Gonzalez

Our Changemaker of the Week goes out to two of our Campus Organizers, Bianca Castro of UT-RGV Edinburg and Yamilee Gonzalez of UT-RGV Brownsville, who were some of the youth voices involved in the anti-endorsement campaign of Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. Here’s what our youth advocates had to say: 
 

“Senator Eddie Lucio has been a part of the Texas Senate for three decades, serving long before we were born. Throughout his time as a representative, he has consistently advocated for issues that actively hurt the same community he vows to represent. Time and time again, Lucio has firmly stood against women and the LGBTQ+ community by voting against abortion access and in-favor of transphobic bills that harm our communities.”

You can read more of Bianca and Yamilee’s powerful statement here. We see you, Changemakers!