Hello,

We are less than six weeks away from the 2022 midterm elections. This election must be the Year of the Reproductive Justice Voter. While opponents of abortion rights are celebrating the end of Roe v Wade, Black women are organizing and hitting the streets. 
  
We’re not just organizing to turn out voters to defeat anti-abortion ballot measures. Through our, I AM A REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE VOTER campaign we are educating and engaging Black women voters in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas through direct mail, digital ads, billboards, and radio ads. Our message is simple – “Our Bodies are on the Ballot” and we must vote to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. You can get involved by signing our national “Black Reproductive Justice Pledge” which asks people to promise to do everything in their power to protect Black women’s reproductive health and rights — including by voting.  
  
I am also hitting the road and meeting with national government officials, RJ and civil rights leaders, and students about the impact of abortion bans and the link to voter disenfranchisement. Earlier this month I spoke to a group of students at Brown University about Reproductive Justice after the Dobbs decision. I was joined by Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, and Lisa Ikemoto, Martin Luther King, Jr. professor of law at UC Davis. This week I am speaking on a panel sponsored by Women Who Code and next month I will speak at the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. 
  
A few weeks ago, In Our Own Voice also helped shape a discussion among the nation’s top civil rights leaders, reproductive rights and justice organizations, and Vice President Kamala Harris. This meeting was a follow-up to a letter the organizations sent to Pres. Biden in July urging his administration to prioritize the protection of women’s health and reproductive rights. 
  
One of the ways to make your voice heard is by voting your values. In Our Own Voice is hosting a series of panels ahead of the midterm elections. Our next conversation will air on Thurs., Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. ET, highlighting the ongoing attacks against voting rights in the United States. I will moderate the discussion and my guests will be Kelly Davis, Executive Director of New Voices for Reproductive Justice, and Dazon Dixon Diallo Founder and President of SisterLove, Inc., two of our partner organizations doing the hard work of mobilizing Black women voters to turn out. Follow us on social media to get details on how you can watch the discussion. On Friday, Sept. 30, I am participating in #DayWithoutUs, a national movement urging people to take a day-long pause for protest, learning, and community building.  
  
If you’re not sure how to be an RJ VOTER check out our Black Reproductive Justice Policy Agenda, which was created in collaboration with more than 30 Black women’s organizations and RJ activists. The Agenda offers proactive policy solutions to address a number of issues including abortion access, voting rights, housing, food insecurity, and economic justice. 
  
In Solidarity,

Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
Protecting Black Mamas Through Reproductive Justice 
In Our Own Voice was a sponsor of this year’s Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute hosted by The Black Mamas Matter Alliance Sept. 17-18 in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of people from around the country joined the hybrid event featuring leaders dedicated to advancing Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
Student Loan Debt
In late August, President Biden announced a student loan relief plan. The three-part plan includes up to $20,000 in debt cancellation for Pell grant recipients ($10,000 for other borrowers), policy changes to the existing student loan system, and plans to protect future borrowers through the Department of Education.
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White House Honors
Next Gen Fellow
Earlier this month the White House hosted the 2022 National Annual HBCU Week Conference. The theme for this year was Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges. Former Dillard University fellow Kalaya Sibley was awarded for her achievement as an HBCU Scholar. The program honors current HBCU students for their excellence and academic merit. Scholars hail from over 30 HBCUs across the nation. Stay in the loop as we continue to highlight the achievements of the Next Generation Leadership Institute fellows. 
In Our Own Voice is proud to partner with organizations that work 24/7/365 to advance Reproductive Justice on a state level. Take a look at our partners in action:
All Hands on Deck!

The Afiya Center is a calling on folks who are interested in volunteering to advocate for issues impacting Black womxn and girls in Texas. Join the fight for maternal health, HIV support, and Black wellness. Get involved with the All Hands on Deck initiative.
AAPI and Black Unity Art Contest 2022

The California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative (CHNSC) and Black Women for Wellness (BWW) are proud to partner and present the Asian American and Black Unity Art Contest 2022: Solidarity, Trust and Community Health. CHNSC and BWW invite artists to create art pieces and share images that reflect the togetherness, unity, strength and humanity of our communities despite efforts to keep us divided.
NOURISH Postpartum Doula Request Form 

The NOURISH Postpartum Doula Training Program was created by Black Women’s Health Imperative to promote health and wellbeing during all phases of the postpartum period. If you are a pregnant or newly parenting individual and are interested in receiving FREE services from a Nourish doula, please complete the following survey. 

Launched in January 2022, the #SayHERName Justice Fund accepts applications and awards grants on a rolling basis. The fund helps Black women, girls and gender-expansive folx who have been the victim of gender-based violence in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. In May 2022, New Voices expanded the fund to cover abortion access and care, including travel costs to reach care in another state. Apply now to receive help with rent, mental health services, medical bills, basic hygiene products, and more.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Community Conversation

In recognition of Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Dázon Dixon Diallo joined Kandi Burrus of Real Housewives of Atlanta and musical group Xscape during Gilead Science's Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Community Conversation to have a frank discussion about the current state of the HIV epidemic in the South, where half of all deaths related to HIV take place.
Faith, Advocacy and Religion Symposium

If you missed the Faith, Advocacy and Religion Symposium, presented by SisterReach on, Sept. 9, 2022, you can watch it.

The one-day event brought together renowned religious scholars, laity, social justice activists, community and civic representatives, as well as interfaith leaders.
BASECAMP MEETINGS
SPARK is excited to announce that on the last Tuesday of every month they will host their monthly Base Member Meetings! Join in to learn about what's going on at SPARK and for a wellness activity or a skill share!
Medicaid Assistance

Women with a Vision is offering Medicaid assistance for those who have questions about eligibility and how to enroll.