Hello,

We are less than 10 days away from having control over our own bodies and protecting our rights. My message this month is simple, are you ready to be a REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE VOTER? Are you ready to send a clear message to politicians who want to steal our rights? When you cast your ballots on Nov. 8, do so as a REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE VOTER

While we know that Black women voters turn out in high numbers for presidential elections, unfortunately, we also know that those turnout numbers drop during mid-term elections and decrease even more significantly during state and local elections. I’m counting on you to change that in the 2022 midterm elections. 

If you’re not sure how to be a REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE VOTER check out our Black Reproductive Justice Policy Agenda, which offers proactive policy solutions to address a number of issues that range from healthcare to education to housing to clean water. 

Please join me tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET for a discussion on GOTV efforts around the country. I will moderate a conversation with Melanie Campbell, President of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter. You can watch the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Our lives and our bodies are on the ballot, please VOTE on Nov. 8.
  
In Solidarity,

Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
GOTV Billboards
To support our GOTV efforts we placed 18 billboards in seven states around the country. If you live in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee or Texas be on the look our for our I AM A REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE VOTER billboards.
Student Debt Relief Application Update 
Earlier this month, the Biden Administration released the application for student debt relief. Despite recent court challenges, the administration is still processing applications as they are received. The three-part plan includes up to $20,000 in debt cancellation for Pell grant recipients ($10,000 for other borrowers). Eligibility requirements are listed on the application and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  
Harnessing the Power of the HBCU Vote 
 
With midterm elections a few days away, our Next Generation Leadership Institute fellows are on the front lines of leading the charge to energize young voters by serving as Swag Ambassadors for our #IAMARJVOTER campaign. Fellows are encouraging their peers to exercise their right to vote to secure Reproductive Justice for all.

These students understand what's at stake and are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our civil rights.

Check out how Madison Grant, one of our Next Gen fellows from Hampton University is harnessing her power and amplifying the importance of voting for midterms on the yard and on her digital platforms by lifting up the #IAMARJVOTER campaign.
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:
End with Red Annual Fundraiser  
Join The Afiya Center for its “End with Red: Living Out Loud & Living Our Best Life” annual fundraiser on Dec. 10, 2022. “End with Red” was created to serve as an economic enrichment campaign aimed at developing micro-enterprising projects focused on creating wealth for womxn of color living with HIV/AIDS and those at risk. 
Falling into Fitness  
Are you looking to get fit this fall? Join Black Women for Wellness and GirlTrek from Oct.-Dec to kick start your wellness journey. The goal for this program is to gather a group of Black Women who can support each other on their health and fitness journey. Activities will include walks, hikes, yoga, dance classes, beach workouts, and more.
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. 
Black Women Green Future Awards 2023 

Join New Voices for Reproductive Justice for the Black Women, Green Future Awards Ceremony being held on January 19, 2023. Black Women, Green Future Awards is a yearly celebration of nominated and selected Black women, girls, femmes, and folx working in the Environmental Justice space either professionally or personally
Atlanta Health Study 
If you live in Fulton, Cobb, Dekalb, or Gwinnett County Georgia, you may be eligible to participate in a study and receive a $50 gift card. IT-PHITS Study is a collaboration between Emory University and SisterLove, Inc. to strengthen HIV prevention for women in Metro Atlanta
Faith & Advocacy Training Know Your Rights: Voter Rights Restoration 
Join SisterReach on Nov. 9-10 for a two-day comprehensive training on Reproductive Justice and social justice issues for clergy, laity, social justice advocates, and the community. Learn about the intersection of Reproductive Justice and faith and get tools to apply to ministries and advocacy when engaging marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
Hiring: Deputy Director 
SPARK Reproductive Justice Now is hiring for a Deputy Director to serve as a strategic thought partner and exceptional manager working collaboratively with staff and stakeholders to build and sustain both the organization and the Reproductive Justice movement’s infrastructure in service to SPARK’s base.
Medicaid Assistance

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