IGNITE's advocacy programming is in full swing across the country

Hi John,

Last week we saw the expulsion of Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson, two young Black state representatives from the Tennessee legislature after they participated in a protest over gun control. Though both have since been reinstated, we can't gloss over how this move sets a dangerous anti-democratic precedent of removing young people of color from political office and deterring others from taking up political leadership roles.

That being said, IGNITE young women will continue to be SEEN and HEARD!

IGNITE's advocacy programming is in full swing across the country. Changemakers are using their voices to advocate for issues they care about. From championing the expansion of voting rights to promoting menstrual equity, and expanding rape kit accessibility on college campuses, IGNITE young women are catalysts of change within their communities.

In fact, on Monday, April 17th, 175 IGNITE young women will come together in Sacramento, CA to speak with legislators in support of four bills, including Assembly Bill 1138, which would require postsecondary educational institutions receiving state funds to provide students with transportation to and from a rape crisis center to administer the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Kit free of charge and in a manner that protects student anonymity.

Follow our trip to Sacramento by visiting our social media platforms for updates throughout this day of advocacy. Instagram ([link removed] ) , Facebook ([link removed] ) , and Twitter ([link removed] ) .

Read on below for more stories of how our community is showing up and speaking out to champion change across the country.

All my best,

Sara, IGNITE CEO

Participant Spotlights

On April 6th, IGNITE Langston University members joined the ACLU of Oklahoma for their annual Advocacy Day. This year's convening was all about ending the death penalty in Oklahoma, and students advocated alongside concerned professors, organizers, community leaders, and clergy to win their legislator's commitment to support a moratorium in the state. Several leaders at the event were Langston University alumni and excitedly committed to future support of the chapter.

The IGNITE chapter at TCU is partnering up with their university’s Gender Resource Office to lead an initiative of including free period products and sanitary disposal units in all restrooms on campus. Their goal is to ensure access to these products across campus and dismantle the stigma around periods.

On April 7, the University of Maryland’s IGNITE chapter took a tour of the Maryland General Assembly building. During the tour, they met with Maryland Delegate Kym Taylor (Pictured above in the yellow blazer).

Program Spotlight

Now Accepting Applications for the

Dr. Anne Moses IGNITE Fellowship

Applications for the Dr. Anne Moses IGNITE Fellowship are open! Help us get the word out about this premier paid fellowship program for campus organizers looking to jumpstart their public service careers. Learn more or nominate a future Fellow here ([link removed] ) .

Blog covers part 3 - 2023-03-30T112724.780 ([link removed] )

Donor Spotlight

To commemorate Women's History Month, IGNITE board member and long-time supporter Jill Faherty Lloyd, First Vice President of UBS Financial Services, rang the Nasdaq bell along with The Female Quotient in honor of the women who are disrupting finance, funding and founding!

Staff Picks

Emily Ultan ([link removed] )

Looking for a new book, TV show, or movie to dive into? IGNITE has got you covered! This month, we asked Development Coordinator, Emily Ultan, what she’s been loving:

Book: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

TV show: Jane the Virgin (I know I’m late!)

Movie: LFG

Music: Tori Kelly’s new single “missin u”

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