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, Facebook, and Twitter.
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
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