John -

April showers bring May actions! This month we are continuing our work to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice by focusing on intersectionality.

As our organizer in Missouri Evonnia Woods puts it, “Intersectionality is a paradigm, a methodology, and a tool for liberation.” To learn more about intersectionality, read Eva’s blog post here, and join us online as we discuss what intersectionality looks like in action.

Check out what’s happening this month:
[Grey and white graphic with fading city buildings advertising event with info detailed below
Building Intersectional Movements, Part 1
Monday, May 18, 2020
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
Register here.

Building Intersectional Movements, Part 2
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
Register here.

It’s become common to hear that social movements must be intersectional, but what does that mean for our community? How do we ensure that our work is intersectional? This two-part activist training is designed for activists who want to learn more about both the concept of intersectionality and how to implement it into their work. These trainings will be facilitated by Reproaction’s Evonnia Woods and Cecilia Belser-Patton, the founder of JUST Systems, LLC.

Registration is required for both events. To attend on Monday and Tuesday, you must register for both days.

Examining Black Women’s Health at the Intersection of HIV, IPV, and the Criminal Legal System
May 21, 2020
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET
Register here.

Join the Missouri HIV Justice Coalition and Reproaction for a conversation with HIV educators and advocates on the impact of HIV and HIV stigma on Black women's health and well-being. This discussion will be moderated by Molly Pearson, the HIV Organizer at Empower Missouri, and Evonnia Woods, the Missouri Organizer at Reproaction. Panelists feature Kneeshe Parkinson, founder of ~KneesheSpeaksSTL; Jay Marie Hill, Trans Justice Organizer at ACLU of Missouri; Amir Sadeghi, the National Community Outreach Coordinator at HIV Law and Policy; and Antoinette Jones, Peer Navigator at SisterLove, Inc.

Registration is required.

Intersections: Abortion Care and Other Social Justice Movements
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
Register here.

Join NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, Reproaction, and Our Maryland for a presentation on the intersections of reproductive justice, with particular emphasis on abortion care, and other social justice movements, including: labor, environment, immigration, criminal justice, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, homelessness, disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights and child welfare.

Come to learn how and why your specific cause or movement is intrinsically tied to our right to decide if, when, and how we become parents. Register now.

Orange lines as the top and bottom border with the silhouette of a pregnant person on the left. To the right is the information listed below.]
#MaternalMondays Tweet Storms
Every Monday in May on Twitter
Follow the #MaternalMondays hashtag here.

Follow Reproaction on Twitter to retweet and like our tweets every Monday in May. Each week there is a different theme that helps promote Reproaction’s mission to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice. Feel free to create your tweets in accordance with the weekly theme, which are listed below:

May 18 - HIV Stigma and Maternal Health
May 25 - Coping with Pregnancy Loss
June 1 - LGBTQ+ Healthcare

Take Action

Anti-science lies on social media threaten us all. As abortion rights supporters, we know it’s been going on for too long on Facebook, and it’s time to end it. Sign our petition here.
We will not stand by as #BigProLife mocks marginalized communities and pushes its regressive ideology. Watch what they said in our latest #StopProsecutingAbortion video here.
If you haven’t completed the #2020Census, what are you waiting for? Take the 2020 census now at My2020Census.gov.
Sexual assault is the second most frequently reported type of misconduct by police. Watch our April Act and Learn webinar, Seeking Justice: Sexual Assaults by Police, and learn from activists seeking justice for survivors in the courts and through grassroots organizing.

Self-Care
In this moment of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. Reproaction’s strategic plan affirms the importance of self-care, especially in activism and resistance.

Here are our self-care tips for May:

Try journaling. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you better understand your feelings and manage stress. - Caitlin, Organizing Lead
Start a puzzle! Unwind by putting together a 250- or 500-piece puzzle. Need something to listen to? Check out NATAL, a new podcast about having a baby while Black in the United States.- Evonnia, Missouri Organizer
Honor and fill your space with what you love. Since most of us are spending more time at home than usual, investing in your home can be a great source of care, growth, and healing. Create a DIY craft from something you have lying around, bring in some new plants to spruce up your home, or rearrange your furniture . Use this time to protect your space and energy. - Nataley, Wisconsin Organizer

Self-care is an act of resistance. Be good to yourself. For some tips on how you can reduce stress, check out this resource.

In Solidarity,

Caitlin, Evonnia, and Nataley
Reproaction Organizing Team

P.S. We’re organizing to win, donate to support our work.