Reclaiming Our Democracy

Dear Colleagues,

January 6 is often framed as a moment of rupture, when the threat to democracy became undeniable. But — as women's organizations know well — authoritarianism rarely arrives all at once. It creeps in through distrust, disengagement, and the slow erosion of shared reality. Our mission now must be to repair what was broken that day by reclaiming the civic ambition that makes democracy possible in the first place — and building the new version that serves us all.

Trust is the foundation. Not blind trust in institutions as they are, but earned trust built through transparency, accountability, and delivery. People lose faith when government feels rigged, incapable of delivering for them. We are obliged to connect the dots — to remind ourselves that democracy is a tool, not a destination. Whether it is bodily autonomy or a livable planet or the ability to buy groceries, we must believe that democracy is a tool that can help us get what we need.

We know that authoritarian movements thrive when people feel powerless or isolated, when their voices seem small and unheard. Democracy fighters counter that by expanding access, lowering barriers, and actively inviting people into civic life every day — not just during an election year.

That’s why we started the 10 Steps Campaign, a nationwide mobilization and education effort to help Americans recognize, resist, and reverse authoritarianism through meaningful activations and partnerships with local and national organizations across the country. Our communities are teeming with those willing to act, but our gap is ensuring that we knit together our separate actions into a vibrant, undeniable whole.

Read the full letter on our website.

Stacey Abrams
Author and Political Leader

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News from WFN

NEW MEMBER & 2026 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Our network thrives on the strength and diversity of our members. Please join us in welcoming to the network new WFN member, Janet Hering.

Please also join us in appreciating WFN members who have renewed 2026 membership since our last newsletter:

Gender Justice Fund
Maine Women's Fund at Maine Community Foundation
Megan Radavich
Sonia Kowal
The Acorn Project
Valentine Foundation

If you are interested in joining as a new member or renewing your current membership, please let us know.

WFN EVENTS

In July 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—delivering major tax cuts to the wealthy while slashing funding for essential programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare. As the most harmful provisions take effect in 2026, states face mounting pressure to cut or replace funding for critical supports serving women, children, immigrants, older adults, and people with disabilities. Join us for a funder briefing featuring national and state leaders who will share lessons from cross-sector organizing, what to expect as the law rolls out, strategies at state and national levels to mitigate harm, and opportunities to build support for a broad and inclusive care agenda.

January 27, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST | Register here

WFN MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WFN is excited to launch our new Member Spotlight Campaign, a monthly feature celebrating the diversity and impact of our network while building stronger connections across our community.

To kick off the campaign, we’re proud to welcome Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) of Redwood City, California. H2OO mobilizes youth under 25 to become skilled leaders addressing urgent climate, ocean, and community challenges. By investing deeply in leadership development, H2OO creates lasting, compounding impact—empowering young leaders who go on to shape policy, innovation, and solutions that reach millions.

News from WFN Members

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation is offering three unrestricted non-tuition grants for nontraditional students who identify as women, nonbinary, or Two-Spirited. Apply to their National Grant, Emerge Grant – Georgia & Montana, and Tribal Scholar Grant by February 13, 2026.

A Powerful Business Case for Early Childhood Learning & Childcare from The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade highlights a critical finding: Miami-Dade County alone incurs $931.7 million in annual economic losses due to insufficient childcare, underscoring the urgent need to make early learning accessible and affordable to support working families and the local economy. Building on the methodology from the Florida Untapped Potential Report, their analysis demonstrates that investing in childcare is not just a social good, but a strategic business imperative that enhances employee retention, productivity, and long-term economic resilience.

MEMBER EVENTS

Only 37 % of working-age individuals with disabilities are employed, while that figure is nearly double for those without a disability. The Women's Fund Rhode Island will share insights in the upcoming update to their Equity in the Workplace Toolkit and explore proactive strategies that empower people with disabilities to thrive in today’s workforce. Register now for a dynamic panel discussion, Making RI Workplaces Accessible.

January 28, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. EST | Register here

Join How Women Lead for their Women's Leadership Retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This retreat is for women who crave connection, meaning, and a community of phenomenal women who are ready to ask and answer deep questions about next steps, and are eager to gain insight & inspiration from Puerto Rican women and culture.

January 29 - February 4, 2026 | Register here

Opportunities and Resources

Join AZECA for a family-friendly day of advocacy, activities, and connection at the Arizona State Capitol, as they highlight the importance of investing in early childhood and ensuring a bright future for Arizona's youngest learners. This event brings advocates, families, and policymakers together to emphasize how an early investment in children leads to lifelong success, reduces future costs, and builds stronger communities.

February 16, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST | Register here

What We're Reading

How to Save the Fight for Women’s Rights — Foreign Affairs

‘Women have to fight for what they want’: UK campaigner’s 60-year unfinished battle for abortion rights — The Guardian

What We're Watching

These myths don't just misrepresent them; they:🔥Fuel bias ❌ Shape laws ⚠️ Endanger women. It’s time to reject the misinformation and recognize the ESSENTIAL contributions migrant women make every day. Get the facts and see what must change to make #migration safer for women.

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