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Monthly Newsletter
March 2022
Dear Friend,
March is Women's History month, but here in Florida a male-dominated legislature just decreed that women do not deserve autonomy over our own bodies, the ability to make our own medical decisions, or decide our own futures. I can't think of anything more cruel or offensive.
Late last night, the Florida Senate passed a 15-week abortion ban, sending the bill to the Governor's desk. Gov. DeSantis has indicated he will sign it "in short order."
It is immoral and unconscionable that Florida Republicans made it their mission this session to insert politics into private medical decisions that should be left to a patient and their health care provider. This law is completely out of line with what the majority of Floridians want, which is the freedom to make our own medical decisions.
In the words of one of our champions, Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, "This ban is nothing more than a control mechanism, and an affront to every woman’s individual freedom and independence – with NO exemption for rape, incest, or human trafficking. This is why we must continue building the bench of pro-choice women leaders who can help defend reproductive rights in Florida government. It’s why the work of Ruth’s List matters now more than ever.”
She's right. Our mission has never been more urgent. The only way we’ll stop Florida from sliding further backwards is at the ballot box come November. That’s why we’re recruiting, training, and supporting a record number of pro-choice women candidates this year. It's why your support is needed now more than ever.
I'm grateful to do this work alongside you and fight for the Florida we all deserve.
Onward,
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Lucy Sedgwick, President & CEO
Ruth's List Florida
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2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Ruth’s List Florida’s Annual “She’s the Change” Leadership Conference is just two months away! [[link removed]]
We'll kick off with a welcome reception on the evening of Friday, May 13th and continue all day Saturday, May 14th at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando, where we will feature an exciting line up of keynote speakers, panel discussions, receptions and more! This is an opportunity to meet up with hundreds of Democratic movers and shakers from across the state!
Check out our website shesthechange2022.org [shesthechange2022.org] and don't miss the chance to register for the conference, book a hotel room, keep up with program and speaker highlights, and learn about our incredibly generous sponsors!
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UPCOMING TRAININGS
The response to our training program has been incredible, and we hosted a record number of attendees during our February trainings. This month, we're running sessions on Digital Media 101 (March 16) and How to Earn and Leverage Political Endorsements (March 30) . Space is limited and "seats" are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Check out the full schedule on our website and apply to attend one of our March virtual trainings here [[link removed]] .
Can't make the training but know someone who might be interested? Forward this email to them!
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ENDORSEMENTS
In honor of Women’s History Month, Ruth's List announced two key endorsements in newly drawn competitive state house districts: Tiffany Hughes for House District 39 and Jen McDonald for House District 65.
"Ruth’s List Florida is excited to have played an integral role in actively recruiting these two incredible women candidates to run for newly created seats in the State House. In our entire history, we’ve never issued endorsements this early in
non-incumbent legislative races, but we have a unique opportunity with redistricting to expand the number of Democratic pro-choice women in the legislature and we’re wasting no time identifying, training, and raising money for candidates who will move Florida forward and reflect the values and diversity of our state.”
-- Kayla vanWieringen, Vice President of Political and Programs
Jen McDonald [[link removed]]
House District 65
Jen McDonald is running for newly drawn House District 65, which closely resembles current HD 60, represented by Republican Jackie Toledo. She is a Ruth’s List alumna, having been endorsed in her race for Hillsborough County Commission in 2018. A longtime Hillsborough resident and small business owner, Jen runs a successful property and liability business insurance practice in Tampa. She was the 2021 Chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Citizens Advisory Committee, Chairwoman of the Business Advisory Committee of Hillsborough Community College and a member of the Early Entrepreneur Venture Funding Committee. This is a crucial district this cycle, as Democrats have the opportunity to flip this seat from red to blue. We’re proud to have played a role in recruiting Jen to run, because we know she is the candidate we need at this moment. Help propel her to victory by donating to her campaign here. [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Tiffany Hughes
House District 39
Tiffany Hughes is running for House District 39, a newly formed seat in the central Florida area that encompasses both Orange and Seminole Counties. She is the current President of Orange County branch of NAACP and the owner of KBI Staffing Solutions, LLC, a staffing firm whose mission is to economically empower the community through job opportunity. Tiffany is deeply connected to her community, mentoring for Seminole High School with the Take Stock In Children program and a mentor for the 2022 Orlando Business Journal’s Bizwoman program. If elected, Hughes would be the first Black woman to serve as a state representative from Seminole county. This seat will be one of the most important battleground districts in Florida this cycle. Let's make sure we send her to the State House! Donate to her campaign here [[link removed]] .
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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
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February was a record-breaking month for Ruth's List regional networks! From the Palm Beach launch to the Suncoast region launch, Galentine's Day events in Central Florida and Broward, to an incredible event with more than 100 supporters in Miami, our regional networks are growing like never before. It's been a true inspiration to see our local leaders in action, reaching new members and building our capacity on the ground to recruit and support candidates.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
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Ruth's List is planning to endorse a record number of women this election cycle. But we can't do it without your help.
For $8.33 a month , you can become an official Ruth’s List member. Your monthly support will enable us to recruit, train, and elect more Democratic pro-choice women to office in 2022 than ever before. Join or renew today [[link removed]] to help elect pro-choice women and get your free gift -- along with the knowledge you're making a difference for Florida's future!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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March 17 @ 6pm: Join Ruth's List Broward for Blue Hearts, Green Beers on St. Patrick's Day with candidates, conversations, and open bar at Tap 42 in Coral Springs. RSVP here [[link removed]] .
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