Take care, take action.
As we head into Maine’s 132nd Legislative Session, and with all that comes with a second Trump administration, we know that care for ourselves and each other is the first step to building and sustaining an inclusive and feminist movement. And yet - as a historically white-led organization - we balance pacing ourselves with honoring the real needs of those who bear the brunt of a deteriorating democracy.
Rest and self-love allow us to prevent ourselves from causing harm in movement spaces. We need you to take care of yourself because you are a valuable individual in the movement and our individual and personal struggles show up in our activism. At the same time, when people show up with the skills and perspectives that are uniquely theirs, we can create real change together.
It is hard to imagine how we begin to learn, play, and dance our way to revolution if we do not have the capacity and are burnt-out, crispy shells. We resist the capitalist, patriarchal, and white supremacist impulse to produce and urgently turn out before we’ve had time to connect with one another and ourselves, while also holding the urgency of the moment. We reject the idea that the world must be like this while working to move the needle. We imagine there are possibilities beyond our moment, despite the darkness.
If you have the capacity, here are two actions you can take right now:
There are dozens of nominated judges who are still waiting to be confirmed. It must be a priority to fill every vacancy on our federal courts with individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights. Take 5 minutes to call Senator Collins and Senator King to make sure they know that courts matter to Maine – we want courts to work for ALL of us. Call them today at (202) 224-3121.
The Equal Rights Amendment has been ratified but remains unpublished. Urge President Biden to do everything he can to publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution to ensure his legacy includes enshrining gender equality. Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 and demand that the ERA becomes reality. Continue to take action with us at Maine ERA for All.
Finally, this work requires resources. This Giving Tuesday, share our work with the people in your community. Gender-equitable public policy benefits everyone, including the men and boys in our lives. We hope you will share our newsletter sign-up with them and encourage them to give a gift for the occasion. Everyone wins when we support gender equity in public policy and education.
Forward this blog post to anyone you believe will be or should be invested in making Maine a more just and equitable place to live for everyone.
We need you all.
In solidarity
Dania Bowie, Development and Communications Coordinator
Maine Women’s Lobby & MWL Education Fund
