Democracy is Feminist: An Urgent Call to Action
To our WFO Community,
Across the country we are witnessing very real and very dangerous attacks to women. Every day we turn on the news and see how the attacks to reproductive justice are not only impacting some states but are having a national impact. The urgent call to action and participation in democracy is critical. Active engagement in democracy is not only voting, but also growing in awareness, getting involved, building community, working in solidarity, and so much more. All of these components are part of the tapestry of WFO's work. Our collaboration for two events last month demonstrates our continued commitment to education, activism and positive change.
MAY EVENTS RECAP
WFO was deeply honored to be a sponsor of the Oregon Women’s Commission Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s (MMIP) luncheon on May 17th. It was enlightening to hear from Tribal Leaders and Advocates, as well as from Oregon Lawmakers, about the crisis facing our nation. MMIP impacts a reported 82 percent of Indigenous people making it an urgent human rights crisis of violence against indigenous peoples. For WFO, participating in MMIP Awareness Month was an important act of solidarity and commitment with grassroots movements not only in the United States but globally. We fundamentally believe that awareness and calls for an end to the crisis of violence that disproportionately impacts indigenous women and girls will make an impact.
Additionally, the team was excited to spend some time with our community in Eugene. WFO sponsored a free screening of “The Janes.” The documentary tells the gripping story that took place in the spring of 1972 when, "police raided an apartment on the South Side of Chicago – arresting and charging seven women who were part of a clandestine network. Using code names, fronts, and safe houses to protect their identities and their work, they built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable abortions in the pre-Roe v. Wade era – a time when abortion was a crime in most states and even circulating information about abortion was a felony in Illinois.” This powerful frightening and timely documentary offers first-hand accounts from the women at the center of the group and offers us a glimpse of what could be the very near future of our nation if we don't take action.
Our work is urgent. The only way to address this critical moment is collective. Here is our ask, we ask that you help us grow our community to address the dangers we are seeing right now and so that the progress that gender warriors have made over the last few decades does not get erased or reversed. Here is our website to send to your friends and family.
In Solidarity,
The Women's Foundation of Oregon Team
Our Health Matters, At Every Age
We are so excited to invite you to join us in an unfiltered, honest, and compelling conversation about menopause (and yes, there will be drinks and snacks)! Over half of our country's population will be affected by menopause, yet there’s a stunning and completely unacceptable lack of information about how to manage and treat its myriad symptoms so that we may thrive. The Women’s Foundation of Oregon will work in collaboration towards a future that ensures that individuals experience menopause are not an after-thought, but a first thought. WFO envisions a future where individuals can leave their healthcare appointments with more answers than questions. Where treatment and options meet the needs of everyone. Where no woman or girl ever again has to hear that, “it’s all in your head” or, “it’s probably just stress.”
Our, “Pause! What’s missing in the talk about menopause” happy hour will be a chance to share stories, concerns and the questions that you may not have felt comfortable asking or talking about before. The information that we learn at the event will help shape WFO’s future expert-led conversations about menopause that will take place this fall.
Pause! What’s missing in the talk about menopause?
Wednesday, June 26th, 2024
4:30pm-7:00pm
The Center for Philanthropy
221 NW 2nd Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Ample street parking available
RSVP: https://support.womensfoundationoforegon.org/pause
Can’t make it? Take our 2 minute survey about what you want to know about menopause