We are deeply engaged in scenario planning this election season, preparing as best we can for potential outcomes. Like our grantee partners, we know that our gender justice and healing work will continue through and beyond November 5th. This potent moment is an inflection point for our democracy as we watch our most basic rights swing in the balance. As the only gender justice funder in the state, we know that investing in the leadership and creativity of women, girls, and gender non-conforming folks is critical to building a just and sustainable future. As we navigate this historic election and these unprecedented times, we will continue to uplift the strength and power of our communities as a counterweight to the rhetoric of fear and intimidation.



In that vein, we are excited to share highlights from our recent Healthy Masculinities and Parenting learning series, offer our reflections on the powerful 2024 NM LGBTQ Statewide Summit, and showcase the work of Northern Youth Project, one of our grantee partners. One thing is ever clear as we think through scenarios of the future, the work of NMW.O could not happen without the powerful efforts of our grantee partners and the ongoing support of our donors.

Throughout July and August, NMW.O co-hosted a lunchtime learning series on Healthy Masculinities and Parenting, in collaboration with our incredible facilitator and community leader, Ian Esquibel. We explored topics including anti-violent parenting; trans and queer-affirming parenting; consent, accountability, and repair in parenting; and the role of fathers and non-birthing partners in pregnancy and birth.



We were deeply moved and inspired by the rich wisdom community experts and parents throughout the state shared, and the ways they apply their professional and cultural knowledge to their practice as parents. Here are some wonderful reflections that are still resonating with us:

We can’t come close to capturing all the gems from this phenomenal learning series! However, you can rewatch the session recordings here. And, as always, you can download the NM Healthy Masculinities Toolkit on our website here.

Our team had the privilege of attending the 2024 NM LGBTQ Statewide Summit, where we immersed ourselves in conversations that deepened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico. This incredible event brought together queer and trans folks from all 33 counties across New Mexico to discuss the state of the movement, learn from inspiring activists, and build relationships that strengthen our individual and collective power.

We learned about the current landscape of LGBTQ+ policies and protections in our state, which will inform and strengthen our continued work for gender justice. Energized by the wins and incredible community here in New Mexico, we are motivated to continue the struggle to ensure the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are protected. Thank you to Equality New Mexico, ACLU of NM, and so many other leaders for convening our movement and fighting for our LGBTQ+ siblings. Their work is critical—from advocating for paid family medical leave; to pushing for mandatory sex and relationship education in our schools; to ensuring accurate data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) across the state.



NMW.O is committed to supporting the movement for safe and vibrant communities. Together, with our community partners and allies, we will continue to work towards a future where LGBTQ+ New Mexicans can live with dignity, respect, and equity. 🏳️‍🌈

This month, our team had the privilege of visiting the Northern Youth Project (NYP) garden site in Abiquiu, where we witnessed the incredible impact of their work firsthand. Founded by teens in 2009, NYP builds power with rural northern New Mexico youth through free, year-round art, agriculture, and culturally relevant leadership projects that foster personal and community well-being. NYP is currently in the challenging position of having the land they have leased for the past 15 years for their youth farm on the market for sale for commercial use.

During our visit, we were touched by the heartfelt stories of the program’s youth leaders. They spoke about how transformative the experience has been for them, as they have learned not just about farming, plant uses, and traditional agriculture but also about themselves and their communities. One of the most striking aspects of NYP's work is their commitment to ensuring that opportunities for youth remain within the local community. Their Executive Director, Ru Stempien, recently shared "To give our young people a chance to stay local, we need to provide meaningful opportunities economically via jobs and leadership skill development, as well as through the way we, as adults, connect with them by building trust and support through our mentorships." NYP’s impact extends beyond their immediate programs, contributing significantly to the local community and economy by employing local interns, staff, and mentors.

We left the visit with gifts of herbs and a profound appreciation for how NYP’s work is transforming the lives of young people and strengthening the broader community in northern New Mexico. Their commitment to youth is transcendent and their work will continue to thrive. Join us in supporting this incredible organization by investing in the future of New Mexico's rural youth!

The time is now! We have $17,000 remaining to meet the $115,000 match.

We need your help before September 30th to secure the final $17,000 in additional grant funds for change-making organizations and movements across New Mexico.

Make a new gift of $500 or more or increase your annual gift by $500 or more, and your gift (or increase) will be matched! Gifts must be made before September 30th. (Not sure of the amount of your last gift? Reach out to Rachel Rodriguez, our new Development Director, at rachel@newmexicowomen.org.)

We are stronger together, and our collective impact is transformative. If you haven’t done so already, please consider making a gift today to support the brilliance and creativity of women, girls, trans, and gender non-conforming people.