Next Stop: Liberation

Dear Aisha,

We exist today because 40 years ago, a group of women decided that philanthropy could do better. They envisioned that a new fund, created by and for diverse women and gender-expansive folks, with the aim of breaking down barriers to funding and support, could honor the expertise of community leaders and bring about real change. We’ve kept up the fight since then. And our next stop is liberation.

To us, liberation means opportunity, an equal chance. It means being able to pursue the lives we hope to live. It means equal access, the freedom to live our lives without the burden of discriminatory systems. Liberation means safety and quality healthcare, regardless of the color of our skin, the way we express our gender, or who we love. Liberation means power, the ability to affect change and have our voices heard and respected, which is the theme of today’s newsletter. 

Below, you’ll hear from one of the women who founded BWF, extending the power of philanthropy into women’s and gender-expansive folks’ hands to great benefit. You’ll also get a peek at our new youth program building up young leaders to drive change, and hear from our grantee partner Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, working for the lived equity of all trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people in MA.

You might notice that our newsletter has a new look. It’ll also be coming at you quarterly this year, sharing a rich view of what the BWF community is up to. We hope you like what we’ve got in store, and as always, thank you for your support.

In Solidarity,

-Natanja Craig Oquendo

M. Brinton Lykes was among the group of women who, at a community gathering at New Words Bookstore, committed to creating the Boston Women’s Fund — the first fund of its kind in the state.

“We were new, we were the only thing around at the time that was committed to giving money to girls and women, and to prioritizing low-income women and women who were the most marginalized,” said Brinton. “There were other groups around that were doing things with particular focuses, but we said, we will give to ANY women’s group in the Greater Boston area.”

Though 40 years down the road, the principles we operate from were just as groundbreaking then as they are unique today. We're honored to share this inside look at how BWF began as told by one of the women who set these wheels in motion.

This summer marked the beginning of GROWUP LeadHership — a youth-led program centering the ideas of young Black and Brown women and gender-expansive leaders in Greater Boston.

GROWUP LeadHership kicked off with a cohort of 12 young leaders. Together they developed a set of recommendations to authentically integrate youth voices in the sectors and spaces of their choosing. The group chose to focus on bringing a young perspective on a number of current disciplinary policies in place across the Boston Public School system. The young leaders also provided valuable insight and direction in developing impactful youth programs — they acted as designers for subsequent GROWUP LeadHership cohorts to start this Fall.

Congratulations to these young leaders on an amazing summer! It was an honor to witness their knowledge, expertise, and wisdom throughout the 12 weeks.

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) works to ensure the well-being, safety, and lived equity of all trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people in Massachusetts. Dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression, MTPC develops leaders and builds coalitions, broad-based participation, and community power. 

We spoke with MTPC staff, including their Executive Director, Tre'Andre Carmel Valentine, about what drives their work and how they're building power for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Support Grassroots Leaders!

BWF streamlines access to funding and partnership by eliminating grant applications altogether. Instead, our staff and volunteers hold conversations with organization leaders and gather all the info we’d need to choose our next grantee partners, saving grassroots leaders hours of time.

This shift allows them to reclaim their time to lead, spread awareness about pressing issues, and serve their communities. 

Your support yields invaluable time to women, girls, and gender-expansive leaders so they can transform systems from the ground up!

If you are interested in applying for future cohorts of the WOCLC, please fill out the below form! Learn more about the Women of Color Leadership Circle on our website.

Join The Next Melanin Mass Moms Monthly Support Group Meet-Up

Join us on Thursday, September 21 at 7:00 pm at Little Coco Bean Co. in Jamaica Plain for another meet up and chill with melanin moms! In this support group you can socialize and meet new mom friends, gain support and solidarity from other moms, and share your story in a non-judgemental space. Please register at here, and tell a mom who should join us as well!

Attend the Community Movement Space’s Block Party

Sisters Unchained, Neighborhood Birth Center, and the other organizations in the new Community Movement Space in Roxbury are hosting an end-of-summer block party! There will be music, dancing, games, and free groceries! Come to 14 Winthrop St. in Roxbury on Saturday, September 23 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to learn about the organizations and the proposed community headquarters and birth center!

Attend Asian Women for Health’s Virtual Lunch & Learn

Have you ever felt like you’re “not as good” as other people think you are? You’re not alone. Come join AWFH and Anise Health on Friday, September 29 from 1:00-2:00 pm to unpack the causes of imposter syndrome and explore potential solutions to combat it and feel a strong sense of self-esteem. Register today at this link. 

Join the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition’s Rally to End Period Poverty

Join us at our rally at the MA State House on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at 5pm! We are rallying to support the I AM Bill to Increase Access to Menstrual Products (H. 534/S. 1381) and make sure it's reported favorably out of the Public Health Committee! RSVP at this link. And if you haven't already, download our testimony template to take action today!

Attend Propa City Community Outreach’s “Remembering Our Babies” Event

Join us on Sunday, October 29 at 1:00 pm at the Dr Loesch Family Park in Dorchester for the Remembering Our Babies event, where families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss can honor their children. To submit a name to be honored at this event, visit their website.

Sign Up for Sisters Unchained’s Rides for Families

Announcing our end of the year campaign and relaunch of our Rides for Families in honor of Winchel Aubourg, our Co-Founder/Executive Director, Ayana Aubourg’s father! Sisters Unchained offers rides for children and youth to visit their incarcerated family in Massachusetts state prisons and county jails. Staying connected with loved ones who are incarcerated is the lifeline to many families. Winchel’s memory is always present in the work Sisters Unchained has done throughout the years. We honor him, his family, and all families affected by incarceration today as part of our legacy. Sign up at this link.

Celebrating Latine Heritage Month

WE'RE READING

“Today's Inspired Young Latina: Dreams & Aspirations from the Next Generation” by Jacqueline S. Ruiz and Alexandria Rios Taylor

“Translating Blackness: Latinx Colonialities in Global Perspective” by Lorgia García Peña.

WE'RE WATCHING

“After Maria” Netflix documentary

“Vida” drama series.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

“La Gota Fría” by Aymée Nuviola

“Bitter Brown Femmes” podcast.

*Disclaimer: The above media do not reflect the views of Boston Women's Fund and are not endorsed by Boston Women's Fund. These are the items our board and staff are currently engaging with to further their learning and/or rest and find joy.