"What Can I Do?" - Suggestions for Feminist Activism

mylifeasafeminista:

mylifeasafeminista:

keepyourboehneroutofmyuterus:

Anonymous asked you:

I love this blog so much, but when I read all the articles about states efforts to close down planned parenthood, or articles about how men should have a right to veto an abortion, I start to see red. What can I do? How can I help?

Thanks, Anon.

The eternal question when it comes to this issue, it appears.  I have been asked this before (and more than once) and so am just going to repeat myself again. 

Other than raising awareness about reproductive rights, what can we do to fight the good fight?

First, maybe I’m not the best person to ask, as my response to my un-ending anger and shock at the full-frontal attack conservatives are making against reproductive rights was to start a Tumblr.  And originally it was just going to be images making fun of John Boehner.  But here I am now so I am going to do my best to answer this request. 

If you out there in the Tumblr world have resources you’d like me to post, you can either answer this post or submit a link (over there on the left side menu).  You can also shoot me an email at scatx [at] scatx [dot] com.  Also, you can simply respond to this post.

I firmly believe that the more information you have, the better.  Hands down.

So, what can you do?

• NARAL’s “Take Action” page
• Abortion Clinic Escort Blog has a FAQ page with some info.
• NOW’s “Take Action” page
• Planned Parenthood’s “Jobs & Volunteering” page
• Planned Parenthood’s Action Center
• For endless information on reproductive health, see RH Reality Check’s website.
• Walk For Choice
• Donate to an Abortion Fund (or get involved with one)
• Contact your local or federal representatives and let them know how you feel about these issues.

That’s what I’ve got for now. 

Let’s hear it, defenders of the uteri/defenders of reproductive rights/defenders of PP/defenders of bodily autonomy. 

What resources or sites would you recommend for people who want to be out there doing something on behalf of reproductive, abortion, bodily autonomy and women’s (really, anyone who is not a cisman’s) rights?

I really love that this is being addressed because I think it is extremely important that people recognize how they can transform their feminist thoughts into action.  All of the examples listed above are really great and I encourage everyone to get involved with those organizations in any way they can: volunteer at your local clinic, donate money, contact your representatives, and stay informed about political issues.  Although this list is absolutely fantastic, I wanted to add a few more ideas:

• Volunteer for a local non-profit organization that supports the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.  This includes abortion clinics, health centers, domestic violence shelters, LGBTQ youth programs, etc.  If you can’t get transportation to one of these places, see what you can do over the phone or the internet.  Some examples include: volunteering to answer the telephones at your local domestic violence shelter, contributing to blogs/zines/online magazines/newspapers, and organizing the social media components for a non-profit organization.
• Make your voice heard.  Participate in rallies or protests.  Create, sign, and/or share petitions.
• If you can, be a conscious consumer.  Support organizations and businesses that respect the environment, treat their workers well, and give back to the community.  **This is inextricably linked to class and geographic location. Choosing where to give your dollars is a privilege, as the structure of our society, specifically our economic system, is not based off a model of conscious consumerism.  For example, health and organic foods are much more expensive than genetically modified and processed foods.  Because there is such a discrepancy in the costs, the latter is much more accessible.**
• Make feminism your lifestyle.  When someone makes a sexist comment or laughs at a rape joke, confront them.  If someone is policing another person’s body or identity, explain to them why this is a problem.  Every time you take a stand against this type of behavior, you are educating those around you.  A lot of times, people worry that these types of actions are insignificant, but I strongly disagree with that.  Any and all positive changes are worth recognizing, as they contribute to making a difference.
• Check your own privilege.  Each and every one of us have been influenced by the media, our parents, friends, our educational institutions, etc. Confront your own internalized sexism and dissect the way you think, act, and behave.  You may call women “sluts” or oppose third-trimester abortions, but why do you think and act in this way?  Question how you have been shaped by dominant ideologies and challenge yourself to see things from a different perspective. 

If anyone else has any other suggestions, I would love to hear them!

(Source: keepyourbsoutofmyuterus)