Together, We Shaped California’s Political Agenda! | #IGNITEtheCapitol2023
WE DID IT! Thank you to everyone who came out last week to #IGNITEtheCapitol2023, and thank you to our partner/co-host IGNITE!
We couldn’t be prouder of the girls* and gender-expansive youth that came together to flex their political power and used their voices to advocate for change.
Girls and gender-expansive youth confidently advocated for the change they want to see in their communities at our #IGNITEtheCapitol event on April 17th. Together, participants championed the following bills:
Menstrual Product Accessibility Act (SB 59)
Menstrual Equity Act of 2023 (SB 260)
Public Transit for All: Improving Safety and Increasing Ridership (SB 434); and,
Postsecondary Education: Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Prevention Transportation Services (AB 1138).
All these bills have the potential to improve the lives of girls and gender-expansive youth across California.
Attendees even had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers like Senator Caroline Menjivar who introduced the Menstrual Equity Act of 2023 (SB 260). Senator Menjivar talked about her experience as a queer woman of color in the California State Senate and shared some powerful advice for those who are interested in running for office one day.
It was inspiring to provide legislative training that equipped attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for the bills that mattered most to them. The training included a refresher on the three branches of government and an overview of the legislative process.
Then girls and gender-expansive youth had the opportunity to practice what they learned by directly engaging with state legislators and their aides at the State Capitol on the bills and issues that impact their safety and the community.
In addition, attendees were briefed on the Public Transit for All: Improving Safety and Increasing Ridership (SB 434), a bill that requires transit agencies to collect quantitative and qualitative data for street harassment. The briefing was led by Shanti Elise Prasad, Advocacy Manager at Chinese for Affirmative Action.
Finally, girls and gender-expansive youth held a press conference on the Capitol steps in support of AB 1138 which will expand protections for student survivors of sexual assault by providing transportation to rape crisis centers to administer the SAFE Kit.
Thank you again to all our participants and for your continued support to help girls and gender-expansive youth own their political power.
Help us take more youth next year by donating today!
