IGNITE's Blog

On March 28th, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Parental Rights in Education” law, better known as the “Dont Say Gay Bill,” into law in Florida. The bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools, starting July 1. We are devastated by this news.

This past Friday, dozens of young women showed up at the Arizona capitol for a day of advocacy. Specifically, we talked to our legislators and raised our voices on a bipartisan issue: Voting rights.

Political representation is crucial to success, and America has been making strides towards gender parity. But did you know that the U.S. ranks 72 in the world for women’s representation in politics? Yes, 72. The U.S. is currently tied with the Dominican Republic. On the flip side, Rwanda sits at the number one spot, followed by Cuba and Nicaragua. 

I’m a 22-year-old young woman. I was in front of the White House for President Biden’s State of the Union Speech, delivering a response on behalf of young people.

Black History Month was first celebrated in 1970 at Kent State University, but its origins can be traced further back. Originally, it started as a week to ensure Black history would be preserved through time. This week-long celebration introduced by historian Carter Woodson in 1926 eventually evolved into Black History Month and is now celebrated internationally. 

There is talk about an ambition gap between men and women running for political office. New research by the Brookings Institute says "politics is still a man's game." Women today are as unlikely as they were 20 years ago to express interest in running for office. In Massachusetts, a growing list of women is leaving the state legislature. Women now account for 30.5 percent of legislators there, down from 32 percent. 

Celebrities have been getting political this month. Angelina Jolie went to Capitol Hill last week with her 17-year old daughter Zahara. They urged lawmakers to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton's Dollywood will pay full tuition for employees pursuing college, reigniting the conversation about student debt. 

There are infinite ways to approach organizing people for a campaign, event, fundraiser…whatever you want them organized for (or against). Understanding the different approaches is incredibly useful. It’ll enable you to select the proper approach for your specific mission, goal or task at hand.

Many young Black women are using their voices to create change across the country, but their stories often go untold. Let’s celebrate these young leaders, today and every day. Keep reading to learn more about some of the young Black women who are making history. 

President Joe Biden’s pledge to nominate the first Black woman in the court’s 233-year history is not radical, clumsy, or affirmative action. It is the recognition that our democracy works when we the people can equally participate and represent some of our most prominent democratic institutions. We need justices on the court that reflect the diversity of American experiences and use their insight to impartially uphold the rule of law.