IGNITE is pleased to announce that we have a slate of new directors for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. These dynamic leaders join a diverse, creative and committed team of executives and IGNITE alumnae who are deeply committed to growing our movement and are passionate about changing the face of our democracy.
How politically engaged are you? Are you ready to run for office or do you plan on keeping your engagement to voting and maybe emailing your legislators one in a while? Play ACTIVATE to see where you fall on the spectrum and IGNITE will get you some resources to fuel your political power!
Marilyn Strickland made history in the November general election when she became one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. Discover more about Marilyn Strickland’s career and history-making win below.
Being a parent in elected office is no easy feat. It requires balancing work with childcare in environments that sometimes make parents choose between their health and their job. That’s why we need more moms in elected office to create policy changes that support pregnant workers. Learn more about some of the amazing AAPI moms below and advocate for the Pregnant Worker’s Fairness Act.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Every year, this is an opportunity to listen and learn about the diversity within AAPI communities as well as how deep the connections are to all facets of American history. This month is a celebration that every American should partake in. Since many AAPI individuals have been taught to assimilate, it can be difficult for some to take pride in their cultures and truly embrace their identities. But when they know that allies are willing to uplift AAPI stories, that makes it easier for everyone to understand that our differences are what makes us all beautiful and unique. Watch these TED Talks and learn more.
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, we all witnessed one of the most critical verdicts of our lifetimes that is setting the precedent for future generations. We witnessed accountability - a step in our journey to dismantling systemic racism in the United States. While this is a step towards justice, the work persists. No matter what the verdict was, it will not bring back George Floyd. When we say BLACK LIVES MATTER, we mean we should have the right to live, that people should see all people as humans, and that we should create a world where it is set up for people to thrive.
Tarana Burke is the founding member of the Me Too Movement, a social movement against sexual violence and sexual assault. Born in a working-class family in the Bronx, Burke was sexually assaulted during her childhood and teenage years. Her experiences motivated her to work toward uplifting women of color.
Content warning: Sexual assault Reporting and talking about trauma is one of the many challenges survivors of sexual assault face. Especially for college women, whose age bracket experiences sexual assault at the highest rate, they need safer spaces to have these brave conversations and report their experience. This is where the “Campus Accountability Safety Act” enters the scene to expand upon the work of Title IX and the Clery Act.
Content warning: Sexual assault Nora is the co-Executive Director for The Every Voice Coalition and anti-sexual violence and trauma activist. Since joining the Every Voice Coalition, Nora has been able to seek personal justice as a survivor by using her voice to advocate for all survivors' justice. In honor of her work supporting survivors to find their voice, IGNITE has selected Nora as a Leader on Fire for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2021.
The time is now to step into our political leadership and show up for our communities.