IGNITE's Blog

After the response to George Floyd’s murder, and the murders of many Black Americans by police/state violence over these past several years, the question of, “Where do we go from here?” still lingers. Activists as well as angered and grieving communities continue to wonder, "What does justice look like now? And can it ever be achieved?". While these questions prove to be some of the most challenging for our country to reckon with, The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is one answer to these questions in the form of legislation.

Did you hear? It’s officially #ElectedGirlSummer! Keep reading to learn how you can make the most of your summer by staying civically and politically engaged. 

Fair redistricting is pivotal to a fair democracy.

Members of Congress and state legislators are elected by voters who are grouped into districts, but populations change. Some districts grow in population, others don’t. To account for the change in residents and demographic shifts, every ten years, district lines are redrawn in a process called “redistricting” following the completion of the United States Census.

First introduced in 1923, it took until 1972—nearly half a century later—for the Equal Rights Amendment to finally get approved by Congress. The Equal Rights Amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, filling any gaps left open by individual laws or non-binding legal precedents. 

Nearly every worker will need to take time off at some point to provide care for themselves or their family members; however, many don’t because they can’t support themselves without earning an active income. In fact, despite numerous policy advances, only 19% of working Americans have access to paid family leave.

Politics is personal and policies affect our lives every single day. Take menstrual equity for example. Did you know that because menstrual products aren’t always accessible, young menstruators have to skip school and miss out on education? 

Georgia public schools in low-income areas will receive $1.25 million to address period poverty! The tampon tax adds to inequity and makes menstrual products that much more inaccessible to many. IGNITE and our young women have been tirelessly advocating for elected leaders across the country to address this inequity.

With your help, we can pass a bold plan to improve access to menstrual products nationwide. All it takes is five minutes of your time to send an email or call your legislators. It's time to advocate for the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021.

Anyone who menstruates knows the panic that comes with being unprepared. But, for many students in America, lack of access to menstrual products and an inability to afford them comes with even worse consequences. 

June is #PrideMonth! Check out these LGBTQ+ resources, books and organizations: