Red Cloaks Radio

Listen in to part 2 of SUPERVISION with a trio of powerful visual artists. Co-editors Sophie Hamacher (artist, filmmaker, curator) and Jessica Hankey explore their collaboration and book launch ---> Supervision: on motherhood and surveillance is set to Roller Boogie its way into the reproductive justice landscape with launch events May 18 in Dorchester at Chez Vous roller rink. World-class treat as Viva Ruiz and TGFA (Thank God For Abortion) will be on hand -- whether you are grounded or on wheels. Visual artist Catherine Lecomte joins in the discussion of collaboration and her work Collateral Damage. [THIS IS A 2-PART EPISODE] Link to resources: https://www.bostonredcloaks.com/supervision Book: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262047814/supervision/ Sophie Hamacher: https://sophiehamacher.com/ Jessica Hankey: http://jessicahankey.com/ Catherine Lecomte: https://www.catherinelecomte.com/work/collateral-damage

Listen in as Red Cloaks Radio kicks off Season 4 with a trio of powerful visual artists. Co-editors Sophie Hamacher (artist, filmmaker, curator) and Jessica Hankey explore their collaboration and book launch ---> Supervision: on motherhood and surveillance is set to Roller Boogie its way into the reproductive justice landscape with launch events May 18 in Dorchester at Chez Vous roller rink. World-class treat as Viva Ruiz and TGFA (Thank God For Abortion) will be on hand -- whether you are grounded or on wheels. Visual artist Catherine Lecomte joins in the discussion of collaboration and her work Collateral Damage. [THIS IS A 2-PART EPISODE] Resources: https://www.bostonredcloaks.com/supervision Book: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262047814/supervision/ Sophie Hamacher: https://sophiehamacher.com/ Jessica Hankey: http://jessicahankey.com/ Catherine Lecomte: https://www.catherinelecomte.com/work/collateral-damage

Listen in to organizer and author Ellen Cassedy as she shares the inspiration for her new book: "Working 9 to 5: A Women's Movement, A Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie." Ellen brings 50 years of strategic thinking to the table in an energizing conversation! At the heart of the successful 9 to 5 labor organizing movement, women built strong networks of relationships between people with shared concerns and vision. Find out how! Great tips for activists! For more information about Ellen, visit her website: https://ellencassedy.com/ For more information about the Feminist Action Team in Massachusetts, and upcoming actions, email us at BostonRedCloaks@gmail.com For more information about December 8, 2022 author / book event at Harvard Bookstore, visit: https://www.harvard.com/event/ellen_cassedy/ For more information about the documentary "9 to 5" visit: https://www.netflix.com/title/81160953

Part 1: Meet four dynamic artists, Anne Plaisance, Becky Gibb, Margaret Emerson, and Michelle Boll, as they discuss their responses to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. With work on view in "Overturned: Roe v Wade" through November 7 (at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell Massachusett), each artist speaks about her work. In Part 1, co-curators Michelle and Becky describe the origins of the show, and listeners will learn more about Michelle and Anne's paintings. In Part 2, Becky and Margaret describe their work, and the group engages in a thought-provoking discussion. This is a two-part conversation, and images may be found at bostonredcloaks.com and on our instagram page. The show is open to the public, and extends across five gallery spaces. Of note: Western Avenue is home to the largest artists community on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. For more information about: Becky Gibb: https://beckykisabethgibbs.com Anne Plaisance: https://www.anneplaisance.com Margaret Emerson: https://margaret-emerson.squarespace.com Michelle Boll: https://micheleboll.com Western Avenue Studios: https://westernavenuestudios.com

Part 2: Seeing red? Women and color have power. Listen in as the conversation continues with artists Michelle Boll, Margaret Emerson, Becky Gibb, and Anne Plaisance. Becky and Margaret each describe decisions about thier work, including the use of color to express their responses to the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision in the show "Overturned: Roe v Wade." The show is on view through November 7, at Western Avenue, in Lowell Massachusetts. This is a two-part conversation, and images may be found at bostonredcloaks.com and on our instagram page. The show is open to the public, and extends across five gallery spaces. Of note: Western Avenue is home to the largest artists community on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. For more information about: Becky Gibb: https://beckykisabethgibbs.com Anne Plaisance: https://www.anneplaisance.com Margaret Emerson: https://margaret-emerson.squarespace.com Michelle Boll: https://micheleboll.com Western Avenue Studios: https://westernavenuestudios.com

Hear directly from the people whose voices are calling out "Woman! Life! Freedom!" and "Say Her Name! Mahsa Amini." Saturday October 10, 2022, more than 250 people gathered to span the bridge from Cambridge to Boston. The organizers, and participants, seek both to (1) draw attention to the lack of media coverage by major outlets and (2) express the urgent need for global compassion and action. Iranian authorities have shut down the internet as women, girls, and people in Iran are risking their lives when they speak out. You can help by sharing information on social media, and looking for accurate sources. Resource: The organizers invite people to connect at helpiranboston.carrd.co

Boston Red Cloaks and friends are reading the Supreme Court decision that stripped away our human rights and constitutional rights. The Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health decision rejects longstanding legal principals. We begin with the dissent, and invite listeners to join us. Visit bostonredcloaks.com for upcoming Zoom dates. Lend your voice and read a passage with us.

Candidate Teresa English joins us for a conversation about her second campaign for Massachusetts State Representative. How does a candidate approach a second run? How does a love for one's community lead to knocking on doors and asking for votes? What is Teresa hearing on the campaign trail? What's different the second time around? How has the Supreme Court's decision to overturn ROE impacted people's perspectives?

Public defender Mara Dolan is running for Governor's Council in Massachusetts (District 3). What does the Council do? How do voters hold judges accountable today? In what ways do judges influence the outcome of cases involving abortion in Massachusetts? How important are pardons in the Bay State? How does Ms. Dolan feel her experience as a public defender would influence her work on the Council if she is elected? Listen in as we discuss restorative justice, reproductive justice, and so much more! Learn more about her work: https://maradolan.com/

Listen in as Mass. State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa takes us through the omnibus abortion legislation recently signed into law. Rep. Sabadosa has helped lead the way to make public campuses safer for students by expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including medication abortion. Learn more about highlights from this legislative session, tips for talking about abortion with young people, and why it is important to share our stories.

On July 29, 2022 Massachusetts enacted new laws to protect patients and providers who offer or require reproductive healthcare - including abortion - and also to secure and protect gender affirming care. This historic legislation was hard work and required compromise. Senator Cindy Friedman was lead negotiator for the Senate as their proposed legislation was reconciled in conference committee with similar bills from the House. Learn more about the process, the benefits, and the limits of this vital legislative effort.

Listen in to a powerful conversation with Namita Luthra, women's rights advocate. We spoke one week after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. Ms. Luthra encourages us to be undeterred, and draws strength from generations of women who advocated to advance women's suffrage. Suffragists faced daunting challenges and tremendous setbacks, but continued undeterred. Ms. Luthra serves on the Board of Directors of Monumental Women, the President's Council of the New York Hall of Science, and the Advisory Board of LexSeeHer, a Lexington, MA nonprofit. She served on the Board of Directors of Sakhi for South Asian Women. For years, Ms. Luthra was a senior staff attorney at the ACLU Women's Rights Project working on litigation, advocacy, and public education to advance the rights of women and girls. There, she co-authored a book called The Rights of Women and successfully litigated gender discrimination jury trials in federal court. Before that Ms. Luthra was a staff attorney at the Office of the Appellate Defender representing indigent clients and a Fellow at the ACLU National Legal Department.

Action due: 6/29/22: Listen + Advocate In the days immediately following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, legislators and residents of Massachusetts are engaging in intense dialogue about expanding access. State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa has been championing a law that would expand access to medication abortion on college campuses. Learn more and then contact your MA State Reps. and Senators to demand passage of the law. The vote about medication abortion in MA will be TOMORROW: Wednesday June 29! Call or email your MA state representative (find here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator) and tell them to include Amendment 5 to H.4930 -- to Ensure Safe, Equitable, and Affordable Access to Medication Abortion Through Public College and University Health Services. Also contact the following: Speaker of the House, Ron Mariano Phone:(617) 722-2500 Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Aaron Michlewitz Phone:(617) 722-2990 Aaron.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov Activate your members, friends, family, and neighbors -- we need all hands on deck to get this across the finish line and ensure that college students can access medication abortion on their campuses.

Listen in to powerful voices recorded on Decision Day from Arlington, Beverly, Concord and Swampscott, MA, where organizers created public spaces that brought people together to protest the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade and strip from women their human rights and constitutional rights. Guests: State Representative Dr. Tami Gouveia (also a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of MA) described the gathering in Concord where she was the keynote speaker; Keiko Zoll (Director of Communications for Boston Schools Fund, Creator of Free Formula Exchange) reported on the Swampscott demonstration she organized; Sonya Coleman, Organizer with Stop Handgun Violence, Board Chair of States United to Prevent Gun Violence, shared the scene from the Arlington gathering; AmyLeigh Galvin (Food Service Manager for Beth Israel) brought in the experiences in Beverly where she helped organize a same day response to the SCOTUS decision. Each event had around 100 people or more. Learn about Ms. Coleman's advocacy to reduce gun violence: www.SUPGV.org. They have affiliate members in 32 states. Learn about Dr. Gouveia's campaign: www.tamigouveia.com

Listen in! Dr. Anu Kumar, CEO and President of Ipas provides insight and global perspective about sustainable abortion ecosystems & how to realize them! Since the 1990s many countries have moved forward (40 countries!). A handful - including the United States, Poland, and El Salvador - are moving backwards. Take a closer look at what is happening & learn empowering strategies to promote safety for women, girls, and people who need abortion. Taking a small step makes a difference, and Dr. Kumar explains why (and how) each of us can be part of the global trend towards creating conditions that will help women and girls at the local, national and global level!

Listen in as Dr. Anu Kumar, President and CEO of Ipas, provides global perspective on the collective progress people are making to improve access to safe abortions. Looking at the global picture, Ipas notes that 37 countries have moved forward - while America seems to be turning back the clock on human rights. Learn more about sustainable abortion ecosystems, and how you can help! Ipas began advocacy work in 1973 and is coming up on their 50th anniversary. Visit Ipas: https://www.ipas.org/ Resources, including iformation on the Helms amendment: https://www.ipas.org/our-work/reducing-the-harm-of-u-s-foreign-policies/

On March 17, 2022, Carol Deanow and Pam Yingling -- from the Bad Old Days Posse -- returned to Red Cloaks Radio to share their perspective on the sweeping anti-abortion legislation rolling out across America. Both advocates joined the Boston Red Cloaks on the State House steps on May 7, 2022. Pam had just published a piece in the Boston Globe noting that it has been more than a generation since medical providers (and legislators) saw firsthand the impact on women's bodies when they had to obtain illegal abortions. Carol and Pam work with a team of people who share their stories to empower today's decision-makers to take these lived experiences into account when setting laws in place that will impact the current and future generations.

Kayla and Liz return from Listen in as Liz and Kayla from Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (www.ppnhaf.org) talk us through the origin and impacts of the recently implemented state-wide abortion ban. The ban criminalizes providers. This ban and other restrictive legislation are in conflict with traditional Granite State values. Residents in the state have taken pride in the motto "live free or die." Now, they question how a shift in the legislature yields laws that violate patient privacy and diminish personal freedom. April 29, 2022 update: This interview took place when advocates hoped House Bill 1609 might reduce the harms of the abortion ban by allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest or fatal fetal anomaly. However, while 1609 made some progress, it was only on the matter of fatal fetal anomalies. The abortion ban remains without any exceptions for people who were forcibly made pregnant because they were raped or the victims of incest. Advocates ask for people to help by: contacting their NH legislators. Reaching out to friends, family, co-workers in NH to alert them to the abortion ban, as well as other restrictive measures. Consider donating to organizations who advocate for reproductive freedom, reproductivehealth, and reproductive justice. House Bill 1080 would make it more difficult to access contraception because it would allow people who "don't believe in contraception" due to their personal religion to refuse to sell someone contraceptives - this includes items traditionally purchased out in the open, like condoms. House Bill 1625 would make it more difficult for patients to access reproductive healthcare because it would repeal the NH Buffer Zone law. The buffer law keeps some space clear around clinics and healthcare facilities so that patients can come and go privately and without being verbally harassed by strangers. House Bill 1609 is an effort to lesson the harms of the New Hampshire abortion harms, but reproductive healthcare advocates do not believe it goes far enough. It would be better to allow all pregnant people to access abortioncare, and there should always be access for people who are victims of rape or incest.

Listen in as Liz and Kayla from Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (www.ppnhaf.org) talk us through the origin and impacts of the recently implemented state-wide abortion ban. The ban criminalizes providers. This ban and other restrictive legislation are in conflict with traditional Granite State values. Residents in the state have taken pride in the motto "live free or die." Now, they question how a shift in the legislature yields laws that violate patient privacy and diminish personal freedom. April 29, 2022 update: This interview took place when advocates hoped House Bill 1609 might reduce the harms of the abortion ban by allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest or fatal fetal anomaly. However, while 1609 made some progress, it was only on the matter of fatal fetal anomalies. The abortion ban remains without any exceptions for people who were forcibly made pregnant because they were raped or the victims of incest. Advocates ask for people to help by: contacting their NH legislators. Reaching out to friends, family, co-workers in NH to alert them to the abortion ban, as well as other restrictive measures. Consider donating to organizations who advocate for reproductive freedom, reproductive health, and reproductive justice. House Bill 1080 would make it more difficult to access contraception because it would allow people who "don't believe in contraception" due to their personal religion to refuse to sell someone contraceptives - this includes items traditionally purchased out in the open, like condoms. House Bill 1625 would make it more difficult for patients to access reproductive healthcare because it would repeal the NH Buffer Zone law. The buffer law keeps some space clear around clinics and healthcare facilities so that patients can come and go privately and without being verbally harassed by strangers. House Bill 1609 is an effort to lesson the harms of the New Hampshire abortion harms, but reproductive healthcare advocates do not believe it goes far enough. It would be better to allow all pregnant people to access abortioncare, and there should always be access for people who are victims of rape or incest.

Listen in as Margaret shares her reasons for taking action as an advocate for abortion access and women's health. Red Cloaks Radio continues our series where people are invited to share their personal experiences with abortion. What keeps someone silent about her experience? What breaks the silence? What happens next, after the silence is broken? After ROE was passed, why did people still need to travel from Michigan to New York for abortioncare?

Francie Hunt, Exec. Director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, covers important ground in our conversation, beginning with 100 years of history of Planned Parenthood in Tennessee. What is access like in different parts of the state? How did Planned Parenthood grow to become a trusted provider of patient care in Appalachia? What is the status of fake clinics in Tennessee? What is happening in a state where the majority of residents believe there should be a right to access abortion, but an anti-choice fundamentalist Christian majority in the state legislature has used their power to restrict fair voting? Is Tennessee's legislature becoming a theocracy? Learn how to help support residents in Tennessee (and neighboring states). Learn more: https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/tennessee-advocates-planned-parenthood

Francie Hunt joins us from Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood to discuss power, rebuilding and growing stronger while support access to reproductive healthcare. As Executive Director, Francie is working - again - to support patients and staff while also rebuilding a clinic that was severely damaged by an arsonist. Listen in to learn about Tennessee's Governor and legislature, and the relationship between efforts to control pregnant people's bodies, voter disenfranchisement, racism and poverty. To learn more, or contribute, visit: www.tnadvocatesforpp.org

Our special guest, Anne, returns to continue the conversation about abortion access before and after Roe vs. Wade. How did volunteers help each other identify care providers? What kinds of risks did people face? Why was it so difficult to discuss contraceptives? Did female college students really get locked into their dormitories at night? Who bore the responsibility for an unplanned pregnancy? Did people shame male and female college equally for being sexually active? We all have questions, and Anne helps share answers. Listeners are encouraged to look up the Women's Health Protection Act and consider contacting their United States Senators to urge them to pass WHPA and protect abortion access for everyone. The WHPA passed the House in September 24, 2021, but Senators have still not taken action.

Anne takes us back to the 1960s when women faced multiple social and legal barriers to their reproductive freedom and health. Abortion was illegal, teen girls and women who weren't married and admitted they were sexually active were shamed. College women were literally locked in their dorms at night. Contraception was difficult to access and people sought access to illegal abortions by looking for names on bathroom stall walls. Is this our past? Or is this our future?

Has Jex Blackmore done for medication abortion what Katie Couric did for colonoscopies when, in 2000, Couric underwent a colonoscopy on air to raise awareness and share accurate information about a procedure that some people feared? Listen in to our conversation with @jexblockmore two days after her appearance on Fox news where she surprised the host by taking medication abortion on air. If you can't find the clip by searching for Michigan's Fox affiliate (are they trying to pretend it didn't happen?), look for it on social media @jexblackmore

Our conversation with Marcia continues in the second episode of our series My Body My Story. Many women have more than one abortion, and each experience is different. Together we explore what it was like to access abortion in different states and circumstances during the pre-Roe v. Wade era. In what ways has America changed in these recent decades? In what ways were women dependent on men when seeking abortion care, and how did women act to expand access for other women? What was a woman's collective? Did a generation of women drop the ball or move it forward? For those carrying the ball today, how have pre-ROE experiences informed their advocacy?

Part 1 in our new series "My Body My Story" begins in Jan. 2022 as we explore the strength it takes to do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Listen in as Marcia shares the experience of accessing an illegal abortion in the Summer of 1964, when abortion was illegal. In Part 1, we take on some key questions: What does the term "back alley abortion" include? How did someone find a provider? Where could a person go? What did it cost? Where did procedures take place? What roles did men play? Marcia demanded that her life would go forward in a different way, and has been a political activist her entire life. The personal and political intertwine in this conversation, and we invite listeners to Part 2 where the conversation continues.

Our conversation with Rebecca Hart Holder, Exec. Director of Reproductive Equity Now continues with an exploration of the way love and anger can motivate advocacy work. Perfect season to consider this as we reach the first anniversary of a pivotal time in MA reproductive equity history. It was just about one year ago when Governor Baker vetoed the ROE Act - TWICE! Persistence paid off, and the legislature overrode Baker to advance reproductive equity in MA. Flash forward to today, when attacks on equity in multiple states, including Texas and Mississippi is infuriating. Let's discuss the role that love and anger play in our work. Visit website for more info: https://reproequitynow.org/

Tough week? Focus in on some positive and clear advocacy. Listen in as we learn about the launch of Reproductive Equity Now in Massachusetts. With no time for despair, Executive Director Rebecca Hart Holder shares the urgency of taking action on the interconnected issues that will help us thrive. Learn about successful advocacy strategies that helped make gains in Massachusetts in recent years, including the ROE Act, and consider what's next with an eye out for regional advances in reproductive equity! Learn more: https://reproequitynow.org/

Our conversation with Vivian Birchall continues as we learn how she was successful in building coalitions in Uganda that helped improve transportation and governance, and why she is motivated to take action in advancing equity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an elected representative. What does Vivian see as the common threads across continents in terms of identifying gaps in services, organizing and storytelling? And what drives Vivian to advance women's rights? Listen in! Learn more about Vivian: https://vivianbirchall.com/

Listen in and learn how Vivian Birchall, candidate for MA State Rep. (Middlesex 14th) plans to build empowering coalitions across the state of Massachusetts to better support constituents. Find out about Vivian's skills and experience in Uganda where she helped connect people across a continent. We also talked about contraception and caregiving, the need for affordable housing and transportation. Join us!

Massachusetts candidate Simon Cataldo seeks state office (Rep. for Middlesex 14th), and brings us into conversation about whether Massachusetts is the tip of the spear when it comes to social justice. As a former prosecutor, and the son of a social worker, Simon discusses WHPA, the Texas abortion ban, humility, priorities and the importance of listening. In a state where many wish to see local and national progress made toward social justice - especially gender and racial justice - learn Simon's vision and approach.

Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks for a conversation with Danielle Allen, candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. Recent headlines from across the country --including Texas and Florida-- emphasize the power of each state's Governor. What are Danielle Allen's priorities? How would her work on COVID-19 inform her leadership if elected Governor? How would she connect policies on housing, transportation, schools, good jobs and justice to work together to help people across the Commonwealth thrive? Why is coalition building important? Recorded 9.10.21 Learn more about Danielle Allen at: https://allenforma.com Learn more about Boston Red Cloaks at: https://www.bostonredcloaks.com Find other episodes of Red Cloaks Radio at: https://www.bostonredcloaks.com/red-cloaks-radio

Walk with the Boston Red Cloaks from Commonwealth Avenue to the Massachusetts State House, hearing voices from spectators and Red Cloak participants as they address the Texas abortion ban and the refusal of the United States Supreme Court to intervene or protect reproductive rights in Texas.

Listen in as MA State Rep. Tami Gouveia shares her perspective as she launches a campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Take a deeper dive into the connections she sees between housing, the environment and more. What exactly would it means to bring a public health focus to the position of Lieutenant Governor?

Our conversation with Dr. Taylor and attorney Julie Gunnigle continues in Part 2 of Arizona SOS. With new Arizona state laws recognizing fetal personhood, a fetus is seen as having the same rights as any adult resident of the state, including the person who is pregnant with that fetus. A lawyer can be retained to represent the fetus and a pregnant person can be sued by a myriad of people if the pregnant person miscarries or seeks an abortion. Providers can also be prosecuted. This is not Margaret Atwood's novel, this is Arizona. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, what will happen to people who need help in a miscarriage situation or need to end a pregnancy? Who will provide care? #handsoffaz #access Learn more at: desertstarfp.org You can contribute a donation, or help share accurate information.

In part 1 of our conversation with Dr. DeShawn Taylor, Founder and President of Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, Inc., we learn ways to help support reproductive justice and abortion access in Arizona. Dr. Taylor has created a safe space for healthcare access, and her patients stand at risk if the harsh and unconstitutional bans signed by Arizona's Governor are enforced. Dr. Taylor is not only working to keep abortion accessible, but also to train the next generation of providers who can support all pregnant people, regardless of gender. These skills are not covered in most medical school programs. You can help make a difference. Stay tuned for Part 2 when Julie Gunnigle joins the conversation and we unpack the current political attacks on access in Arizona. Donate link: https://desertstarfp.org/get-involved/donate/ Website: https://desertstarfp.org/about-us/leadership/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertStarFP.org/

As the United State Senate declines to investigate the January 6, 2021 Insurrection, we take a look back at the tumultuous events between the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and Election Day 2020. Katherine returns for part two of our conversation to share her perspective as an organizer, artist and advocate.

Meet Katherine, and follow along on a Handmaid journey that begins in Raleigh, North Carolina just after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and leads to Washington, D.C. to protest the 2020 confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett's appointment to the United States Supreme Court. The use of handmaid imagery conveys many things to many people; join the Boston Red Cloaks in conversation as we explore the use of Margaret Atwood's powerful imagery. How do fictional handmaids so accurately convey contemporary restrictions on women's constitutional rights?

Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks in conversation with Gena Frank, Government and Policy Director at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. How did organization, coalition partners and grassroots efforts succeed in expanding abortion access and rolling back restrictive parental consent laws? Reflect back on the past legislative session and consider how we might support other states. What's next in the Commonwealth?

Listen in as we meet Vilma Martinez-Dominguez, candidate for Mayor in Lawrence, Massachusetts. It's 2021 and there has yet to be a Latina Mayor anywhere in the Commonwealth. Vilma's answer: Right Time. Right Choice. Join in as we learn about Vilma's inspiration, experience, and vision for serving vulnerable populations, and her plan to lead the city of Lawrence into the future. Vilma’s website: http://vilmaformayor.com/

News you can use: Massachusetts could pass legislation to improve access to emergency contraceptives. Listen in and learn from lead sponsors Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Joe Boncore. What is emergency contraception? How is it currently regulated? What would change if the laws change? How could this legislation improve an individual's ability to decide if, when and how they become a parent? Learn more at: bostonredcloaks.com.

Want healthy youth? Senator Brendan Crighton returns to continue our conversation about policy changes that will help all youth thrive. Learn more about how we can support Gateway Cities in Massachusetts. Senator Crighton argues that these policies could also improve conditions across the Commonwealth: from affordable housing to promoting racial equity and gender equity; from public transportation to stronger funding for school building replacements. Learn more or contact Senator Crighton: malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BPC0

Listen in as members of the Boston Red Cloaks meet Senator Brendan Crighton for a discussion of how specific policy changes could promote healthy youth. In Part 1 we learn about the Senator's past support of the Healthy Youth Act and other measures; plus, find out how housing policies and the state-wide budgeting process for replacement of aging school buildings each could play a bigger role in helping students thrive. Learn more or contact Senator Crighton: malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BPC0

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jordan Banick and Jocelyn Foye from The Womxn Project, we explore their use of a wide range of artivism strategies - from handmaid imagery to projections and beyond. Visit The Womxn Project: thewomxnproject.org

Inspiration for activists! Tune in for Part 1 of an energizing conversation with Jordan Banick and Jocelyn Foye from The Womxn Project, a Rhode Island organization working to build a strong, feminist, community-based movement to further human rights of Rhode Islanders by using art and activism to advance education and social change. Visit The Womxn Project: thewomxnproject.org

Ashley Mitchell - writer, maternal and child health educator, mother, birth doula, advocate - joins members of the Boston Red Cloaks to discuss parenting, birthing, and raising a new generation of changemakers. This conversation explores the unexpected & how we can adjust or heal, whether it is from having an unplanned c-section to managing toddlers during a pandemic. Ashley created an instagram blog @PostParenthood to make space to heal, and in so doing, she opened a door for others to connect and reflect on both personal and societal expectations around "empowering" births. Listen in!

Listen in to celebrate the power of love and compassion as Karen Thurston, creator of abobobravado, shares the stories of people who have had two or more abortions. Ms. Thurston's important work is part of an international stigma-fighting initiative. Love and compassion guide people who make the decision to end a pregnancy, and this is too often overlooked. Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks as we learn strategies to support abortion access and reduce shame. Website: 2plusabortions.com Instagram: @abobobravado

California successfully passed legislation to allow students on public university campuses to access medication abortion. Massachusetts state Representative Lindsay Sabadosa is re-introducing legislation to provide the same access in Massachusetts. Listen in to learn why this legislation helps protect student health and safety while it also decreases the risk of student exposure to fake "clinics". Learn how to help pass this important legislation. Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa's website: www.lindsaysabadosa.com

Where were you on January 6, 2021? Did you anticipate the attack on the United States Congress? These are questions future generations will ask. Four weeks after the vicious attack, listen in as we welcome back Kim & Derenda from weengage.org in Missisissippi to discuss the connections between the D.C. violence and the sidewalk battles taking place outside clinics across America. Individuals who regularly volunteer as domestic peacekeepers and clinic escorts saw the writing on the wall and offer a critically important perspective. Learn more about the PinkHouseDefenders: https://www.facebook.com/PinkhouseDefenders/ Recorded 1.19.21 - Inauguration Eve - #OneDayMore

Massachusetts becomes the 15th state where residents are able to access telemedicine abortion. Learn about the services now offered through Maine Family Planning. Maine Family Planning participates in a national study that looks at the outcomes of telemedicine abortion, and has also provided access to people in New York. Participation in the study is required, and our interview unpacks what you need to know to get connected. We also go through the complicated barriers put in place by anti-abortion regulators so you will understand the political landscape and how things differ under a variety state laws. There are so many barriers faced by patients, including caregiving responsibilities, distance to a clinic, economics, reliance on public transportation, and COVID makes travel even more difficult (or impossible). Telemedicine has never been more needed than it is today. Help us share this information so people can learn more about the providers who are making it possible for MA residents to receive care. Plus, help people in other states learn how they can receive care. Website link: visit https://telabortion.org/ to look up your state and find the right connections for care.