“They want us unwell, fearful, exhausted, and without deep self-love,” artist and poet, Tricia Hersey reminds us, because we are easier to manipulate when “distracted by what is not real or true.” In moments like this, we are called to root ourselves in what is real and true: our connections, our communities, and our shared dreams of a world grounded in justice and love. This is a time to draw close, to hold each other up, and to share our strength, our dreams, and our vision of a future where we all flourish. Together, we are the antidote to fear, and together, our future is still possible.
At Women’s Foundation California, our mission has always been to build a feminist future where everyone can flourish in health, safety, and prosperity. We know that change is not determined by one election alone. Our movement is multigenerational and cross-cultural, built by the people who envision systems operating with love and justice, rooted in dignity and liberation for all. We believe that California can lead with radical creativity, where every person has the space to rest, recharge, and experience the joy of our collective power. As we step forward together, let us hold onto our vision of a world where grassroots communities thrive and intersectional justice is abundant. We will continue to work alongside you—our community and co-conspirators—to protect our bodies, our families, and our communities. Through policy advocacy, by uplifting women of color and gender-expansive leaders, and by redistributing power and resources, we know we can create the future we need.
Our power comes from the communities we’ve built and the solidarity we’ve cultivated. Let us check on each other, care for each other, and continue to demand the justice and freedom that we deserve. Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In this moment, our joy, our love, our solidarity, our care for ourselves and each other—they are all acts of resistance.
In solidarity,
Bia Vieira, she/her/elle
CEO, Women’s Foundation California
P.S. As we gather our strength and continue our work for a just and liberated future, we invite you to join us in person November 19th as we recognize our collective power. Liberating Abortion is more than a gathering; it’s a powerful reminder that our rights, our bodies, and our communities are worth protecting. Together, let’s honor our collective strength, build resilience, and deepen our commitment to reproductive justice.
Stand with Us Against Oppression
As authoritarian forces seek to undermine our communities, your support fuels our work to build a resilient, multiracial democracy rooted in justice and equity. Join us in this critical fight—your gift strengthens our movement and helps ensure a future where everyone thrives.