In the fight for Reproductive Justice, we need to look to Gen Z, lend our support - and get out of their way.

Last month, advocacy became our lifeline.

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is not only about controlling our bodies and our reproductive freedoms - not to mention our right to a safe, effective, and sometimes life-saving medical procedure - it is a gateway to the stripping away of other substantive rights. Our right to privacy, same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, and contraception are now all on shaky ground – and vulnerable communities are under fire, yet again.

The pathway back to securing those rights is through collective action. Our representatives have proven time and time again that we cannot rely on their promises for change. Marching and protesting has not elicited the necessary response. Yet, through their hustle, relentless passion, and unyielding determination to bring justice to their communities, grassroots organizations have proven to be essential in this fight. They need our support – because they have the power to bring actionable change.

Given these recent events, July’s GET LOUD Award focused on organizations fighting for Reproductive Justice. We saw an outpouring from Gen Z and Millennials, reaching out to us on Instagram to share the organizations they most believe in. Thanks to their nominations, we have identified an incredible organization to support.  

The Gen Z-powered organization, Generation Ratify, will receive $10,000 in unrestricted funding to support its intersectional and youth-led work toward ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and advancing gender equality in the United States. Through education, advocacy, and elections, they are putting the untapped power of Gen Z to use for the benefit of all women-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people.

The resilience, tenacity, and intersectional approach of Generation Ratify is a reminder for the rest of us to get out of the way. That is not to say that we should let up on the fight for Reproductive Justice and hand the reins over to this younger generation. Quite the opposite - this cause needs our energy and persistence more than ever. But it is a reminder to look to young leaders like those of Generation Ratify - whose futures are so profoundly on the line - and, in so many ways, take our cues from them.

The Elevate GET LOUD Award was launched to fuel grassroots organizations on the frontlines, driving collective action and building power among historically underserved communities. Each month, we grant $10,000 to a grassroots organization, selected from submissions to our Instagram page. If you know an organization creating lasting change in your community, share them with us. Together, we can – and need - to #MakeGoodFamous.

https://www.instagram.com/elevateprize/?hl=en