FALL ACTIVISM SERIES

This fall, BKForge is hosting a four-part activism series in coordination with Abortion Access Front’s Operation Save Abortion initiative. At each meeting, we'll feature a speaker or panel discussion on key ways you can get involved to save abortion access and promote reproductive justice.

Up Next

Session 4: Clinic Support
Monday, December 12, 7:00-8:30pm
LGBTQ Center (208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011)

For our final session, we are partnering with the NARAL NY Action Council. Come learn about clinic escorting from our featured speakers, volunteer leaders for the escorting program at an independent abortion clinic in Queens.

RSVP now

Previous Sessions

Session 3: Direct Action

We hope that everyone felt as inspired as we did, hearing about direct action from Moji Alawode-El and Lizz Winstead from Abortion Access Front. We left the meeting energized and excited to incorporate more direct action strategies into BKForge’s activities — such as creating Instagram-worthy viral moments in our advocacy for the Reproductive Freedom & Equity Fund and tracking the deceitful practices of Crisis Pregnancy Centers, fake clinics, in NY.  Read highlights from the program here.

To learn more about taking direct action in the fight for reproductive freedom, check out Abortion Access Front’s panel on the topic from their Operation Save Abortion event over the summer. 

Session 2: Practical Support

We hope to reschedule a time to hear from our featured speaker, Odile Schalit, Executive Director of the Brigid Alliance, who was unfortunately unable to join us due to unforeseen circumstances. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Brigid Alliance through these two videos:

Even with the change in program, we appreciated the opportunity to gather with old friends and new members; discuss various ways to meet this urgent moment; strategize around our legislative advocacy; and write postcards to voters before the upcoming election.

Session 1: Legislative Advocacy

It was so great having long standing members and newcomers come together for an engaging discussion on state and local legislative advocacy. We’re especially grateful to Emily Kadar, Director of Women's Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul's office, for sharing her insight into legislative advocacy from her current role and from her experience managing government affairs with National Institute for Reproductive Health.

After Emily spoke, meeting attendees participated in two breakouts. Highlights are below:

  • Advocacy 101 - High-level intro covering what legislative advocacy is, the legislative process and an overview of BKForge’s legislative agenda.

  • Experienced Advocacy - Deep dive into the details of the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program, a pending bill with the NY state legislature and a priority item on our agenda.

Both groups wrapped up with impactful next steps, including the formation of a BKForge task force focused on gaining momentum for the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program.

What’s Next? Let’s Take Action Together

  • Join our legislative task force to advocate for the New York Reproductive Freedom and Equity Fund. We are in the midst of scheduling meetings to speak with lawmakers, organizing a call flood, and tabling to raise public awareness. Email contactbkforge@gmail.com if you’re interested!

  • Even if you don’t join the task force, you can still participate in meetings with state reps! We have meetings scheduled with Senator Myrie and Assemblymember Simon, and more meetings in the works. See more details and sign up here if you are interested in joining any of these meetings.