WE'RE BACK! KICKING OFF 2023!

Melissa Murray
Feb 12, 2023
4 min read

WE'VE BEEN BUSY!

It may seem like we’ve gone dormant this year but there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes - and we’re ready to tell you all about it! Please Join Us next Thursday, February 16th, for our 2023 Kickoff Party! We’re serving champagne, mocktails, and light dessert. There will be teas, coffees, and snacks available for purchase, as well. We’re looking forward to networking with other area activists, Norwalk elected officials, and some members of our local commissions too! But most importantly, we’re celebrating the new year and all the great work of our members who’ve worked tirelessly to get our small but mighty volunteer collective up and running in less than six months!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, our meetings will be held on the third THURSDAY of each month this year (instead of Wednesday), still at 7 pm at Eco Evolution in SoNo.

ALSO OF NOTE: In March, we’re celebrating women’s sports by partnering with The Blind Rhino SoNo to raise funds for The REACH Fund of Connecticut during the NCAA Women’s Final Four games on March 31st, beginning at 6 pm. Thank you to NARJ volunteer, Ashley, for acquiring our top raffle item so far – US OPEN Tickets! For more info, please look for the Women’s Bar-Sketball event on the calendar below.

In other news, we’ve packed the newsletter with exciting actions and media tidbits of interest. Thanks to the Westport ReSisters for organizing great phone banking sessions for Kai Belton. Anyone interested in joining the action – see how below!

Finally, The Connecticut State Legislature's Reproductive Rights Caucus has announced the 2023 Legislative Agenda. You can read the announcement and details by downloading the PDF here.

SUGGESTED FEBRUARY ACTIONS

The Westport ReSisters are a powerful volunteer collective that has several actions organized this month. We were impressed with their phone banking event last night and are looking forward to attending next week to continue getting out the vote for Kai Belton who is running for Quentin "Q" Williams' seat after his tragic passing. That special election takes place on February 28th in Middletown. Here is a list of the upcoming actions NARJ members can take part in:

Wednesday, February 15th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Phone Banking for Kai Belton

Zoom Link

We’ll be using Hubdialer: Click Here There will be a short training on Hubdialer

No pre-registration is required, and it's OKAY to bring friends!

Can't make this action - here are other ways to support Kai Belton's campaign: https://www.mobilize.us/kaibelton/

Ongoing: All Month and Beyond!

Ensure funding for Early Voting CT, please write to the Governor:

Email Governor Lamont
Sample letters to Lamont re budget
Send copies of your letter to your State Rep., Senator, and Stephanie Thomas, SOTS, adam.richardson@ct.gov

Norwalk State Representatives:

Rep. Roberts of the 137th

Rep. Simms of the 140th

Rep. Marra of the 141st

Rep. Dathan of the 142nd

Rep. Johnson of the 143rd

Norwalk State Senator:

Senator Duff of the 25th

Ask 5 friends to write to the Governor!

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

What?	When?	Where?	More Details
NARJ 2023 Kickoff Party	Thursday, February 16 7:00pm - 8:30pm	ECO EVOLUTION	Mocktails and Champagne 🥂 Cookies, Dessert 🍮 Shirts and Prints table by Strange Birdie Studio (See Below)
Women's Bar-sketball	Friday, March 31st 6:00pm - 11pm	The Blind Rhino, SoNo	A Celebration of Women's Sports! NCAA Women's Final Four with Raffle to benefit The REACH Fund Of Connecticut! 🏀
LGBTQ+ 101 Training with Cadence	Thursday, April 20th 7:00pm - 8:30pm	ECO Evolution	Cadence from The Triangle Community Center (TCC) will train us on providing Reproductive Justice advocacy that is inclusive and affirming. Donations of any amount for TCC are appreciated.
STORYTELLING NIGHT	Thursday, May 18th 7:00pm - 8:30pm	ECO Evolution	More Coming Soon
SoNo ARTS FESTIVAL	Weekend of August 5-6 Exact time and date TBD	ECO Evolution	Volunteer at our Booth or, help set up and breakdown for us. Sign Petitions and Create Public Art. Let your Repro Justice voice be heard!