Winter is just about here, and this year we’re bracing for more than snowstorms. It’s time to start gearing up for tough battles ahead in the fight to maintain everyone’s civil rights — so warm up to the idea of getting out there and making a difference.
If there’s something on the horizon in your area that you’d like to see featured in the MTV News Social Justice Forecast, email us at mtvnews.sjf@gmail.com!
All Month Long:
Everywhere: Take action for #NoDAPL.
The Army Corps of Engineers recently declared that the Dakota Access Pipeline has to look for a new route, but the fight to keep the pipeline off native land for good continues. Water protectors are now calling to make December a Month of Global Action. Hundreds of events are being held around the country; check out everydayofaction.org to find one near you. You can start this weekend by participating in Pray with Standing Rock, an international day of prayer on Saturday, December 10. And to help take financial support away from pipeline construction, head over to defunddapl.org.
Be sure to keep up with all the ways to take a stand for clean water and for the rights of native people.
This Week:
Getty/MTV NewsThere’s a baking competition supporting trans youth in Santa Ana, California; a chance to see Richfield, Minnesota, through the eyes of black women; and we’re looking ahead to an evening of laughter to raise funds for reproductive justice in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Saturday, December 10
Santa Ana, California: Cook up support for trans youth at So You Think You Can Bake.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
305 E. 4th St., Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The LGBT Center on 4th is hosting a baking competition to raise funds for trans youth programming. You can submit your finest baked goods for the categories of Best Cake, Best Cookies, Best Brownies, or Most Creative. Word is that the latter category doesn’t necessarily have to be the most delicious thing on the table; it just has to look the most fabulous. Lights, glitter, and ingenuity are encouraged. It costs $15 to submit to a category, but admission to the event is free. Some young trans volunteers will also be selling their own confections for programs at the center. If you think you can whip up a winning culinary delight, want to support trans youth, and/or need to sate your sweet tooth, this is the event for you.
Richfield, Minnesota: Get a better perspective of feminism at Experiencing Minnesota Through the Eyes of Black Women.
Adler Graduate School, Presentation Hall
1550 East 78th St.
Richfield, MN 55423
Resonate, an organization that deconstructs white feminism and centers the needs of women of color, is hosting a series of events to openly and honestly explore racism and sexism in Minnesota. Black women will share their personal experiences, and nonblack allies are invited to reflect on the realities of being a woman of color living under white supremacy. These events are intended to be challenging and at times uncomfortable. Issues of privilege, power, and discrimination will be confronted. Attendees are asked to make a donation to support these programs if they can.
Wednesday, December 14
New York, New York: Raise a glass and some cash for Planned Parenthood at Get Nasty.
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Black Lodge
20 Prince St.
New York, NY 10012
It’s no secret that organizations providing reproductive health services are in danger of losing federal funding under the next administration. So what’s someone who believes in people having access to such important services to do? Go drinking with friends, of course! Get Nasty is an evening of cocktails and conversation where all of the money from ticket sales will go to Planned Parenthood. It costs $25 and you must be at least 21 to attend. Get your crew together and make a night of it. Cheers!
Looking Ahead:
Thursday, December 22
Knoxville, Tennessee: Get some healing laughs in at Good Medicine: Comedy Fundraiser for Reproductive Rights.
7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
32 Market Sq.
Knoxville, TN 37902
If thinking about the future of reproductive rights in America leaves you feeling sick to your stomach and feverish with worry, a group of comedians is here to help. Scruffy City Hall is offering something to alleviate those symptoms by holding a show to raise money for reproductive rights organizations like Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective, and Lady Parts Justice League. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission if purchased early online; they’re $20 at the door. Go to support reproductive rights, and make sure that justice gets to have the last laugh.
Always be on the lookout for what’s happening in your town, and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Answer calls for solidarity, confront your own privilege, and get creative for the causes you believe in — it sure beats doing nothing. Whether that means bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!