Written by Judi Marraccini / 2026 Conference Chair
As Conference Chair, I had been introduced to many exhibitors before the conference.

My plan is to introduce you to some of them and review their organization in the next few FL Feminist issues.

Abortion in America is a non-profit organization that documents and shares personal testimonials that show the lived reality of abortion bans. Please visit their website and see how you can support this group. The stories are real and timely.

Tampa Bay Abortion Fund removes financial and logistical barriers to abortion access. They help people locally in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. They also provide funding assistance and travel suport at numerous out-of-sate clinics for Floridians over 6 weeks, due to unnecessary abortion restrictions in Florida. Think about donating and / or becoming a volunteer.

Tampa Bay Abortion Fund – Removes financial and logistical barriers to abortion access.

Abortion in America – Stories Igniting a Movement.  This organization shows the faces and tells the words of people who have had an abortion.

Written by Judi Marraccini / Legislative@flnow.org

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Campuses like the University of South Florida (USF) host specialized launch events and relationship violence workshops throughout October.

On October 13^th, Harbor House Purple Door Luncheon will take place at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

Purple Thursday is the day that people are encouraged to wear purple to increase awareness for domestic violence. The date is always the third Thursday in October; this year the date is October 22^nd. Wearing purple clothing, ribbons or accessories shows solidarity with survivors and honor victims of domestic abuse.

Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV) is a statewide coalition that works to strengthen support for survivors and end domestic violence in Florida. Individuals can join for $25 per year. Organizations can join for $250. FPEDV membership provides access to trainings, membership meetings, statewide education, and serving on committees and workgroups.

Florida Domestic Violence Legal Hotline – 800-500-1119.

Find certified local domestic violence centers and safe shelters through the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Written by Dr. Julie A. Kent / President@flnow.org

Things to Do Today (you can do these every day, all month)

1. Ask a friend to join you (for lunch? Dinner?) to talk about the articles in this newsletter. They don’t have to agree with the articles or viewpoints, just arrange a time to talk.

2. Call Senator Ashley Moody (202) 224-3041 and Senator Rick Scott (407) 872-7161 and your House Representative and express your concerns about stopping the weaponization of intelligence agencies, counterterrorism labeling, and defense assets to target nonviolent activists, gender equality initiatives, migrant defense groups, and broader community organizations.

3. Call your Florida State Senator and Florida State Representative about demanding full reinstatement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) offices, training, scholarships, student organizations, and workplace initiatives, including culturally responsive education, gender-equity programs, accessibility services, and anti-harassment protections.

This Week

1. Meet with your friend(s) and talk about this newsletter. It can be one on one or multiple people but use the newsletter as a guide for conversation topics.

2. Locate and attend a house party or event for a local candidate. Get out and meet the people running for office in your area.

3. Register for an upcoming FL NOW event (https://flnow.org/events/category/florida-now/list/).

This month

1. Visit https://now.org/now-foundation/love-your-body/ to find ways to get involved with the NOW Love your Body campaign.

2. Reach out to me (President@flnow.org) about joining a committee for FL NOW. We have a committee working resolutions and we are looking to start up another focused on membership and events. There are lots of ways to volunteer even if you don’t leave your house.

3. Review the candidates running on your ballot, make a plan, and vote. Many areas in Florida offer early voting. If you vote early you don’t have to be concerned about issues arising on election day. It also means you can help frive or otherwise support others in getting to the polls.