YWEP staff members just returned from participating in the Third Wave Reproductive Health Justice Initiative convening in New Mexico, Oct. 6-8. The RHJI is dedicated to building a reproductive justice movement by and for youth and young women from marginalized communities. Prior to this convening, our Popular Education Workshop Coordinator Isa represented YWEP, but for this meeting, Isa trained our Peer Outreach Coordinator Amber and our Social Justice Leader Dominique to step up into leadership.

Members of the initiative decided to organize for a first-ever National Reproductive Justice Day on April 19, 2007. The Leadership Development committee agreed to communicate on recruiting more organizations to get involved with the RHJI. The convening also focused on creating network connections for member organizations; discussing and agreeing on by-laws and a consensus process for moving forward; and talking with funders of Third Wave. Additionally, YWEP members had an opportunity to make naku-glazed pottery. We are excited about our work with Third Wave and working with other youth-led organizations on a national level for reproductive justice!