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* Foster the Future *
* Realize Rights *
* Support Students *
* Maintain their Might *
* L-O-V-E LSRJ *
* With a Generous Gift Today *
 
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Like us on Facebook to stay connected to the movement, to LSRJ, and to eachother!
Follow us on Twitter to find out when we add new blog posts and to be a virtual attendee at LSRJ's Leadership Institute and Regional Conferences!
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Leadership Institute
Coming Up! _______________
We're gearing up for our annual Leadership Institute, Justice Doesn't Just Happen, and we are thrilled to be welcoming over 100 chapter leaders from around the country to Berkeley Law School to engage in skills-building workshops, attend student-led caucuses, learn about cutting-edge reproductive rights and justice issues, and more! Can't make it? Follow along virtually on our blog or on Twitter @LSRJ (#lsrj2011li). Check out our August/September Newsletter for a full recap! |
Please join us in welcoming the 2011-12 class of
RJ Fellows and Placement Organizations
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2011 Summer Networking Lunch Series
A few dates left!
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D.C.
Nat'l Abortion Fund
Nat'l APA Women's Forum
Planned Parenthood
Nat'l Women's Law Ctr.
NYC NY Lawyers Pub. Interest
Nat'l Adv. for Preg. Women
Ctr for Repro. Rights -7/27 Planned Parenthood -8/4 SF Bay Family Planning Specialists & Backline
Asian Comm. Repro. Justice
Women's Comm.Clinic -8/3 Abortion Provider - 8/11 RSVP to Mariko@LSRJ.org
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Dear LSRJ supporters:
One of the questions we are asked most frequently in our organizing efforts is, "What is reproductive justice?" And, we welcome it, because each question presents an opportunity to open minds, make connections, dispel misconceptions, and gain allies. During LSRJ's strategic clarity process this past year, board and staff took time to ponder this common query and articulate a collective, resonant response: Reproductive justice will exist when all people can exercise the rights and access the resources they need to thrive and to decide whether, when, and how to have and parent children with dignity, free from discrimination, coercion, or violence. It's an ambitious vision but one we think is both possible and imperative. Thank you for supporting us in doing our part to advance this vision and realize reproductive justice. |
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Summer Kickoff a Smash
l to r: Ryn Beeley, Samantha David, Becca Reingold, Nikki Tuttle, & Ashley Roaseau
On June 17, over 40 LSRJ supporters came together at a hotspot in downtown Oakland to celebrate the summer of "LSRJ in the Bay" over tasty treats, sparkling conversation, and a shared love of reproductive rights and justice!
Attendees heard about LSRJ's largest training, the Leadership Institute, mixed and mingled with the new Board of Directors, and purchased raffle tickets for some truly amazing prizes, including one-of-a-kind jewelry, massages, a pedicure from the East Bay's first environmentally-conscious nail salon, and more!
Thank you to our generous sponsor, The Mary Wholford Foundation, as well as our Host Committee: Maggie Crosby, Ben Kleinman, Erin Schultz, and Aimee Thorne-Thomsen!
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LSRJ Allies and Members Recognized
At the D.C. Reproductive Rights & Policy Training in June, LSRJ presented Jill Morrison with the Louise Melling Award for Distinction in Mentorship.
 | Mariko Miki presents award to Jill Morrison
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Jill is one of the most supportive, innovative, and inspiring allies that LSRJ has ever had. Over the last seven years, she has been an outstanding advocate at the National Women's Law Center, role model, teacher, and champion of law students. Jill is a source of guidance and mentorship for those beginning their careers in reproductive rights and justice advocacy.
Two of our 2011 graduates received outstanding praise for their leadership and vision while in law school. Our 2010 summer legal intern, Jeryl Hayes (Washington University at St. Louis) was named a "Leader of Tomorrow" by Missouri Lawyer's Weekly and 2011-2012 LSRJ Reproductive Justice Fellow Lucy Panza (Georgetown University Law Center) was awarded the National Women Lawyers' Association Award of 2011. This award is given to a student for her work in advancing women in the legal profession and the welfare of women in society.
We are inspired by all that you do, Jill, Jeryl, and Lucy!
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Blogging for RJ
Did you know that LSRJ has a widely-read blog? Add us to your RSS feed or blog reader of choice and check out a sampling below! "Hollaback! Not Just a Song, but a Movement" by LSRJ legal intern Nikki Tuttle - a look at the powerful movement that is using local activism and mobile technology to end street harassment. "Apparently, it Really IS Stressful to be a Racial Minority" by LSRJ legal intern Christine Poquiz - an exploration of recent studies that point to institutionalized racism as a factor in low birth weights and premature births among communities of color. "Calling Fake Abortion Hotlines is a Disturbing Way to Spend the Afternoon" by LSRJ legal intern Sharone Assa - a breakdown of "options counseling" hotlines and the misleading information they provide. Two inspiring posts directly from the recent SisterSong conference in Miami, "Let's Talk About Sex: Love, Legislation, and Leadership" by our legal intern and new Board member, Erika Willis. And don't forget about our guest blogger, LSRJ alum Heather Sager, who is bringing us along on her journey as a fellow for the Human Rights Law Network in India.
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Thank You to Outgoing Directors
Since the beginning, LSRJ has had the great fortune to be led by a group of courageous and caring (not to mention cool) visionaries on its Board of Directors . Last year was no exception - the Board accomplished many feats, including crafting a new strategic plan that will guide the organization for years to come. We could not ask for more dedicated ambassadors, fundraisers, or advisors than these folks. And, we owe them all an enormous debt of gratitude for their service. With that in mind, we thank the following Directors, who completed their service in May, for all they have given to LSRJ. 7 years of service Louise Melling, Esq. (Deputy Legal Director and Director of Center for Liberty, ACLU) Cari Sietstra, J.D. (Founder, Law Students for Choice)
2 years of service
Dante Costa, J.D. ('11, Cardozo School of Law) Secretary Emerita Lauren R.S. Mendonsa, J.D. ('11, Univ. of San Diego School of Law) 1 year of service Jena Jolissaint, PhD. (J.D. Candidate '12, Georgia State Univ. School of Law) Jennifer Seo, J.D. ('11 Columbia Law)
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Welcome to 2011-12 Board of Directors
LSRJ is proud to announce its new Board of Directors, pictured above at the orientation in June. Clockwise from lower left corner:
Treasurer Brigitte Amiri, Esq. - Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project
President Rebecca Reingold - 3L at University of Washington School of Law
Vice President Lillian Hewko, J.D. ('11, University of Washington School of Law) - Equal Justice Works Fellow with Legal Voice
Secretary Erika Willis - 2L at Florida A& M College of Law
Aimée Thorne-Thomsen, M.P.A - former Interim Executive Director for the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
Cynthia Soohoo, Esq. - Director of U.S. Legal Program at the Center for Reproductive Rights
Lara Shkordoff - 3L at Northeastern Law School
Kate Gilbert - 2L at University of Michigan Law School
Janine Shissler, Esq. - Associate in the Tax-Exempt Organizations Group of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler
Jill E. Adams, Esq. - Executive Director of LSRJ
Not pictured:
President Emerita Erin Armstrong, J.D. ('11, Berkeley Law) - 2011-2012 LSRJ Reproductive Justice Fellow with National Health Law Project
Aimee Z. Arrambide - 3L at New York Law School
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New Faces in the Office
LSRJ welcomes four legal interns, one undergraduate intern, and a legal researcher to our National Office this summer! The interns have been updating all of the materials we distribute to our members, including Fact Sheets, the Resource Guide, the Intern & Fellowship Guide and more. The legal interns are also working on research and writing projects for allied organizations.
Samantha David, JD (Albany Law School '10), researched and developed the new Fact Sheet on Sex Work and Trafficking.
Ashley Roaseau (Senior at Mills College) is helping to organize LSRJ's contacts and development files. Quite a major undertaking!
Sharone Assa (2L at University of Wisconsin) is researching immigration laws that keep families apart for Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice's (ACRJ) "Strong Families" policy initiative.
Christine Poquiz (3L at University of California, Davis) is researching the legal underpinnings for two stories gathered by ACRJ for the "Strong Families" policy initiative.
Nicole Tuttle (2L at University of Indiana Maurer School of Law) is researching nationwide criminal harassment laws for Hollaback!, an organization fighting to end street harassment.
Erika Willis (2L at Florida A&M College of Law) is researching restrictions to reproductive health care at religiously affiliated hospitals for the Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles .
Check out the full intern bios under About Us, Direction, Interns .
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Farewell, Shanelle
Everyone at LSRJ bids a fond farewell and heartfelt best wishes to Shanelle Matthews who recently transitioned to an exciting new role in the RJ movement. She is now the Communications Manager at LSRJ's longtime ally, Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, where she will bring her talents to bear on the Strong Families Initiative. We already miss Shanelle's pure passion, unbridled enthusiasm, determination and drive. During her time as Development and Administrative Associate here, she made a powerful impact on our organization and a lasting impression on everyone she met. |
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With sincerity and in solidarity,
Law Students for Reproductive Justice
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