This summer we are holding Tricia Hersey’s mandate: ‘Rest is Resistance’, as a touchstone to reground and find deeper ways to support and care for each other and our movements. July started out with several regressive Supreme Court rulings that highlighted the ripple effects of a court with a conservative majority, along with a heat-wave caused by worsening climate change. While summer can be a joyful and expansive time, the heat and heightened energy can also lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.
The notion of rest as resistance, rooted in Black liberation and “womanism”, is about finding ways to stay connected to our bodies, to our spirits, and importantly, to allow us more space to orient to justice work and each other with intention and care. What does centering rest as resistance look like for our movements here in NM? This spring we were proud to offer a fourth year of Healing Awards as a pathway for organizations and their staff to prioritize rest, care, and joy. We heard from our partners that they have used their awards to share meals, soak in hot springs, contract mental health professionals for their staff, sit in healing circles, share Diné plant medicine bundles, attend queer theater shows, and more. What is made possible when we take time to pause, breathe, and reset together?
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We know the call for justice is urgent and deeply necessary, however without the resources to adequately care for our leaders and community movers, there is little space for healing and restoration. The road to justice is long and uncertain, and grassroots work and organizing are the backbone of a gender justice future in New Mexico. It is vital that we fund and sustain and our movements for the long haul—including time to rest.
As we deepen into the wisdom and reflections of ‘Rest is Resistance’ this summer, we hope you too, as part of our movement, will find ways to reimagine rest as an essential component of gender justice and healing.
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The NewMexicoWomen.Org team will be deepening our rest practice this summer. Our office will be closed from July 31st to August 4th, as we take a summer break to spend time with our families and communities, and to recharge our spirits, bodies, and minds. During these five days, our team will step back and find solace in the warmth of the summer sun, while nurturing the ongoing flames of gender justice. We are grateful for this space and time off and wish you all restful summer days. |
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We are thrilled to share some highlights from this summer’s visits with our community grantee partners across the state. NewMexicoWomen.Org is proud to support these phenomenal organizations as they work on the daily for gender justice and healing. It’s been a joy to visit beautiful communities across the state—from the Northwest in Shiprock and Farmington, to the North in Española and Las Vegas, to Albuquerque, and then down South in Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Sunland Park, and Anthony. We have learned about the fierce young women farming near the border, healing circles for LGBTQ2S+ youth, abortion care access issues in rural counties, Indigenous seed saving practices, rural sexual assault service provision, radical birth work, youth murals, and so much more.
As a social and gender justice funder, relationships with our communities are at the center of our work! We are committed to bringing more resources to communities in New Mexico and we are committed to centering New Mexico’s challenges and wins in the national conversation. Stay tuned for more stories and upcoming events this year where we will continue connecting with our partners across the state.
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Community partners pictured above:
The Empowerment Congress of Dona Ana County,
Sexual Assault Services of Northwest NM, Healing Circle Drop-in Center, Changing Woman Initiative, and La Semilla Food Center.
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Community partners pictured above:
NM Black Central Organizing Committee, Tri-County Family Justice Center, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner of Otero and Lincoln Counties, Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute, and The Counseling Center.
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Melanie Garcia, our new
Senior Operations Manager
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Melanie is native to New Mexico and comes to NewMexicoWomen.Org with 25 years of experience in accounting and operations. She has spent her non-profit career working with organizations committed to equity through arts, education, and family and youth support services across southeastern and northern NM counties. Her strong curiosity surrounding human potential led her to become a certified life coach in 2021. Melanie also serves as Board President for Queen Bee Music Association and volunteers with the Santa Fe Community Foundation grants committee. She is the mother of two beautiful young men, is partnered with her high school sweetheart, and is a lover of personal growth, nature, art, and design.
Melanie brings deep patience, thoughtfulness, and a critical operational perspective. We are excited to welcome her to our team!
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