We’re at DEFCON 1, So What Are YOU Going to Do?
Sisters,
You’ve heard of the DEFCON rating system, right? It’s what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses to convey to high-ranking military and intelligence officials the severity of the threat we are facing from (presumably) a foreign, hostile force. DEFCON 1 is the most severe threat level, indicating that a nuclear threat is imminent. Our military is to be at maximum readiness with weapons ready to fire. Our country has never officially gone to DEFCON 1. The closest we came was two incidents of DEFCON 2 during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) and the Gulf War (1991) for some portion of the military. In movies and popular culture, DEFCON 1 is used to dramatize a crisis or impending disaster.
Last week was a maelstrom (fancy word for sh*tshow) across many fronts. Between July 21 and 24, Congress took several actions that could seriously harm women and communities of color, low-income families, veterans, and people living in rural areas. Republican lawmakers voted unanimously for a federal budget plan that slashed funding for programs that help people access healthcare, housing, education, and public broadcasting—services that are especially critical in underserved areas. At the same time, they increased military spending while leaving support for veterans, especially those in rural areas, stuck in limbo. They also passed a bill that cut money for international health programs and eliminated funding for public media like NPR and PBS, which are often lifelines for accurate news and educational programming in rural communities. Coincidentally, Democratic lawmakers did not support these policy actions. Together, these decisions show a dangerous pattern of ignoring the needs of everyday people while prioritizing the wealthy and well-connected.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say, from a policy standpoint, that we are at DEFCON 1. We should all be VERY concerned about what is happening. As the saying goes, if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention!
So, what can you do about it? Last week, I encouraged you all to consider starting or joining a local mutual aid effort in your community. WE CAN take care of ourselves and should start building those relationships and networks NOW. You can learn more about how to do so in an upcoming WE CAN event, We Make A Way: Mutual Aid & Time Banks for Women of Color, on September 18th at 7:00pm.
This week, I’m here to encourage you to make some noise with your elected officials in August. As you may have heard, House Republican Leader Mike Johnson (representing Louisiana) started the House of Representatives’ annual August recess (vacation) a week earlier than expected. Some say he was avoiding legislation that would have forced the Administration to release the Epstein files. At this point, it doesn’t matter why they are in their home districts earlier than usual. What matters is that they hear from you!
Follow these steps to ensure YOUR VOICE is heard by your elected officials this August.
Sign up for a one-hour session on July 31st at 8:00 p.m. ET to learn how to use the WE CAN August Recess Toolkit. If you can’t make the event, no worries, register anyway, and we’ll send you a recording!
Use WE CAN’s Find Your Elected Officials Tool to get detailed contact information for your U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Visit their websites to learn about upcoming events. Sign up to receive their newsletters so you know what they’re up to representing you!
We are STRONG, RESOURCEFUL, AND INTELLIGENT. Sisters, let’s SHOW UP and make our voices heard this August!
In solidarity,
Stephanie
P.S. The attacks on our rights and freedoms aren’t slowing down—they’re getting worse! Help WE CAN stay in the fight by making a $10 donation today.
Reclaim Recess: Our Voices. Our Power. ~ July 31, 2025 | 8:00pm
Join the Women’s Equity Center and Action Network (WE CAN) for the official release of Reclaim Recess: Our Voices. Our Power August Recess Action Toolkit—a powerful, unapologetic resource to mobilize women and girls of color during the Congressional recess. With Congress back in their home districts, now is the time to show up, speak out, and demand action. The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” will devastate communities of color—cutting access to healthcare, housing, food, and safety. We’re not sitting this one out. – This event will feature: – A walkthrough of the August Recess Toolkit – Talking points, scripts, and event strategies – Coordinating graphics and shareables – Opportunities to connect with others in your region Whether you’re new to civic engagement or a seasoned activist, this briefing will give you the tools to reclaim recess and drive real accountability.
We Make a Way: Mutual Aid & Time Banks for Women of Color ~ September 18, 2025 | 7:00pm
When the system fails us, we turn to each other. As government funding for vital services continues to decrease, women of color are left to do what we’ve always done—find a way to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Join us for a free, one-hour virtual workshop exploring mutual aid societies and time banks as powerful, community-based tools for survival, care, and resilience. You’ll learn how these models—rooted in shared support, not charity—can help meet everyday needs like childcare, food access, transportation, and elder care. We’ll share real-life examples, walk through how to start or join a time bank or mutual aid network, and hold space for meaningful connection with others committed to building care systems by and for women of color.