GLORIA: A LIFE Action Steps

At the closing of Gloria: A Life, the actors end the show by making Gloria’s organizer’s deal with the audience: they ask us to do at least one (outrageous!) thing in the cause of social justice. To help you fulfill this promise and carry forward the legacy of those who fought for the rights of women everywhere we have compiled 10 ways to learn, do, and donate to achieve a more just and equitable world.

Resources compiled by Theater J and the Center for Social Responsibility

LEARN

Learn about how abortion rights and access are directly tied to equality and gender justice in the US via this resource from the National Women’s Law Center, which advocates for and litigates around issues including abortion, child care, equal pay, health care coverage, and Title IX.

Learn about and support a DC bill that would enhance the safety of survivors of domestic violence filing for divorce. Under the current law, people who mutually wish to get divorced must be separated for six months before they can even file a case to begin the process. If one party opposes the divorce, they must be separated for an entire year before filing. Similarly, someone who wishes to file a legal separation case but does not have the consent of the other party must live apart for an entire year before filing. These waiting periods prevent domestic violence survivors from being able to immediately leave abusive relationships and from obtaining crucial interim legal relief to stay safe, such as financial support or housing.

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center provides national leadership to end violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women by lifting up the collective voices of grassroots advocates and offering culturally grounded resources, technical assistance and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty. Sign up to receive their monthly newsletter and engage in deep learning about how to become an ally.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) combines education with progressive and feminist advocacy and dedicated community service to push for expanding abortion access, ensuring a fair and independent judiciary, promoting and protecting the right to vote, and mobilizing women and girls in Israel. Take direct action or learn more about one of their issues today.

N Street Village supports women experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. by offering a broad spectrum of services, housing, and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. They partner with women to achieve stability and make meaningful gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health, and addiction recovery goals. Donate needed items from their Amazon Wishlist or join one of their leadership committees.

Girls on the Run® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. They inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Check out volunteer opportunities with Girls on the Run DC including becoming a coach and supporting their big 5K event.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. They empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state, and national levels. Join the League of Women District of Columbia chapter to expand voter registration, work on a committee, and learn more about the critical issues they are supporting.

The Outrage is a hub for activism providing both the scaffolding + venue to make change a reality through sustained civic engagement. They exist to connect you to the issues you care about! Dive deeper with resources, organizations, and calls to action on key issues, stay up to date on upcoming events + programming, and join the resistance as a member.

DONATE

Donate to the DC Abortion Fund, a nonprofit that makes grants to pregnant people in the DC area, as well as those traveling to the area, who cannot afford the full cost of an abortion. For 27 years, they’ve created pathways to abortion access for thousands of people who may otherwise not be able to make this choice.

The Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)’s mission is to support victims of intimate partner violence to become empowered and live safely; educate the community about intimate partner violence and the appropriate responses; and prevent future generations from experiencing intimate partner violence. Give a gift card to help survivors of domestic violence meet their basic needs as they rebuild their lives.

In order to level the playing field across different sectors of society, more female voices must be present and heard in rooms where major progress and innovation is being made. Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. Support their work by starting a club, raising funds, connecting them with your workplace, and more.