Mamavist Movement Fellowship 2023

The Mamavist Fellowship program encompasses a diverse group of women of color who are allies, grassroots organizers, movement and non-profit leaders, and activists. They are united by their shared desire to engage their networks around our Mamasʻ Agenda Issues: Paid Leave/EPST; Basic Needs; Reproductive Justice; and Affordable Childcare.

Our Mamavists are active participants and leaders in policy-making whose work aims to demystify government processes, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and transparent government.

The 2022-2023 Mamavist Fellowship, led by Nicole Banks and co-facilitated by Mothering Justice staff and community partners, brought together a committed group of dedicated Mamavists who are amplifying their voices and expertise to bring about meaningful change in addressing the pressing societal inequities that our country faces.

A recent Mamavist fellowship survey identified the desires and aspirations of Mamavists. One Mamavist expressed a desire to reduce evictions in their community, allowing people to remain in their homes and preserving the neighborhood's integrity. Another Mamavist sought to revive a sense of community by encouraging parents to create sub-communities to support and uplift each other in their neighborhoods. The sub-communities aim to create smaller support networks within neighborhoods, specifically focused on providing assistance and solidarity to mothers. These sub-communities can take various forms, such as parenting circles, playgroups, or support groups, where moms can come together to share experiences, provide emotional support, exchange resources, and collaborate on addressing common challenges.

Mamavists recognize the importance of affordable childcare, healthcare, and transportation services for families to thrive. They advocate for accessible and affordable options that support parents in pursuing their career goals while ensuring their children are well-cared for. They emphasize the need for quality daycare, preschool, after-school programs, and comprehensive healthcare services, including prenatal care, mental health support, and affordable insurance options. Additionally, they highlight the significance of reliable and affordable transportation for families to access essential services, schools, workplaces, and community resources. These services collectively contribute to the well-being and success of families, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities. The desire for change also extended to broader societal issues. Mamavists called for equitable and trauma-informed practices in community organizations, specifically centering the experiences of Black transgender and gender-expansive people. They recognized the direct correlation between accessible services and improved health outcomes, emphasizing the need for unbiased care and representation within the medical system. The respondents also desired lineage-based reparations for Black Americans, acknowledging the historical injustices and systemic barriers hindering progress. They sought financial equity to eliminate the disparities that have persisted in their communities and create a foundation for thriving and healthy Black families. Other desires for change included better mental health care, improved communication and relationships within neighborhoods, and empowering individuals through changes to the electoral vote system. These desires aim to create thriving communities where basic needs are met, opportunities are accessible, and everyone is valued and respected.