Representation Matters

When I first started running for office, I ran to connect my community to our state government – and that is still my primary goal. I know that the more of us who are connected to our government, participate, and know what’s happening, the better it is for all of us. I did not know, or I underestimated, how important it is that there is representation of different communities in our government. I didn’t realize I would be one of 4 LGBTQ representatives, the only lesbian mom, and one of 3 Jewish reps, nor did I quite understand just how important that representation is.

As a Jewish feminist, it was really amazing to be in Lillith, a national Jewish feminist magazine, this week. Check out my interview here!

Being aware of how important representation is, I’m working to help women get elected this year! Last week I highlighted the campaigns of three women running to join me in the RI House. This week I will highlight four fabulous women of color who are running for Rhode Island Governor, Providence Mayor, and Congress. People need help at all levels of office, and I want to make sure to share ways to be involved, whether knocking on doors here in RI, making calls or texting here or across the country, and by donating to these great candidates.

Nellie Gorbea
Nellie is our Secretary of State and running to be our next Governor. Nellie knows her way around state government, and really likes the operations side of things. She really loves being our Secretary of State, and this will translate into a love and understanding of how our state government works. Which is why I’m looking forward to her being our next Governor – she will love to dive into the operations of our state in important and helpful ways. She is the leader we need at the helm of RI state government. She also just released a really strong environmental plan. You can volunteer for her or donate by going to her website here.

Nirva LaFortune
I have supported Nirva since the day she started running for City Council. She is a dear friend and is the Mayor we need now. I like her for so many reasons, but if I were a single issue voter this year (and maybe I am…) I would be voting solely based on who will be the mayor who can get Providence ready to lead the city as we take our schools back from the state takeover. That’s 100% Nirva. She works in higher education supporting first generation students, has a master’s degree in urban education policy, one kid has graduated and another is still in Providence Public Schools (our youngest kids are in the same school right now), and she herself is a PPSD graduate. She gets our schools and community like no one else in the race. This is the year to vote with schools front of mind, but there's so much else. Check out Nirva's extensive policy platform on her website. Here’s where you can donate, volunteer or read her fantastic detailed plan for her first 100 days in office.

Two great congressional candidates - Yadira Caraveo and Andrea Salinas
If you’re looking to support great candidates for Congress, I’ve got two for you! Andrea Salinas and Yadira Caraveo are two progressive state legislators (in Oregon and Colorodo) who are running for Congress! Quick RI connection to Yadira – my colleague Dr. David Keller and I were a part of the team that founded the medical-legal partnership in Worcester, but we lived down the street from eachother in RI. He has moved to CoIorado where he works with Dr. Caraveo! It is such a small world. I hope Yadira and Andrea both win, and if you’re looking for national-level folks to support, you can go to their websites and donate or volunteer from afar.

Keep reading for information about voting, and community events including coffee and zoom with me. As always, please let me know what you think, by e-mail, phone or at my community conversation tomorrow at noon (see link above). Also, please follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or write to me at info@rebeccakislak.com. You can also call or text me at 401-400-2338. I look forward to hearing from you!