COYOTE RI DECEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS COYOTE SUPPORTERS
HAPPY DECEMBER COYOTE SUPPORTERS
COYOTE RI UPDATES
COYOTE RI was proud to join “the Womxns Project” and other local organizations for a counter-protest against “Moms for Liberty” an anti-trans hate group. It seems the moms fizzled quickly. Link
Thank you RI Atheists for inviting us to your monthly meeting to discuss our 2024 legislative goals. We will continue to advocate to protect our First Amendment rights as well as remind politicians about “The Separation of Church and State”
Thank you, Haymarkets People Fund for inviting COYOTE to your 2023 Movement Building Event. We were able to connect with several local organizations to continue building together.
Over the Thanksgiving Day weekend. The COYOTE Crew got over 150 Christmas cards ready to mail to the women at the RI ACI.
COYOTE PROGRAM SERVICES
The COYOTE CLOSET provides clothing, hygiene items, and harm reduction supplies for over 150 street-based workers, and poor/homeless people per month. Our closet is almost bare. We are in need of, toothpaste, gloves, and handwarmer, to make outreach packages for January. Please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon wishlist. Please consider cleaning out your closets and donating your old clothes. (Contact Bella at 401-525-8757 to schedule drop off/ pick up for clothing donations) Thank you.
COYOTE’s outreach team will be at Kennedy Plaza- Burnside Park every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. (WEATHER PERMITTING) We will be handing out female hygiene products, hygiene packages, naloxone, condoms, bottles of water & snacks for anyone who is in need. #reimaginingcommunities
Thank you, Lindsey, Sammie, and the rest of our weekly outreach team.
COYOTEs “Health and Safety Education Specialist, Lindsey Berry facilitates our re-entry empowerment program for the women at the RI ACI every week. COYOTE RI is now providing case management to assist the women in getting copies of their birth certificates and social security cards, which are required to get their state ID. Without a state ID, they can not get a job or apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other public services. We are also providing the women being released from the RI ACI with a 100 Savers Gift Card for clothing and a 100 Stop & Shop gift card for food and household items. We are also assisting many of them in accessing sober houses & safe housing. #creatingcommunity
“Healing Hustlers” is an online weekly support group for sex workers and survivors.
Sister 2 Sister, is a weekly online support group for Formerly Incarcerated Women to find resources & community by COYOTE RI & Once Incarcerated Anonymous. Thank you LaResse Harvey for facilitating this support group.
COYOTE RI SEX WORKER STORYTELLING PODCAST
Episode 33: Meet Zarah- a sex worker of 13 years and Community Organizer Link Sex workers, former sex workers, and trafficking Survivors who would like to be interviewed please email, us @ <communications@coyoteri.org>
COMMERCIAL SEX WORK & FIRST AMENDMENT NEWS
Prosecution Makes Last Minute Disclosure in Backpage Trial, Defense Attorney Moves for Dismissal Link
Attempt to rewrite the history of #BackpageTrial. No mention of Vaught or Padilla, who prevailed. Lacey, a "conspirator"? He was not convicted of conspiracy. Larkin, a "co-conspirator." No, he died an innocent man. “Backpage Principals Convicted of $500M Prostitution Promotion Scheme Link
Sex Workers Decry Verdicts in Backpage’s Federal Show Trial Link & Link
Backpage Trial Ends with a Little Justice and a Mountain of Misery Link
Once Again, DOJ Fails To Convict Backpage Boss Of Sex Trafficking Or Prostitution Link
Backpage: The Monumental Free Speech Case the Media Ignored Link
Wife of Gilgo Beach Suspect Gets a Documentary Deal. Rex Heuermann is accused of killing three women. Where some saw depravity, others saw a chance to make a show. Link
Finding a balance when reporting on sex work Link
Girls Do Porn, a DOJ investigation failed to find any evidence of criminality or complicity with sex trafficking or related charges and declined to bring charges. Link
International House of Prayer Founder Mike Bickle Accused of Sexual Abuse Link
Tim Ballard is under criminal investigation after a woman reported her sexual assault allegation to police Link
A Private Island, Downloads From God, and the 'Couples Ruse': Inside the Dangerous World of Tim Ballard's Operation Underground Railroad Link
Sex Crime Victim Denied $69,000 Settlement Because Cops Seized Her Abuser's Cash Through Civil Forfeiture Link
County Eminent Domains the Strip Club Next Door to Make Room for More Parking Link
BOSTON: High-end brothels serviced elected officials, tech and pharma execs, military brass: Feds Link
An Anti-Porn Leader Is Accused and the Media’s Silence Is Deafening
Mike Bickle, a founding father of anti-porn org Exodus Cry, has stepped away from his ministry after sexual misconduct allegations Link
Maine’s new law partially decriminalizing sex work is not what it seems Link
The largest community of direct services providers for victims of trafficking @FreedomNetUSA has issued guidelines on "Re-Centering Sex Worker Safety in Anti-Trafficking Work". It's affirming AND respectful! Link
Ties between major sporting events and sex trafficking is a myth Link
Marine Veteran Sues Tim Ballard and OUR Over Sexual Assault Claims, Injuries Suffered In Training Link
DoDEA America's Chief of Staff Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting Operation in Georgia Link
Finding a balance when reporting on sex work Link
Human trafficking Investigations are simply anti- sex work raids. Police don’t even pretend anymore that they are seeking exploitation, they are just repressing sex workers. Link
"A Canadian man who used a machete to murder a Toronto massage parlor employee has been sentenced to life in prison for a killing the judge deemed to be an act of terrorism motivated by the online “incel” subculture." Link
Google starts deleting dormant accounts on Dec 1st. Here’s how to save yours. Link
World’s First Statue Of Sex Worker To Return To East Sydney Link
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS is the Decriminalization of Sex Work Link
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Please click here or use the QR code in the flyer below to register for the virtual 2023 #IDTEVASW event. The event will be held virtually on December 17th, 2023 from 7 to 10 PM EST
To submit names for the 2023 memorial list, please fill out this form Link
The FreeHer March/Rally 2024, will take place on April 24, 2024, in DC. It is the 10th anniversary of the first FreeHer Rally, which took place in 2014. The purpose of this national march and rally is to uplift the national FreeHer campaign to end the incarceration of women and girls and shift resources currently spent on women's jails and prisons, to investment in Reimagining Communities and what different looks like for addressing poverty, mental illness, lack of educational resources, and lack of housing. We are marching to encourage President Biden and state governors to exercise their clemency power to release women who are aging, elderly, terminally ill, long-timers, and incarcerated women who are Survived and Punished. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help get 1,000 women to DC for the 2024 FreeHer March/Rally Link
COYOTE’S LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
You can follow the bills that COYOTE RI supported and opposed in 2023, here
Find your local legislator here
Support for S.1723 Truth and Healing Commission Link
Fight for Drug Policy Based in Fact, Not Fear: Support the TEST Act. Tell your Senators to support this new bill to find new solutions that will save lives! Link
RESEARCH
ATTENTION US SEX WORKERS & SURVIVORS:
COYOTE is collecting stories to support a bill for immunity for sex workers and sex trafficking survivors reporting violent crimes to police. Surveys are a way that we can bring the voices of criminalized people who would rather remain anonymous to lawmakers. If you are a sex worker, former sex worker or survivor, please participate in this short, 8-question survey. Link
PRIOR RESEARCH
COYOTE’s Immunity Tool Kit Link
“Prostitution and Prostitution Related Charges in Rhode Island 2000 - Present” link
“Policing Modern Day Slavery; Carceral Care in Rhode Island” [link].
COYOTE’s “Four Years of FOSTA Survey Report” link
ESPLERPS 2023 Report "Californians for Privacy: How the War on Sex Work Is Stripping Your Privacy Rights." Link
The Double-Edged Sword of Health and Safety: COVID-19 and the Policing and Exclusion of Migrant Asian Massage Workers in North America Link
Editorial: Gains and Challenges in the Global Movement for Sex Workers’ Rights Link
Shadow Report Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Optional Protocols July 12th Meeting with the United States State Department. Link
COYOTE’s RESOURCE LIST
2023 RI Housing Factbook Link
What is a “Driving Privilege Card” in Rhode Island and is it Safe? Link
Eviction Prevention Rhode Island (EPRI) Starts June 2023 Link
RI ACLU advocacy101 link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: FAIR CHANCE LICENSING Link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: BAN THE BOX Link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: STUDENTS AND TECHNOLOGY via RI ACLU link
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: STUDENTS AND TRUANCY COURT via RI ACLU - link
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ARREST? Link
Also, see- ACLU Death By Incarceration.
Free Tablets & Phones for Those on Snap or Medicaid Link
Guide to Abortion Privacy- Digital Defense Fund link
Digital Security and Privacy Tips for Those Involved in Abortion Access link
Need an abortion? Depending on where you live, they can offer you different service options. Link
FREE Anti Racism Workshops link
Let's Talk About Self-Harm Link
Credit score Facts vs. myths: 5 Things to Know Link
Anonymous (OIA) in CT OIA Housing Ambassador Program pdf
The Unspoken Complexity of “Self-Care” link
SEX WORKER & LGBT RESOURCES
Making Incarcerated Sex Workers our Priority: Calls for penpals! Help us write letters to incarcerated sex workers! Penpalling is an easy and effective way to show support and solidarity for sex workers. We are currently providing case management to over 100 incarcerated sex workers. For more information email info@coyoteri.org or apply for a penpal with SWOP Behind Bars Link
Sign up to host a penpal party with SWOP Behind Bars Link
Ramona created a video with tips for being a penpal.
Also, see SWOP Behind Bars' new video on “How to get Identification Documents after being Incarcerated”
SWOP Behind Bars Quick Start Guide to Writing Incarcerated People Link
You've Got (Jail) Mail! Link
Midwest Rainbow News, Incarcerated LGBTQ People Link
Also check out our sister organization: Once Incarcerated
Guide to Hiring Sex Workers and Survivors Link
More Resources Link
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
COVID UPDATES Link
CDC Respiratory Virus Updates Link
MONKEYPOX UPDATES Link
POLIO UPDATES Link
REPRODUCTIVE/ABORTION RIGHTS UPDATES Link
PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS (updated monthly) Link
CAMPAIGNS
Please sign the petition in support of the RI H6064 Link and check out our Immunity Tool Kit @ http://bit.ly/3BH5QPC
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Please sign this petition: Save 3,000 from Unjust Incarceration Link
TELL CONGRESS to say NO TO BAD INTERNET BILLS Please sign the petition Link
Please sign the ACLU’s Petition “ MASTERCARD: SEX WORK IS WORK. END YOUR UNJUST POLICY”
Tell the Senate: the Solution to Kids’ Privacy Isn’t More Surveillance. Take action here
Demand politicians vote against this harmful Bill that seeks to criminalize the purchase of sexual services in South Australia Link
TEST Act of 2023! Fight for Drug Policy Based in Fact, Not Fear: Support the TEST Act. Tell your Senators to support this new bill to find new solutions that will save lives! Link Sign-on Letter Urging Senate to Cosponsor the Temporary Emergency Scheduling and Testing of Fentanyl Analogues Act of 2023 (TEST Act) Link For more information email mperez@drugpolicy.org
Please sign the petition “No Penobscot County Jail Expansion” Link
Stop Bill S-224: Stop harmful amendments to the human trafficking offense- Please Sign the Petition Link
Tell Congress to stop using TikTok to drive fear and war toward China! Sign the petition Link
Sign the Petition! Federal Prison Sentencing Reform link
Sign the petition: Say no to a national 30% sales tax. link
Another domestic sex trafficking victim who is a minor was charged, while her abusers were not arrested. Please sign the petition link
Send a Letter: Tell your Congressperson to sign on to the demand for clemency now! #FreeHer
Please sign this petition “Clemency Works RI
Please join us in ensuring eligible voters impacted by incarceration access their right to vote! Petition
Please, sign this petition. Tell Congress to fix Supplemental Security Income to fight poverty. Link
IN THE LOCAL NEWS
Right-wing anti-trans rally in Providence fizzles Link
ACLU OF RHODE ISLAND STATEMENT ON THE FIRING OF MIGUEL SANCHEZ BY GOVERNOR MCKEE Link
Gubernatorial hypocrisy and the firing of Miguel Sanchez Link
Department of Housing approved to purchase Charlesgate facility to house homeless families Link
RI for Palestine stages "die-in" in Senator Reed's Cranston office Link
A prayer vigil for the safe release of the hostages taken by Hamas Link
Work to turn Superman Building into apartments begins. Here's what's happening. Link
BrownU Jews for Ceasefire Now arrested. "The students called upon Brown University President Christina Paxson to publicly commit to proposing and supporting a divestment resolution at the next Brown Corporation meeting..." Link
Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt resigns amid land-deal scandal Link
Judge orders R.I. attorney general to appear before him over his tweets Link
Kylie Tiemeyer and Sam Bell: Rhode Island has been turning away federal funds for substance use disorder recovery housing - Let’s change that Link
Textron HQ targeted by protesters for a second week Link
Embattled Pawtucket officer resigns amid LEOBOR trial Link
Brown University student among Palestinian victims shot in Vermont Link
Vigil for Brown student shot in Vermont becomes protest over University complicity in anti-Palestinian violence Link
IN THE NATIONAL NEWS
Why Black Women With Multiple Degrees Are Seen as The Bad Guy Link
New Jersey governor closes part of state’s only women’s prison amid reports of misconduct there Link
State Department Official Resigns, Says Israel Is Using U.S. Arms to Massacre Civilians in Gaza Link
Y.D. Ashush, which got a piece of the $35 million Pentagon contract, built a new settlement community on stolen Palestinian land. Link
Idaho's first 'abortion trafficking' arrest Link
Why Banks Are Suddenly Closing Down Customer Accounts. Surprised individuals and small-business owners can’t pay rent or make payroll, and no one ever explains what they did wrong. Link
Ohio voters approve Amendment to establish right to abortion in state constitution, CBS News projects Link
OIG’s Surprise Visit Uncovers Problems At Women’s Federal Prison Link
Court rules automakers can record and intercept owner text messages Link
One woman died on an Alaska mayor’s property. Then another. No one has ever been charged. Link
They wanted to get sober. They got a nightmare instead. Link
Supreme Court says it is adopting a code of ethics for the first time Link
Yes, Anti-Israel Protests Are Free Speech. Peaceful pro-Palestine protests are protected by the First Amendment, even if protesters often use offensive or inflammatory rhetoric. Link
Mistrial declared after federal jury deadlocks in trial of ex-officer in deadly Breonna Taylor raid Link
DOJ Backs Tenants in Case Alleging Price-Fixing by Big Landlords and a Real Estate Tech Company Link
California Family Sues Sheriff's Office After Deputy Kidnapped Girl, Killed Her Mother, Grandparents Link
Not the Christianity I know’: Dallas event addresses Christian nationalism Link
20 women are now suing Texas, saying state abortion laws endangered them Link
Kansas Thinks You Need 1,000 Hours of Training To Remove Hair Link
Justice Department Freezes Funding for National Child Advocates Nonprofit Amid Questions Over Money Management Link
NYPD Spends $390 Million on Radio System Despite NYC’s Massive Budget Cut Link
The Northern Virginia doctor was born in D.C. and given a U.S. birth certificate. At 61, he learned his citizenship was granted by mistake. Link
Police Arrest Four Elderly Women for Blocking Cop City Entrance Link
Under the Biden plan, Arizona would likely have to find other ways of funding its aggressive child protective services investigations of poor parents and use welfare dollars to help families stay together rather than removing their kids into foster care. Link
Did you also get hundreds of emails on "Giving Tuesday" from nonprofits that really, dont do anything? Then see “Uncharitable giving” Link
Here is How You Can Support COYOTE RI! If you’d like to schedule a meeting with COYOTE RI, email <info@coyoteri.org> You can also use the above email if you want to volunteer to get involved with COYOTE RI. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to COYOTE RI with our AB Charities link, or, also consider purchasing an item off our Amazon wish list for outreach supplies. Thank you in advance for your support!
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