Stepping Into Solidarity

Episode 8: The Necessity of Community

In this final episode of our first season, we get into the weeds of the power of community. Host Maryam has two juicy conversations, first with Laura, JustChoice's social worker and Chief Program Officer, and then with J. and Kim, hosted youth and their host family. In both conversations, the importance of community, alternatives to traditional foster care, and openness is highlighted. Hear for yourself how you can "Step Into Solidarity" by stepping into hosting in your home.

Episode 7: Radical Partnerships

In this episode of "Stepping into Solidarity," Maryam hosts Maya and Colleen from Ohio's Women's Alliance (OWA). Maya, the Director of Membership, discusses her journey from direct service to creating the Member Assistance Program (MAP), which provides practical support for abortion seekers, including transportation, lodging, and childcare. Colleen, who manages MAP, shares her background in abortion care and union organizing. They emphasize the importance of radical partnerships, mutual aid, and solidarity, advocating for decentering oneself in collaborations and supporting grassroots organizations. They also highlight the need for cis men to educate themselves and actively listen to marginalized voices.

Episode 6: Radical Convos - Abortion as Care

This episode steps into radical and real conversations about abortion. Stigma be damned, hosts Maryam kicks it with Lexi, a reproductive justice organizer and executive director of the Abortion Fund of Ohio. Together, they discuss the challenges and trends in abortion access post-Dobbs decision. Lexi breaks down how Ohio's only statewide abortion fund, saw a 272% increase in patients in 2023, supporting nearly 4,500 people. Despite this, funding has not kept pace, leading to reduced financial assistance. Lexi names crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) as a key culprit in the ongoing fight for reproductive justice for their deceptive practices. She also shared her personal journey to becoming an abortion advocate, emphasizing the importance of normalizing abortion and addressing stigma. Also, Maryam and Lexi kick it about their shared love for Meg Thee Stallion. If you like this episode, you need to make sure you are donating to abortion funds like Abortion Fund of Ohio [https://www.abortionfundofohio.org/]

Episode 5: Radical Honesty: A Birth Mother, Adoptee and Adoptive Mother in Conversation

In this special episode of Stepping into Solidarity, we get personal. Host Maryam joins colleagues Emma, and Molly, the CEO and founder of JustChoice in a vulnerable conversation exploring radical honesty through the perspectives of three women: Maryam, Emma, and Molly. Maryam, a birth mother, discusses the importance of asking questions about birth mothers' experiences. Emma, an adoptee, shares her journey of discovering her birth siblings and the need for open conversations about adoption. Molly, an adoptive mother, emphasizes the significance of holding the truth of birth mothers and adoptees with care. Together, they also reflect on the impact of technology, such as genetic testing, on uncovering family histories and the challenges posed by the overturning of Roe v. Wade on adoption rights. Tune in to this impactful episode to learn more about what reproductive justice looks like in practice.

Episode 4: Restorative Justice

Description: In this episode of "Stepping into Solidarity," host Maryam explores the profound concept of Restorative Justice by discussing JustChoice's work with restorative circles. Joined by guests Laura and Victoria, licensed independent social workers, the trio dives deep into what it means to truly support one another. What is restorative justice? It focuses on the needs of all parties affected by wrongdoing, while healing circles provide a space for individuals to discuss the impact of harm, share stories, and work towards healing. Victoria and Laura, social workers at JustChoice, share their experiences with healing circles, highlighting their transformative impact on personal and community healing. They advocate for these circles as an alternative to traditional parenting classes, particularly for families and young people affected by trauma. The conversation underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and advocacy in fostering solidarity and healing.