Organizing for Change Continue

The issue of resources has been an important one in many of the communities that Sistas serves. Under the Bush administration, abortions are no longer covered by Medicaid, making it harder for women from poorer communities to afford them. Sistas believes that the issue of teen pregnancy is one more of class than race, though race and culture do play a important roles in the issues of class. Poorly maintained health care facilities, lack of information on sex education, coupled with cultural barriers, such as the anti-abortion sentiment in Latino communities, all contribute to higher rates of teen pregnancy.

In addition to the issues of teen mothers, Sistas addresses other concerns facing their communities, such as police brutality and domestic violence, and classism, which is exemplified by marked differences between Hunts Point and Park Avenue.

Although Sistas is a small organization, it has global impact. Members recently attended the Jóvenes y Feministas conference in Brazil and participated in an exchange program with students from Egypt and Palestine. As a member of the SisterFire coalition, Sistas shares resources and ideas with INCITE! Women of Color against Violence, Sista II Sista, Critical Resistance, and other social justice organizations.