Jesenia, Calling Up Justice Communications Producer, & founder of One Free Community, NeuroSpicy Networking, and more, is continuing their journey across the country and world with their Disability Justice Walkabout. Read her previous post on where they have been in 2024 here.

Recently Jesenia was invited to submit a proposal for funding with Divas with Disabilities, an organization dedicated to increasing the participation and authentic representation of black and brown women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, especially in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising and civic engagement.

This powerful narrative highlights the hidden work of disabled activists are doing with grassroots organization, coalition building, and weaving our communities into an interconnected network.

Grant Proposal for Divas with Disabilities

As a disability activist, I am dedicated to supporting small groups and organizations across the country and world who are committed to building COVID-conscious events, mutual aid programs, and inclusive communities for disabled and neurodivergent individuals. This work builds power across networks of grassroots organizations and movement coalitions unbound by geography. With our disability community increasingly isolated due to the rollback of precautions and now outright attacks against our communities, there is a need for us to have accessible, hybrid events and community spaces that support community creation. My goal is to connect and resource amazing crips across space and time to share knowledge and dream up the path to a more inclusive and accessible future. 

My work spans multiple projects, including 

• Community Program Manager for the Disability Justice Culture Club in Oakland
  • Creating mutual aid hub structure 
  • Creating the DJCC website 
  • Social media support
  • Building their Community Discord
• Production Manager for the MouthWater Disability Dance Festival
  • Community Outreach
  • Coordination and Strategic Planning
• Communications Production Coordinator for Calling Up Justice
  • Weekly Newsletter
  • Live Hybrid Event Productions
  • Content creation
• Founder and Community Manager of One Free Community
  • Digital Events
  • Holding Spaces
  • Grant Writing & Crowd Funding for Accessible Virtual Pride
• Production Manager for the How We Move Disability Dance Intensive
  • Access Doula Support
  • Coordinating logistics for disabled artists and staff
• Advisory Board Member of SPM Disability Justice Fund
  • Fundraising 
  • Project Recruitment
  • Governance

My mission focuses on the gap between disability justice and pandemic safety, bridging community coalitions and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities during the ongoing public health crisis. 

Currently unhoused and navigating the challenges of disability, I rely on the generosity of my community to sustain my vital advocacy work. Many of the organizations I support struggle with limited resources and, with recent funding cuts, struggle to provide living wages and comprehensive support for their critical community-building efforts. To continue this important work, I seek sponsorship to cover room, board, and travel expenses that enable me to attend conferences and events, as well as consult groups I meet along the way. An estimated sponsorship of $15,000–$20,000 annual would support my continuing efforts, allowing me to offer consultations, attend key events, and provide ongoing advocacy for disabled and neurodivergent communities. This funding would directly address the financial barriers that limit my ability to fully engage in and expand these critical support networks.

Read More https://buymeacoffee.com/neuronetworking/travelling-disability-justice-producer