Ballot measures and race-conscious policymaking may seem different—but both are essential to advancing health and equity. I spoke with @gihealth.bsky.social on why these tools are under attack and how philanthropy can help: bit.ly/3KgRyMB

On Medicaid’s 60th anniversary today, remember: some of our strongest health policies didn’t come from lawmakers—they came from the people. Funders, if we want systems that put people first, we must protect the power of communities to demand and vote for the policies they want.

@commonwealthfund.org’s scorecard shows where you live still shapes your health. The ACA lowered uninsured rates in every state—but big gaps remain. @rwjf.bsky.social is defending the ballot measure process so everyone can protect their health and strengthen the systems they rely on. bit.ly/4ekMNN7

Three years after Dobbs, voters are using the ballot to protect abortion access—even as some lawmakers try to roll back those wins. The anniversary isn’t just about what was lost. It’s a call to protect the tools—and communities—that move us forward. bit.ly/44A3WyQ

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans are covered through Medicaid? And in 7 states, people chose to expand it through ballot measures. Every community deserves the power to choose their care—ballot access makes that possible. More from RWJF's Richard Besser via @insidephilanthropy.com bit.ly/3STgTgy

Rachel Sweet led Missouri voters to overturn a near-total abortion ban—a huge win for health. Now, just 7 months later, the state Supreme Court has reinstated the ban, ignoring voters' will. Defending ballot access is key. Funders must stay engaged to sustain #healthequity. bit.ly/4kdRB92

Arkansas grassroots orgs are fighting back against attacks on direct democracy. For AR Kids & Protect AR Rights filed to defend Arkansans’ First Amendment rights and access to the ballot measure process. 🙌 Catch up on the legal fight via @grajeda.bsky.social and @arkansasadvocate.com bit.ly/44EItFJ

At the Road Ahead ’25 conference, I joined movement leaders & experts to discuss protecting ballot measure access. This isn’t just a democracy issue—it’s key to equity and justice across all issues. We urge funders to join @rwjf.bsky.social in defending this process. Learn more: bit.ly/43CSId1

Nonprofits are catalysts—shifting policy and reimagining systems to support communities. Foundations help power that change. Today, both face growing attacks meant to silence and destabilize them. Fellow grantmakers, join @rwjf.bsky.social in signing this critical statement: cof.org/page/public-...

Lawmakers in several states are making it harder for voters to pass the policies they care about—like expanding health care and protecting reproductive rights. Strong reporting from @nytimes.com s’ @emilyscochrane.bsky.social on attacks on the ballot measure process: bit.ly/4iPuIHq

In 100 days, the Trump administration has gutted health equity programs, fired public health workers & defunded lifesaving research. This isn’t just policy—it’s an attack on equitable health care. Funders: don’t pull back. Retreat fuels backlash & undermines decades of progress. bit.ly/4jUQDy3

#BlackMaternalHealthWeek, founded by @blackmamasmatter.bsky.social, is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to reproductive justice and protect vital pathways—like ballot measures—to policies that repair the legacy of systemic oppression and health inequities. bit.ly/4jy3MNs

Excited to share a new resource from @rwjf.bsky.social! This page will keep you informed on our work to protect access to the ballot measure process and promote inclusive policymaking—two critical tools of democracy. Find the latest updates, partner spotlights, and key insights here: bit.ly/43CSId1

Direct democracy is under attack—and that should concern us all. In his latest article, The Need to Protect Direct Democracy, Marcus Gadson makes a compelling case for why citizen-led ballot measures matter more than ever as legislatures work to weaken them. Read his full piece here: bit.ly/3RnBfOi

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Affordable Care Act's enactment—a pivotal step for #HealthEquity. Ballot measures have helped expand Medicaid, building on this progress. Protecting this process helps ensure that more people have access to affordable health care. bit.ly/4iU5mZu

I recently joined @gihealth.bsky.social for a webinar on growing threats to #directdemocracy and #healthequity - and why funders must act urgently to protect the ballot measure process. Learn more about @rwjf.bsky.social priority to protect the ballot measure process: www.rwjf.org/en/insights/...

BREAKING: A court overturned Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This is a critical victory for trans rights.

Today is the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a key moment in the fight for voting rights. For generations, Black communities have fought for equal participation in democracy, a legacy @rwjf.bsky.social honors by defending ballot measures as a vital pathway to health and racial justice. bit.ly/3EXnfaY

“We at RWJF recommit ourselves to creating a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right…and we rededicate ourselves to taking bold leaps even in the face of hostility and obstruction.” Read the full message from @rwjf.bsky.social CEO Richard Besser, MD: rwjf.ws/j7Zkup

Ballot measures give people—especially those pushed to the margins—a direct say in policies that matter. As progress grows, so do attacks on this tool. Grateful to talk w/ @drwolfe.bsky.social @insidephilanthropy.com about what’s at stake & how partners are defending this process. @rwjf.bsky.social