We Are Worth Defending

06/25/2025

The City of Columbus wants to help you beat the heat this week. 🌞 The following resources are available to you or someone else in need, so please feel free to share this information.

Community Cooling Centers
Beginning Tuesday, June 24, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will open five regional cooling centers, operating daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., until the heat subsides:

Dodge Community Center – 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
Driving Park Community Center – 1100 Rhoads Ave., 43206
Glenwood Community Center – 1888 Fairmont Ave., 43223
Linden Community Center – 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
Marion Franklin Community Center – 2801 Lockbourne Rd., 43207

All other community centers remain open for regular programming and are available for residents to cool down during hours of operation. Full list and hours: ColumbusRecParks.com/CommunityCenters

Pools & Spraygrounds
Outdoor Pools will extend hours from 1 – 8 p.m. daily starting June 24. Admission is FREE during the heat advisory. A leisure card is still required.
Spraygrounds at Barnett, Blackburn, Linden, and Scioto Southland will operate 12 – 8 p.m., free of charge.

Please check pool status and capacity limits before visiting, and remember to follow all posted rules for safety.

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
All library branches are open until 8 p.m. and provide a safe, air-conditioned space for cooling off.
Find your nearest branch: Library Locations | Columbus Metropolitan Library

Free COTA Rides
COTA will waive all fares through Tuesday, June 24 to ensure residents can access cooling centers and essential services safely.

Community-Based Cooling Site
Thanks to support from Columbus City Council, Community Development for All People (946 Parsons Avenue) will serve as a cooling center from June 23 – 26, open until 10:00 p.m. daily.

Resources for Seniors
Franklin County residents 60+ can request a FREE box fan through the Office on Aging.
Request online: officeonaging.org/boxfan
Or call: 614-525-6200

06/19/2025

The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when the last group of enslaved individuals in the southern United States were formally notified of their emancipation under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Happy Juneteenth!

06/07/2025

There is no better time than the present to get equipped with the tools and resources you need to unlock your inner strength. Sign up for our upcoming self-defense class and be prepared to leave feeling empowered.

Learn how to protect yourself in any situation at our Empowerment Self-Defense 101 class for women and girls age 12 and up. Find your voice!

06/05/2025

In the United States, Pride Month is observed in June, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots to commemorate the courageous Stonewall Uprising.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton issued a presidential proclamation declaring June Gay and Le***an Pride Month, a powerful acknowledgment of the community's struggles and achievements. In 2011, Barack Obama expanded the official recognition of Pride Month to include the entire LGBT community.

Help us celebrate the extraordinary contributions of le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, and q***r culture and community.

05/27/2025

The Ohio Alliance Against Sexual Violence is soliciting your assistance in urging Congress to safeguard and invest in federal funding crucial to victims of sexual violence and the programs that support them. These resources provide critical services that ensure safety, stability, and recovery. Any alteration or reduction to this funding would jeopardize these vital services, leaving survivors without the life-saving support they require to escape violence, recover, and heal.

To make your voices heard, please follow the step-by-step guide linked below to contact your Member of Congress.

Thank you for standing with us.

The Critical Role of Federal Funding in Providing Lifesaving Services for Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Victims June 5 Day of Action Toolkit Federal funding is essential to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the programs that support them. These resources provide critical...

05/20/2025

Throughout the month of May, we pay tribute to the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans, highlighting their integral role in shaping the United States' heritage, cultural identity, and achievements. To learn more about this commemorative heritage month, visit https://asianpacificheritage.gov/.

05/18/2025

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May each year. It serves as a time to raise awareness about mental health issues, educate the public, and promote resources and support for those affected by mental health conditions.

There are many misconceptions about mental health that can hinder understanding and support. To explore resources for understanding your own mental health, to help a loved one, or just to access information, visit Mental Health America at https://mhanational.org/.

04/30/2025

Voting Matter! Don't Miss the 2025 PRIMARY/SPECIAL ELECTION | May 6, 2025

Voting & Election Information | League of Women Voters of Ohio | United States
https://www.lwvohio.org/

Let us know if you plan to vote by liking this post, and please share this important information on your social media.

League of Women Voters of Ohio, voting & election information, defending democracy, civic engagement, political advocacy, nonprofit, voter engagement

04/24/2025

Please help us celebrate We Are Worth Defending Instructor, Mary Mary, who celebrated her birthday on April 17th. Happy Birthday, Mary. We appreciate your dedication to this work and we love you. 🫶🏾💛💜

04/24/2025

Its Sexual Assault Awareness Month and We Are Worth Defending is committed to raising awareness about sexual assault and sexual violence prevention.

If you are interested in learning more or are in need of resources, contact us at info@impactsafety.org.

04/17/2025

Safety is a right! Not a privilege. At IMPACT Safety, we empower personal safety from the inside out. If you would like to partner with us to help advance our movement, contact us at info@impactsafety.org.

02/12/2025

"Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone else's inability to see your worth." – Tia Dowry ✨

Remember, your worth is inherent and doesn't depend on others' recognition. Stay true to yourself and know that the right people will see your brilliance. 💫

Happy Weekend Queens 💕