Many thanks to our April Advocates of the Month, Valerie and Samantha!

Congratulations to dynamic mom and daughter advocacy duo, Valerie and Samantha Clay, in Charleston, WV!  Thank you both for all you do to advance the mission of Planned Parenthood!

What does advocacy mean to you?

Valerie:  To me, it means standing up for the rights of others and my own.

Samantha: To me, it means to stand up for what you believe in.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?

Valerie:  I believe reproductive freedom is important for both men and women of all ages. Planned Parenthood has a history of advocating for the reproductive freedom of others, so I was happy to join them in letting our elected officials know that there are many that have similar beliefs or convictions.

Samantha:  Because I feel women have rights that need to be stood up for.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?

Valerie:  I’ve participated in a variety of advocacy activities so far, and I’ve enjoyed them all! I’m not sure I could pick just one.

Samantha:  Rallying and protesting are my favorites!

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?

Valerie:  Go for it! Reproductive rights have really been under fire lately and if we don’t speak up now and let our elected officials know how important they are to us, we may not be able to later. Speak up now, before our rights are voted away by those that don’t have to live with the consequences.

Samantha:  If you believe in it, go for it!

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Valerie:  Free time? I’m a senior graduating in May and a fulltime mom. I don’t have a lot of free time, but I enjoy spending time with friends and family and I love to read and cook.

Samantha:  Sudoku puzzles, math problems and reading

Interested in becoming a Planned Parenthood Advocate?
In VA, contact: Tanya at tanya.semones@pphsinc.org
In WV, contact Kira at kira.miskimmin@pphsinc.org
In Easter NC, contact: Patty at patricia.dillon@pphsinc.org
In Western NC, contact: Rebecca Scott at rebecca.scott@pphsinc.org

Congratulations, Ashley Dameron – Advocate of the Month!

Thank you, Ashey Dameron, our Advocate of the Month, for all that you do and continue to do to support Planned Parenthood! Ashley has been an intern for our development team in Roanoke, VA for several months and was instrumental in our Virginia Pro-Choice Day of Action! Learn more about her below:

What does advocacy mean to you?
To me advocacy means putting oneself out there and standing up for what you believe. Advocacy is when you are able to share your beliefs and knowledge about the issues with others. It is an opportunity to create change in this world and everyone should be willing to put some time and energy in a worthy cause.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?
As I was looking over the choices of places to intern this semester Planned Parenthood jumped out at me. I have always believed in the mission of Planned Parenthood and wanted to do my part to help out and be a part of something bigger than me.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?
I would have to say that helping out when needed is my favorite advocacy activity. When I was working with Tonya on the Day of Action, I liked having to be in more than one place at once and helping people find a way to make a change in our government and get rid of unnecessary bills.

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?
I guess my advice would be to find something you believe in and find a way get involved and put yourself out there. It will be a rewarding experience and something you will always remember. So just jump in and become a part of something bigger than yourself.

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, whether it’s watching movies or baking up some type of dessert. I just like to take time and relax and enjoy what is going on around me. 

Interested in becoming a Planned Parenthood Advocate?
In NC, contact: Patty patricia.dillon@pphsinc.org
In VA, contact: Tanya tanya.semones@pphsinc.org
In WV, contact Kira kira.miskimmin@pphsinc.org

 

Congratulations, Ursula McLean – Advocate of the Month!

Many thanks to the wonderful Ursula McLean, Public Policy Intern in Raleigh, NC! She has been working with PPHS since January, and has been a delight since day one. Thank you Ursula! Learn more about her below:

What does advocacy mean to you?
Advocacy is taking a stand for something that you believe in and communicating your beliefs to others. It can be your participation in an organization or group that is working to resolve some of the issues that you believe in. It can be in a simple conversation with someone or by writing a letter, a phone call or a boycott. It can also be expressed through a financial donation to something that you believe in. I think there are many forms of advocacy; everyone is comfortable with showing their support in different ways.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?
I was really interested in becoming more involved in women’s health after taking at class on it.  After being educated on some of the restrictions that women are still experiencing, like lack of access to affordable health care, restrictions on reproductive freedoms and rights, a lack of women focused clinical trials, and a belief that there should be more education on STD’s preventions/protection, and work that bring awareness to HIV preventions and protection for women, etc. Many of the things that I was passionate about and believed in were things that Planned Parenthood was currently fighting for.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?
Surprisingly to me, my favorite activity so far has been making phone calls and connecting with people.

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?
You have to know what your stance or what your beliefs are, and be open to trying and participate in new things. I have learned a lot of things during this internship that I would not have experienced otherwise; it has helped me grow and taught me more ways to communicate to others. I learned a lot about the current social media forms, which I had limited experience in before.

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy in your free time?
I’m a single mom and I love spending time with my very active 7-year-old son; he keeps me very busy.  I’m currently a full time student at NC State in Women and Gender Studies, so when I do have free time, I like to watch movies, go to the park, and spend time with friends and family.

Interested in becoming a Planned Parenthood Advocate?
In NC, contact: Patty at patricia.dillon@pphsinc.org.
In VA, contact: Tanya at tanya.semones@phsinc.org.
In WV, contact: Kira at kira.miskimmin@pphsinc.org.

Many Thanks to January’s Advocate of the Month, Jennifer!

Thank you, Jennifer, for all you have done and continue to do to help empower West Virginians.  You are a making a difference!

Jennifer Reed of Charleston, WV - PPHS Advocate of the Month for January

What does advocacy mean to you?  Advocacy means to give a part of yourself to someone else. It can be as simple as your voice, a few hours of work, or helping someone to understand the facts about a certain problem. Advocacy allows you to step back and realize that there is more to life than your everyday commitments. Each of us has a special gift that others can benefit from; being an advocate allows you to do that.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?  At first I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. At the first advocate training I thought to myself, “There is no way that I can talk to people about this!” With Kira’s help I found that this has been very rewarding, and it is not as hard as I thought it was. I was a teen mother, and I know the struggles that the younger generation is facing–lack of education and unknown resources will lead to even more teen pregnancies. If I can help prevent just one teen pregnancy or STI, then I have made a difference, and that is why I am an advocate and a community educator.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?  I really enjoyed canvassing. It was a bit scary at first but then it was great taking to people and sharing my knowledge about Planned Parenthood. However, my favorite advocacy activity is working with the teens at New Connections in Charleston. I teach a life skills class twice a month, and it is not only a fun time but very rewarding. Displaced teens are at highest risk for pregnancy and STIs. In the next five months, the students will be learning about the risks and how to prevent them.

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?  First you must know how you feel about particular issues. This will help you to be more passionate in your advocacy and that will show! People know when you are unsure of yourself, and it only makes it harder for you to get your point across. Make sure to go the advocacy training because it really makes you think; certain subjects will be discussed, and it will help you with your future endeavors. GET EDUCATED! Learn the facts and share them with everyone you can. It is amazing how many people don’t know about reproductive health, STIs and our biggest problem (in West Virginia), teen pregnancy.

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?  I am a single mom of a 14-year-old boy so he keeps me busy, but I am also a full-time nursing student at the University of Charleston and a member of SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise).  SIFE does multiple activities in the community to help those who need it most. As a SIFE member, I work with New Connection/Patchwork and Brookside Family Life Center offering classes on life skills every other week. When I’m not volunteering or doing school work, I enjoy playing billiards with my boyfriend, Mike, and all of our great friends, crocheting and taking pictures.

Interested in becoming a Planned Parenthood Advocate?
In NC, contact: Patty at patricia.dillon@pphsinc.org.
In SC, contact: Sloane at sloane.whelan@pphsinc.org.
In VA, contact: Tanya at tanya.semones@phsinc.org.
In WV, contact: Kira at kira.miskimmin@pphsinc.org.

Many Thanks to December’s Advocate of the Month, Mab!

Mab Ryan
Roanoke, VA

 What does advocacy mean to you?
As a humanist, I believe that all we have in this world is each other and it’s important to do what we can to make this world a happier place. Every job has to get done, no matter how small. If you’re not doing it, that just leaves it for someone else to do. As a college student, I don’t have much to give monetarily, but I can spare some time and effort.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?
I try to direct my efforts to where they will be most rewarded. We recently had elections in Virginia and even though I went to the polls I didn’t feel like my vote was very effective because none of the candidates in my district aligned with my political beliefs. But I felt I could influence others to make their voices heard. That is something that volunteering with Planned Parenthood allowed me to do; to make my voice count for more.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?
I’m happiest helping out where I’m needed. I’m honestly not a fan of getting on the phones, but I’ll participate in anything if I believe in it strongly enough. I’ve also stuffed envelopes which is a bit more my style as an introvert. I look forward to finding out what other kinds of opportunities for advocacy PP has in store for me. I’ve also developed a crochet pattern for a cute, smiling uterus. I’ve sold a couple of them and donated the proceeds to PP.

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?
My advice would be to just give it a shot. It’s not a job; you don’t have to commit to anything. If you can only come once, you’ve still made a difference. And it’s worthwhile, not only to further a cause you believe in, but to meet other people who care about it.

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m very involved in secular humanism. I’m a member of the Freethinker group at Virginia Western as well as the newly hatched Roanoke Area Non-Theists. I also love to crochet and right now I’m participating in a challenge to make one hat each week of the month to donate to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

 

Many Thanks to October’s Advocate of the Month, Kate!

Kate Schumacher
Charleston, SC

What does advocacy mean to you?
To me, advocacy means taking advantage of every available opportunity to talk about reproductive rights, women’s health, and feminist ideas as a whole. It means assuming personal responsibility for creating important conversations and connections with people while always remembering to meet them where they are. Most importantly, it means constantly stepping back and honestly and constructively critiquing the work we do. Otherwise, it becomes an isolated endeavor that benefits no one.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?
South Carolina is near the top of the list for a number of things, including unintended pregnancies and an array of STDs. Undoubtedly, Planned Parenthood is an invaluable resource that provides not only pertinent health care services but also effective educational campaigns that benefit countless individuals and families. Their ample services are reactive as well as proactive, providing a comprehensive model for other organizations to effectively prevent teen pregnancy and advocate for sexual health, safety, and rights.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?
I am working to start a Gender Resource Center here at the College of Charleston. This will be a comprehensive center that provides resources around issues pertaining to sexuality and gender. With this initiative, I especially find meaning in institutionalizing policies that are desperately needed on this campus. Knowing that future generations of students will have access to resources I did not is incredibly empowering for me.

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering
becoming a PP advocate?
Don’t take no for an answer! Even when it is difficult to find support, remember that there are always allies. You believe in this cause for a reason, so others must, too. Just keep looking and explaining to others why your cause is important, and you will find those who can help you push forward.

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free
time?
In the rare event that I do have free time, I like doing goofy things with my friends like watching those ridiculous “find the ghost in this haunted house” shows and getting irrationally paranoid. Also, there’s nothing like a good Susan B. Anthony documentary on a Friday night.

Advocate of the Month – Renee Chandler!

Congratulations to Renee Chandler,
PPHS Advocate of the Month for September!

Renee has gone above and beyond to assist both the development and public policy departments in Charlotte, NC. As a Public Policy intern and Young Advocates Co-Chair, she has canvassed, phone-banked, help to execute events and participated in the first ever NC Day of Action for Women’s Health in June. Thank you for all your hard work, Renee!

Here are some of her words on why she is an advocate for PPHS -

What does advocacy mean to you?
Advocacy means ensuring that people have accurate information so they can make informed decisions about important issues. Women are so often conditioned to second-guess the validity of their lived experiences, especially as it relates to public policy. But we must speak out! We must make it known that access to reproductive healthcare is fundamental to the well being of everyone in our society.  I refuse sit by while the anti-choice movement circulates outrageous misinformation about women’s health and women’s rights.

What made you decide to become a Planned Parenthood advocate?
Planned Parenthood is a singular organization that has helped to improve the lives of millions of women and men through its advocacy and family planning services. Like many women, I have relied upon the reproductive health services provided by PP at various points in my life.  I’m so appreciative of the attentive care I received and also thankful for the work that PP does to protect reproductive health services for women. I chose to become an advocate because I want young women to know that they have the right to make their own choices and to seek healthcare services as they see fit.

What is your favorite advocacy activity?
Definitely neighborhood canvassing. I love interacting with local citizens and informing them of the importance of getting involved in protecting access to reproductive health services. I have met so many people who love and respect PP, and they are simply outraged by recent actions taken by the radical right-wing congress and state legislatures. Canvassing always reinvigorates my commitment to the fight for women’s health, and it’s great to see smiling faces when people see me coming in my bright pink t-shirt!

What advice do you have for new advocates or anyone considering becoming a PP advocate?
To the new advocates—congratulations! You are now part of an organization of amazing and forward-thinking men and women. Jump right in and don’t be afraid to use your strengths and talents to further the mission of PP. And to those considering involvement—there is no reason to wait. We can no longer take for granted that Roe is the law of the land. Each day anti-choicers are devising new ways to restrict women’s access to reproductive healthcare. We need more voices to speak up and say “I trust women to make their own choices.” 

In addition to volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not working on my dissertation, I get into a little bit of everything: movies, graphic novels, working out, swimming, sightseeing. I recently took up road biking and participated in my first long distance ride this past spring.

Interested in being a volunteer with Planned Parenthood Health Systems?
In NC, e-mail Patty at Patricia.Dillon@pphsinc.org.
In SC, e-mail Sloane at Sloane.Whelan@pphsinc.org.
In VA, e-mail Tayna at Tanya.Semones@pphsinc.org.
In WV, e-mail Kira at Kira.Miskimmin@pphsinc.org.

Many Thanks to August’s Advocate of the Month…

Christina prepares to pound the pavement with the PPHS-WV Prevention First canvass team!

As you know, each month the public policy team at PPHS honors an extraodinary, goes above-and-beyond volunteer.  This month, I am excited to say congratualtions and thank you to Christina Garris of Charleston, West Virginia.

 

Christina began volunteering with PPHS last spring.  In a very short time, she has made a BIG impact.  From going door-to-door in Southern West Virginia to talk to folks about the importance of expanding access to preventive care in the Mountain State, to educating her friends and family about the difficulty women and teens face in accessing basic reproductive and sexual healthcare, to hosting a letter-writing party in her own home, Christina has educated, engaged, mobilized and inspired others to take action.

 

Thank you, Christina, for all you have done and continue to do to improve the lives of West Virginians.  You are a making a difference!

 

Everyone, please take a minute to meet Christina by clicking here.

 

If you’re interested in becoming a Planned Parenthood Advocate, contact:
In NC: Patty at patricia.dillon@pphsinc.org

In SC: Sloane at sloane.whelan@pphsinc.org

In VA: Tanya at tanya.semones@phsinc.org

In WV: Kira at kira.miskimmin@pphsinc.org

Many Thanks to May’s Advocate of the Month…

Kathryn takes a short break from phone banking during the legislative session

Every  month, all of us on the public policy team at PPHS take a minute to highlight an extra-special, goes-the-distance-and-then-some volunteer.  And this month, I am pleased to say that person is Kathryn Stone of Charleston, WV!

I have know Kathryn for a little less than a year, but in that time she has been an amazing advocate for women’s rights, health care access for all, and environmental justice, and a tireless volunteer for Planned Parenthood and countless other advocacy organizations in West Virginia and beyond.

So from all of us here at PPHS, thank you, Kathryn, for all you do to improve our world here in West Virginia, across the country and around the globe!  You are a making a difference!

And for everyone else out there, please take a moment to meet Kathryn by clicking here.  I promise you will find her dedication inspiring and her advice worthy!