Advocating for Reproductive Justice: My Experience with Planned Parenthood and Beyond

Planned Parenthood means so many things to so many individuals. I am here to tell you about my experience with Planned Parenthood and how much the organization means to me.

Here's the story. I knew absolutely nothing about Planned Parenthood up until my sophomore (going into my junior year) summer. I went to predominately white and catholic institutions. The idea of an organization that pushed boundaries when it came to reproductive health, facilitated tough and important conversations and fought for those who didn't always have a seat at the table was an imagination. I never saw a community like Planned Parenthood in any aspect of my life growing up. So let me take you through how my past experiences prepared me for coming in contact with Planned Parenthood.

I always knew I wanted to help people. I just didn't know what my niche was. I knew I cared about mental health. I knew I cared about sexual and reproductive health, even though at the time I didn't have the vocabulary and knowledge to articulate that. I loved kids(and still do). I wanted to be a mental health therapist for children. For me, so many "issues" start in the home. If we can nip it in the butt sooner and prevent negative life paths, we can create better, happier, and healthier humans. I knew I wanted to work at a non-profit after I graduated college. I knew I wanted to help those who didn't have a voice. What I didn't know is that I was explaining everything Planned Parenthood has to offer and has the ability to do.

In the summer of sophomore year, I was lost. I had lost a huge group of friends. My mental health was in the gutter. I contemplated transferring from the University of Iowa. I didn't find my fit. I no longer felt supported by the communities I was a part of. It wasn't until I met Kelsey M (who worked at Planned Parenthood at the time) at a volunteer tabling event for Pride month in Iowa City. I remember she had posted in some Facebook group asking for volunteers. I remember I was free and bored, the summer in Iowa City had not been what I thought it was, and I reached out. She was one of the nicest and most down-to-earth human beings I ever met. She checked in on me the whole time (it was boiling hot) and asked me about my family, education, and experience at Iowa.

She opened the door for me. She got me in contact with one of the members of the student group advocating for Planned Parenthood. I connected with that individual and she got me in contact with the student group known as Student Advocates for Planned Parenthood. These were my people. I found my place. If Kelsey didn't open the door for me, I don't think I would have finished my education at Iowa and gotten to the place that I am today.

Even though I was only with the student group for two years, those two years gave me so much empowerment, support, and love for a lifetime. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience at SAPP was meeting so many powerful, smart, strong, and beautiful human beings. I have never felt safer and comforted in my college career. We shared highs and lows. We laughed and cried. We fought battles for Planned Parenthood and for each other. When I went through some horrible relationship experiences, I was able to reach out to folks at the drop of a hat. I was able to be my true self. I wasn't afraid to ask questions. I wasn't afraid to be curious about things I didn't know or understand. I saw how passionate each individual was on their education and life path. I was so inspired by the people I met and the work they were doing to promote reproductive health and social justice as well as their own passions. I was able to build connections with others who shared my passion for advocating for others.

I was lucky enough to take it to the next level as their social media coordinator. I remember being so excited to be part of an executive board that was actively trying to change the culture at the university and create a supportive community. I was able to make a real impact in the fight for reproductive justice at a college level. I was able to create graphics, connect with the community both on and offline, reach out to present and future members, organize events, and go above and beyond to promote the resources and community both the student group and Planned Parenthood as a whole had to offer.

Overall, my experience working with SAPP and Planned Parenthood was incredibly rewarding and I am eager to continue advocating for others in the future. The knowledge and skills I have gained during my experience have helped shape me into a more confident, compassionate, and effective advocate, and I am so excited to use those skills to make a difference in the world.

Thank you so much to Planned Parenthood for continuing to create safe spaces, push boundaries, and build a community I was lucky enough to call home those last two years.

Thank you to all those individuals that were a part of SAPP and for making me feel so loved and empowered.

I truly believe I would not be here if it wasn't for all those individuals so thank you.