Name: Katie
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Hobbies: Listening to music/podcasts, hanging out with friends, exploring the Twin Cities, and going for long walks :)
Favorite Snack: Goldfish (especially flavor blasted!)
How did you become involved with Planned Parenthood?
I had marched in a few Planned Parenthood-related protests in the past, but I didn’t really become involved until the Path to Power internship this summer. I was looking for ways to become involved with organizing, and saw the internship as a great opportunity to connect my interests in health, politics, and urban studies and gain skills in organizing!
Why is it important for you to advocate for sexual and reproductive health care?
I believe that every person deserves to understand their body and have access to health care that affirms their decisions about their body. Reproductive and sexual health care literally saves lives!
What does your work with Planned Parenthood look like?
As a part of PPNCS’ Path to Power internship program, I'm learning about organizing while phone-banking, text-banking, entering data, writing for the PPNCS blog and researching issues related to reproductive rights. (I also meet a couple of times a week with a really passionate group of interns. :))
What has your summer looked like outside of your work at PPNCS?
In addition to interning at PPNCS, I’m canvassing with a group called The People’s Canvass. We’ve been talking to voters about progressive issues like universal childcare and policing reform. It's exciting to see how my work in both organizations intersects!
What role do you think young people have in fighting for reproductive freedom and health equity?
At a time when Roe v. Wade has been overturned, it is crucial that young people advocate for a future that involves sexual and reproductive freedom and health care. We have the opportunity to fight back, through organizing and voting, to create the world we want to live in.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved in advocating for sexual and reproductive health care?
The first step is the hardest! Sign up to volunteer or sign up for a specific event and then just start participating. It will feel good to be making change alongside a great group of people and will give you a chance to learn more about what types of organizing/advocacy/nonprofit work you might enjoy in the future.
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