Name: Kelsey
Pronouns: She/Her
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Hobbies: Writing, Sewing, Pottery
Favorite Snack: Pretzels
How did you become involved with Planned Parenthood?
I became involved with Planned Parenthood this summer through a feminist summer internship program offered by my college. Planned Parenthood is at the forefront of the reproductive health conversation in America. A lot of my organizing centers around repro justice, so I think this internship is a natural progression for me. I also have friends who’ve volunteered with Planned in the past, and they’ve always spoke of good experiences, which made me want to get involved.
Why is it important for you to advocate for sexual and reproductive health care?
For me, this advocacy is important because of how wide-ranging it is. From the right to contraception or the right to raise children in a good environment, sexual and reproductive health care touches many aspects of daily life. When I advocate for sexual and reproductive health care, I’m advocating for not only the right to personal autonomy, but also the right to practice that autonomy in a safe and health manner.
What does your work with Planned Parenthood look like?
This summer, my work with Planned Parenthood includes working as an internship assistant for the Path2Power and Generation Action programs. I am also learning more about grassroots organizing as well as the power within people-power. Through weekly meetings with the P2P interns and speaker presentations, I am becoming more equipped on how to effectively organize. Additionally, I am prepping material for the upcoming academic year’s Generation Action program. This work ties in with my previous experience working in a repro-related program, and I enjoy strengthening my background within this setting.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your work with Planned Parenthood?
I am proud to join and foster a community of like-minded peers. Oftentimes, repro advocacy work can be draining and exhaustive, especially with repeated setbacks and public pushback. Having others to support as well as support me helps me feel that I am not so alone in my advoacy. It is easy to feel disheartened when doing organizing work, but it’s comforting to know that I’m not by myself in my beliefs and convictions.
What role do you think young people have in fighting for reproductive freedom and health equity?
Young people are the future, therefore we have a role in shaping where the movement goes next. It is always important to honor the forebears who came before us, but it is equally as important to constantly re-evaluate our progress and strive towards the future. We are fortunate to have decades of groundwork already laid, and we are also fortunate to have the hindsight to not replicate mistakes of the past.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved in advocating for sexual and reproductive health care?
There is tremendous power in coalition building. Join the people doing the work. Listen to the people doing the work. Remember that there’s always strength in numbers, and you don’t have to do this work alone.
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