Women's History Month - Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan listening to debate on the impeachment of President Richard 
Nixon, photograph, July 25, 1974, courtesy http://www.visitthecapitol.gov.

Barbara Jordan was the first black women to serve in the Texas Senate, and one of the first black women from the Deep South to serve in the House of Representatives. She was also the first Black state senator to chair a major committee, Labor and Management Relations. She was the first African American woman to give a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, and holds the number five spot on the list of “Top 100 American Speeches of the 20^th Century.”

She was the first freshman senator ever named to the Texas Legislative Council. Known as a champion for the poor, African Americans, and those who are disadvantaged by the system, she sponsored legislation to alleviate their circumstances, most notably the Workman’s Compensation Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Much of her other work was working to balance growing urban needs with the powerful rural interests that dominate her state.

Also, she was kind of a big deal on her debate team, and during her time at Texas Southern University, she defeated opponents from schools such as Yale and Brown and tying Harvard University. Being able to intelligently converse and interact with facts and opinions is an entirely useless and unnecessary talent (said no one ever), especially in Washington’s acerbic climate.

She was the governor of Texas (for a day) and a professor at Tuskegee Institute. She took over the South and decided it wasn’t big enough. Even when she retired, she remained active in politics and made sure that her voice was heard.

Although, being a professor is something I would like to do, so maybe I’m heavily biased towards female academics. And the best part of all this is that she accomplished all these things even when she was discouraged from seeking the best schools (looking at you Harvard and University of Texas-Austin) because of racial policies, and losing races in 1962 and 1964 races before she was elected into the Texas House.

Although, being governor does sound pretty awesome, and if there is one thing we need in the American body politic right now, it would definitely be more strong women’s voices.

More on Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan on impeachment 

Lauren
VOX Intern

PPRSR

(Lauren is writing about Women who ROCK in honor of Women's History Month.) 

My internship at PPRSR

I am in panic-mode this week; fall classes at Nazareth start up Monday, August 27th. I cringe at the dreaded words “summer is over.” But friends, do you know what is worse than summer ending? (I know what you’re thinking- how could anything be worse that that?!) It gets worse. School starting up again means my time as an intern for the PPRSR marketing department has to come to an .

Let us have a brief moment of silence in remembrance of the beautiful memories made here at the PPRSR University Ave. building.

My experience as an intern here cannot- and dare I say will not- be replicated. Interning at PPRSR has solidified my allegiance to the work that Planned Parenthood does for the rest of my life. Not only is it what Planned Parenthood stands for, it’s the people I have met here and what they stand for. Never in my life, so far a short 21 years, have I met so many genuine, kind, hardworking people. I made friends here: real friends.

Speaking of “real,” today’s brief post is not all sad news and goodbyes. I get to still be actively involved in the young professionals group, REAL (Rising Educators Advocates and Leaders) for Planned Parenthood. REAL for Planned Parenthood is a board of young leaders throughout our Rochester and Syracuse communities devoted to getting more people involved in the Planned Parenthood mission. I am proud to be apart of this group’s Steering Committee and am thankful the end of my internship does not mean the end of my involvement with Planned Parenthood.

It’s been a life changing experience here at PPRSR. I know that I’ve not only gained skills for the work-world, but wisdom, too, for all of the other extraneous events life throws at us. I’ve learned that it’s important to know yourself, what you stand for and what you believe in. That said, as I continue to grow as a student and as a woman, I know I’ll bring the motto “it’s about health and safety” with me everywhere I go.

Elise
Marketing Intern 

           

State Fair Fun is On the Way!

Free condoms, free buttons, and a whole lot of important information: it’s almost that time of year again, time for the great New York State Fair! Beginning on August 23rd, the fairgrounds (located in Syracuse, NY) will be filled with people from all walks of life enjoying the hundreds of attractions that the Fair has to offer. Of course, the attraction that should be on the top of your list is visiting the Planned Parenthood booth in the Center of Progress building. Let me tell you why. 

As a native of Syracuse, NY, I have been attending the Fair for as long as I can remember- Planned Parenthood themselves have been seen at the Fair for decades. Throughout those years my experience of the fair has transformed. The days of showing up with a group of hoodlum friends dressed in band tee-shirts and neon knee-socks have passed. And, I admit, it’s nice to no longer attend just to ride as many rides as I can with some boy I met at the homecoming game. As I have grown up, my vision of the Fair has grown up, but two things have stayed constant throughout time: eating as much Fair food as I possibly can, and always visiting the Planned Parenthood booth. Whether it was to get cool buttons for my L.L. Bean monogrammed backpack, or today, to pick up pamphlets and contact cards- and let’s be real, free condoms- the Planned Parenthood booth has always been a favorite of mine.

So, it’s fitting that during the last summer I will ever enjoy (after graduation, POOF there goes what’s known as a “real” summer vacation) I get to spend a few days working at the very booth I have come to know and love. I’ll be at the Planned Parenthood booth from 10AM to 4PM September 1st-3rd, and it’s overwhelming just thinking about the things I will encounter. It’s inevitable that I’ll feel a touch of nostalgia when people stop to pick up some free stuff, but I’m really looking forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with those who have had life-changing experiences thanks to the work of Planned Parenthood. I’m positive that there are many.

My dad, as well as many other adult figures in my life, always told me “you learn something new every day”. No matter what kind of information it is, you have more knowledge than you did the day before. Being informed and equipped with knowledge is the best way to assure that you are ready for anything that life throws your way. Visiting the Planned Parenthood booth at the New York State Fair has always acted as a great source of knowledge for me, and has had a great impact on my decision making skills. So please, come visit me this year as I have my own turn at spreading the knowledge Planned Parenthood has to offer!

Photo courtesy of www.nysfair.org

Elise
Marketing Intern

The "Meet Planned Parenthood Series" - Jeff Pier

Some people might see a position at Planned Parenthood highly unlikely for an ex-professional wrestler and two-time golden glove boxing champion, but that’s because they don’t know Jeff Pier, Rape Crisis Service Program Manager at Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region.

Since 2010, Jeff has been working his hardest to make sure that Rape Crisis Service is the place people know they can go to. (So in the words of Notorious B.I.G., “if ya don’t know, now ya know.”)

With five counties in the program- Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming- Rape Crisis Service is the biggest sexual assault service program in the state. Whether he’s grant writing, working on re-branding or fundraising after-hours, Jeff Pier, father of a four-year old daughter and loving husband, works diligently to assure that the services that Rape Crisis provides are seamless.

I have to admit, the first time I heard that a man- not to mention one who still looks like he used to be a wrestler- was in charge of Rape Crisis Service at PPRSR, it was a bit shocking. That’s because of gender stereotyping. This happens in society every day when it comes to victims of sexual assault, and Jeff realizes that it’s a serious problem.

Always giving it to people straight, Jeff tells me “it’s not like a Lifetime movie,” a common misconception portrayed by the media. Sexual assault should never be taken lightly, but the process of coping with and/or coming forward about a sexual assault can be very difficult, sometimes even a “long, daunting process,” Jeff said.

That’s why trained counselors are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide information and support. “My job is to make sure our clients are treated appropriately” he tells me, stating that Rape Crisis Service is here to make the system easier, not more complex. I know this must be true, because talking to Jeff himself was a very easy, natural experience. The other employees representing Rape Crisis Service are no different, making it ultimately a warm and welcoming place.

Still, it’s not just Jeff and the other employees at Rape Crisis Service that dedicate their lives to helping victims of sexual assault. Volunteers are always needed and are an integral part of how the program functions: without them, there would be no 24-hour crisis hotline. “The hardest thing to do is come forward,” Jeff tells me. “When women (or men) can tell their story, only then can we battle the violence against them.”

* If volunteering with Rape Crisis Service is something that interests you, please do not hesitate to visit www.pprsr.org for more information.

Elise
Marketing Intern

With Liberty, Justice and Health Care for All

As the fourth of July fireworks started exploding in the Wednesday night sky, I had a true reason to celebrate; the upholding of The Affordable Health Care Act. This monumental victory for the health of women and families happened earlier last Thursday, June 28th, and set the stage in my heart and mind to have enjoyed a true independence day. Calling the Affordable Care Act "the greatest advance in women's health in a generation," Planned Parenthood said the law will provide access to birth control and cancer screenings without co-pays, guaranteed direct access to OB/GYN providers without referrals, and an end to discriminatory practices against women, such as charging women higher premiums and denying coverage for "pre-existing conditions." Now that’s what being an American means to me.

As a 21 year old female college student, there are two parts of the Affordable Health Care Act that I am especially grateful for: one being that starting in August, birth control will be treated like any other preventive prescription under the Affordable Care Act, and will be available without co-pays or deductibles, and secondly, I can now stay under my parents insurance until the age of 26 if need be.

Women, just like you and me, who come into our Planned Parenthood health centers often struggle to decide whether to pay for birth control or pay for textbooks, groceries, or gas for the car. The money women will save on birth control each year is equal to five weeks of groceries for a family of four, nine tanks of gas in a minivan, or one semester of college textbooks.

College graduation is slowly sneaking up on me, and while I hope it doesn’t take me more than six months to find a job, the reality of the situation is not necessarily on my side. Finding a job takes real work itself these days, and finding one that includes benefits, well, calling that a rare situation is an extreme understatement. I am no longer scared to graduate thanks to The Affordable Health Care Act.

But the upholding of The Affordable Health Care Act isn’t just about me. It is about all women across the nation, and how it will help them in their daily lives. This is so much bigger than ever imagined, and will literally change the face of Health Care as we know it. I encourage all of you to learn more about how The Affordable Health Care Act will positively affect you at: (http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/healthcare-overview), and to share your unique story on how on August 1st, you will have the tools to start leading a healthier life.

-Elise
PPRSR Intern

"Meet Planned Parenthood" Series: Rick Bartell

For almost 19 years, Rick Bartell has been making sure the Planned Parenthood educational programs are alive and in working order. As the Director of Education and Outreach, Rick oversees the non-clinical programs such as Rape Crisis Service, In Control, and Real Life. Real Talk.

In addition, Rick makes sure that there are educators out in the communities and in schools talking to kids and teens about sex education. These are services our society needs more than anything. Today, America is on par with third world countries when it comes to birth rates and sexual health education. Although this is now known as fact, members of our nation still refuse to talk about it, let alone do something to reverse it. Rick is seen through my eyes as what today’s “model citizen” should act like; doing everything in his power to get the job done and to serve the community with the best of his ability, no matter what.

Rick is first and foremost a creator. He didn’t waste any time after joining the Planned Parenthood team; within his first two years In Control was set into motion. In Control is a teen pregnancy prevention program, and also one of Rick’s most fulfilling accomplishments.

Today, In Control has grown into a thriving community of urban youths and is recognized as “Rochester’s most official teen program.” At In Control, teens have the chance to get involved in something they love, whether it’s fashion, music, or art, and will also receive accurate information about sexuality, abstinence and birth control.

The program site serves as a place where teens can talk openly and honestly about sex and relationships in a supportive atmosphere. There is a strong emphasis on education within the program, as students set goals for themselves, have access to tutoring and are even taken on local and national college tours! The individual programs at In Control are designed to increase self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills among youth, while at the same time uplifting lifting our community as a whole.

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, this place is real, and they know the secret to success; it doesn’t matter what background one comes from, but rather how motivated one is to use the tools they are given. It matters whether or not a role model is present in a teens’ life, not how much money a family has to send them to college. For kids and teens involved in the program, living in an urban community is no longer a disadvantage. They know it doesn’t matter where they are from or what material possessions they have or don’t have, because In Control will meet them where they are - whether it be in their home, on the street or inside the classroom.

This is only a sneak peek into the work that Rick Bartell does for our Community. On a daily basis, he tackles the issue of talking about sexual health from all angles. In fact, if he had one important thing to get across to our society it would be to “not be so repressed when it comes to talking about sexual health.”

When outside of the work environment, Rick enjoys gardening, writing and literature. It’s easy to see why, when he creates and helps to grow so many positive parts of Rochester’s young community

-Elise
PPRSR Intern

The "Meet Planned Parenthood" Series: Jennifer Cook

Planned Parenthood is an organization many of us cannot imagine living without. After my first few weeks here in the office, I realized that Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse region wouldn’t be what it is without all of the wonderful, passionate and supportive employees working behind the scenes. My next few blog posts here on “Sex. Justice. Change.” will hopefully allow you to become more familiar with the friendly professional advocates we have working at our University Ave. location in Rochester, NY.

One woman that all supporters should know about is Jennifer Cook. Jen is not only a professional, but a true activist inside and outside of the work place. Her down-to-earth personality and positive attitude are just a few of the many things that make her the perfect fit for her job as Community Affairs Coordinator. On Monday, Jen spent her day with a few volunteers phone banking for the Women’s Health Act. Half way through the day, Governor Cuomo’s mailbox was full of messages from supporters just like you! I sat down with Jen to find out more about her daily life, and how one person really can make all the difference.

Elise: How long have you held your position as Community Affairs Coordinator?

Jennifer Cook: I’ve been working as the Community Affairs Coordinator for the past year and a half, but I also volunteered at Planned Parenthood for 14 years.

E: Briefly describe a day in the life of your work.

JC: There is no typical day! I monitor legislative action, both good and bad, that could affect the work that PPRSR does, as well as helping to facilitate any community outreach work. I also help run the VOX chapters, which is our college outreach program.

E: What is your most fulfilling accomplishment, work related and non-work related?

JC: My most fulfilling work related accomplishment is the time that I spent in Mississippi, working on a ballot initiative based around personhood. My time spent there re-energized me to continue making people aware that the issues in Mississippi are not just in Mississippi. As for a non-work related accomplishment, I think just being able to feel like I have come into my own self. Figuring out that the little things don’t always matter as much is an accomplishment. Now, I feel like I can get through anything.

E: If you had one message to send to the public, and you knew they would listen intently, what would it be?

JC: Keep an open mind. Understand that you are not the only person on the planet, and that we need to care about each other no matter what.

E: Besides your work here at Planned Parenthood, what are you passionate about?

JC: My passion led me to my work! Trying new things and trying to experience as much as I can.

-Elise
Marketing Intern