Podcast: Volunteer Appreciation Night!

Planned Parenthood of Illinois recently held the 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Night in order to recognize the tremendous contributions of their volunteers.

Listen in on commentary from the volunteers themselves about their rewarding volunteer experiences.

Also, don't miss out! Send an email to volunteer@ppil.org to begin volunteering at Planned Parenthood of Illinois today!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, podcast, volunteer

Tweeting, Facebooking, and Connecting: Apply to be an Interactive Media Intern at Planned Parenthood of Illinois!



At our desks!

 Planned Parenthood of Illinois is looking for new interns to take over the important communications position of interactive media intern.We are the current interns and we thought we’d introduce ourselves and show you what it’s really like to work for PP!

As interactive media interns, we write blog posts, tweet news, information about events and legislation, record YouTube videos, post clips, photographs, cartoons, songs and more all in the name of connecting supporters to the organization of Planned Parenthood. It takes creativity, enthusiasm for the work of PP, and a good understanding of social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and more.


Alana
Senior at Northwestern University (Class of 2011)
Major: Creative Writing/Business
Hobbies: YouTube surfing, Tweeting, singing, dancing.
Future Plans: Publishing Certificate Program at Columbia University.


As a girl who loves to write, I originally applied for the interactive media intern position because I wanted to work on crafting pieces for the digital space, whether that be formulating tweets with artful abbreviations, or writing blog posts that are punchy, concise, and easy to read. I discovered the internship is so much more then that! One of our major projects was to come up with new ways to gain more followers and interact with the online community of PP supporters. One memorable day, my photo-journalist friend Ray went out with Melanie and me to film people in the streets of downtown Chicago to get them to voice their support for PP in these tough times of anti-choice legislation. People from all walks of life jumped at the chance to show their support; it was truly an amazing experience. Our efforts to increase readership have gotten results too, since Melanie and I started here, our numbers on Facebook and Twitter have increased by hundreds. It’s really nice to see your creative ideas turn into something tangible.


This internship not only made me a fierce and dedicated supporter of Planned Parenthood and everything they do, but also gave me the wonderful feeling that I was really doing something to help the organization do what they do best: assist women/men/teenagers in staying safe, healthy, and happy. If you are interested in marketing, digital media, communications, social policy journalism, writing, or non-profit management, this internship will be invaluable to you.

Melanie
Junior at Depaul University (Class of 2012)
Major: Media and Communications/Women Studies
Hobbies: Reading, baking, photography, exploring.
Future Plans: Graduating early and finding a lovely feminist/activist job!

One of my favorite things about interning at PPIL has been how I’ve gotten to connect with people all over the country—supporters, volunteers, organizations, and other Planned Parenthoods. The huge onslaught of anti-choice legislation started popping up almost immediately after I started working here, and it was incredible to see how many people wanted to get involved. When Alana and I would sign onto the PPIL social media pages every day, we’d be overwhelmed with supportive messages. It was amazing to actually see groups coming together over an issue they cared about. Some people would leave comments and messages letting us know they called a representative, some would post events or videos, and others would drop us a line just saying hello. Being able to respond to them and thank them for their support was so cool—and they were genuinely appreciative and wanted to know what else they could do.

Many of my interning classmates end up making photocopies or answering phones all day, but here I’m given the opportunity to be creative and interact with our supporters. I was able to work with Molly, the Story Project Intern, as she created an awesome podcast series on comprehensive sex ed. I loved writing blog posts on everything from current legislative issues to Charlie Sheen. I had a great time posting articles and stories on our Facebook and Twitter and hearing the diverse opinions of our followers. It’s truly been a unique and invaluable experience. I’ll miss this internship immensely, but at least it will allow someone else to become involved in Planned Parenthood’s mission!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, intern

Tell your state Representative that you support quality sex education in IL

House Bill 3027, a bill that will ensure age-appropriate, medically-accurate sexual health education to Illinois public schools was approved by the Illinois Senate last night. Now we only have a few days to pass it through the Illinois House. Click here to contact your State Representative!

According to the Guttmacher Institute, comprehensive programs that provide information about both abstinence and contraception can help delay the onset of sexual activity among teens, reduce their number of sexual partners and increase contraceptive use when they become sexually active.

We need to let our legislators know that our youth deserve quality edcuation that will give them the tools they need to stay safe and make healthy decisions. Urge your State Representative to vote YES on the motion to concur with Senate Amendments 1 and 3 to HB 3027.


Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, sex ed

My Experience as a Planned Parenthood Intern



Charlotte during a phonebank

 
During my last undergraduate spring semester, I jumped at an opportunity to be a Planned Parenthood Education Intern. With women’s reproductive health under siege, there is no better time than now to become an intern and stand with Planned Parenthood.

As a Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) Education Intern, I had the pleasure of working with a Teen Awareness Group (TAG), PPIL’s Community Organizer, and the Education Programs Coordinator. In addition to fulfilling my internship responsibilities, I was able to attend TAG meetings and presentations given by TAG members in schools, participate in phonebanks which create another medium for constituents to contact legislators regarding reproductive health and Planned Parenthood, attend Lobby Day in Springfield to lobby for comprehensive, medically accurate sex education, work on the Get Yourself Tested (GYT) Campaign, and attend the Take the Stage Against Violence talent show, which raises awareness about sexual assault and violence.

I feel very lucky to have been an intern for Planned Parenthood. I have gained experience in a work environment that is positive and welcoming to everyone who steps through their door, I’ve networked with many interesting and accomplished professionals, and I’ve worked to defend Planned Parenthood and affordable reproductive healthcare against anti-choice attacks. I hope that many other young people have the same opportunity that I did, to intern for Planned Parenthood and make a difference for women and their families all across the country.

Check out all of the current available intern positions and apply today!

- Charlotte, PPIL Education Intern

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, intern

GYT At Our Mobile Testing Event!

As many as 1 in 2 sexually active young people will contract an STD by age 25--and most won't know it. Illinois has some of the highest STD rates in the US. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois ranks 7th among the 50 states for syphilis and chlamydia, and 11th for gonorrhea.

To help reduce the alarming rate of STDs among young people, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, alongside the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and MTV, will give away vouchers for free and low-cost rapid HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea testing during Hopeless Records Take Action Tour concert at the Metro (3730 N. Clark St.) on Sunday, May 22. This mobile awareness event is one of many awareness and prevention activities being held across the country by the GYT (Get Yourself Tested) campaign.

"With this mobile awareness event, we're going to young people and educating them to the fact that STD testing is a simple, quick process that should be apart of their health care," says Kai Tao, Associate Medical Director. "We want them to know that Planned Parenthood is here to provide them with high-quality, affordable care."

The Take Action Tour concerts feature bands such as Silverstein, The Swellers, Bayside, the Polar Bear Club, and Texas in July. Concertgoers will recieve vouchers that can be redeemed for quick, painless STD tests performed at their local Planned Parenthood health clinic. They will also be able to pick up free condoms, STD prevention information, t-shirts, and buttons.

PPIL is incredibly excited about this event, and we'd love to see you there. Here are the event details!

GYT Mobile STD Testing Event
Sunday, May 22
Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
Doors open at 5pm, event from 6pm-10pm

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT

Black Women Take a Stand Against Racist Abortion Billboards

Yesterday Black Women for Reproductive Justice, the Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood, and other organizations gathered in Jackson Park to speak out against the racist billboards that have been posted in Chicago and address the real issues black women face today.

Black women shared their stories about the issues they have faced in their lives and stressed the need to address the root of these problems through education and increasing access to quality, affordable health care.

This speak out was the first is a series of speak outs that will take place this summer. If you have a story to share or would like to stand in solidarity with black women, please join us at upcoming speak outs hosted by Black Women for Reproductive Justice:

Wednesday, June 1
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Chicago State University
9501 S. King Drive


Thursday, June 9
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S. Ingleside Ave

In the meantime, if these billboards make you as mad as they make us, do your part! Here are some things you can do to help take these offensive billboards down:

1. Call the City of Chicago's 311 City Services to file a complaint about the billboards. Tell them you find the billboards racist and sexist and you want them to come down immediately. While you're at it, sign this petition, too! If you are outside the City of Chicago but want to share your opinion of the billboards call (312)744-5000.

2. Call the Aldermans in the wards where the billboards are present. Ask them what actions they are taking in regards to the billboards and urge them to work to remove them.

Aldermen Contact Information
Ald. Carrie M. Austin, 34th Ward: 507 W. 111th, Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-928-6961 
Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th Ward: 34 E. 112th Pl., Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-785-1100
Ald Howard B. Brookins, Jr., 21st Ward: 9612 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60628 — 773-881-9300
Ald. William Cochran, 20th Ward: 6357 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637 — 773-955-5610
Ald. Deborah Graham, 29th Ward: 5755 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60651 — 773-261-4646
Ald. Freddrenna Lyle, 6th Ward: 406 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 — 773-846-7006
Ald. Latasha R. Thomas, 17th Ward: 7811 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL 60620 — 773-723-0908
Ald. JoAnn Thompson, 16th Ward: 5335 S. Western Blvd., Chicago, IL 60609 — 773-434-3399

Confirmed Locations of Billboards:
5812 S. State St, 6th Ward
West 51st St. & South Hoyne, 16th Ward
63rd and South St. Lawrence, 6th Ward
63rd and South Rhodes, 6th Ward
67th and South King Drive, 6th Ward
6829 S. Ashland, 17th Ward
647 W. 69th St., 6th Ward
949 E. 75th St., 6th Ward
7843 S. Cottage Grove, 6th Ward
87th and South Justine, 21st Ward
95th and South Princeton, 34th Ward
115th and South King Drive, 9th Ward
120th and South Halsted, 34th Ward
West Chicago Ave. and Central, 29th Ward
West Chicago Ave. and North Menard, 29th Ward

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, tagname, BWRJ, Antichoice Billboards

Next Generation of Female Condoms Arrive in Select Walgreens Locations

We're thrilled to report that Walgreens will be selling the female condom, starting in 400 of their locations across the United States. Also known as the FC2, the newer version is less expensive than its predecessor, and will set you back just a third of the cost of the original female condom (about $5.99). You can also purchase them online here.

The female condom can be used by men and women for both vaginal and anal sex. It has been heralded as an important form of contraception that prevents the transmission of STDs. It gives the receiver the power to protect in any given sexual situation, which is not typical for male condom use.

"The female condom is one of the only forms of barrier contraception that allow women to be in control over their own sexual health, allowing them protection against unwanted pregnancies as well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)," said Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. "It is a vital tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

To learn more about how to use the female condom properly as well as what potential benefits can result from its use, check out the website for the Chicago Female Condom Campaign. The Site has tons of important information including places where you can find the female condom, and plenty of interesting facts. For example, we bet you didn't know the FC2 is made from a special rubber called Nitrile. The material is different from the latex used in male condoms, which can irritate both men and women. Not to mention, you can use the female condom with any type of lubricant without compromising the rubber.

The female condom is a great form of contraception that also protects against STIs. Stop by Walgreens and pick some up today!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Female Condom

Speak Out Against the Racist Anti-Choice Billboards!

Earlier this year, anti-choice groups posted racist billboards on the South Side chastising black women, yet they completely ignored the real issues affecting their communities. In response, Black Women for Reproductive Justice (BWRJ) and the Chicago Advisory Council on Women will be holding a speak out tomorrow at the Chicago Park District in Jackson Park.

Black women across Chicago will speak publicly about issues impacting their neighborhoods and their families, such as limited access to health care and sex education, high rates of unemployment, economic inequities, and violence. Featured speakers include Jeanne Howard, former Planned Parenthood of Illinois Board Chair; Toni Bond Leonard, President of BWRJ; Gaylon Alcarez, Executive Director of the Chicago Abortion Fund; and Denise D. Ferguson, Director of the Chicago Advisory Council on Women. Black women from local communities will also be sharing their personal stories and experiences.


These condescending ads shame black women and attack a woman's right to choose what is right for her body. Please join us for this opportunity to highlight the real issues, share stories, and let Chicago know we want these billboards taken down!

If you'd like to share your story without an audience, you can download a form here or enter online to have it posted anonymously.

We'd love to see you there!

Speak Out Details:
Wednesday, May 18
6pm-8pm
Chicago Park District, Jackson Park, 6401 South Stony Island

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Black Women for Reproductive Justice, Chicago billboards

Special GYT Podcast: Spreading the Word About Safer Sex!

Thanks for tuning in! You’re joining us for a synopsis of the 2011 Get Yourself Tested Condom Crawl! This pub crawl, which took place in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood, was planned to spread the word about the importance of safe sex and getting yourself tested in order to protect your sexual health and that of your partners.

Enjoy--and do your part by getting yourself tested! Click here to find a health center near you.


Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, GYT

We're Hiring!

Haven't lined up anything for summer yet? Want to get more involved with Planned Parenthood of Illinois? You're in luck! Many of our offices have openings for internships starting this summer!

Our intern program allows college students and recent graduates to learn about PPIL’s mission and services while gaining work experience in their area of interest. PPIL interns spend their time working on engaging, substantive projects and often make long-lasting professional contacts in non-profit communities. Typically we ask our interns for 10-15 hours a week, and the timing is flexible to help accommodate other commitments. All internships are unpaid, but can potentially be for credit.

Interested in joining our team? Head to our Website and check out the list of opportunities currently available. You'll be asked to upload a resume and submit an online application. Don't see anything for you in the list of available positions? Sign up for Action Alerts to stay involved and up-to-date. Also, be sure to register with our Website and we can let you know right away when positions that would interest you open up!

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood,Internship

Indiana's New Law: Medically Inaccurate and Unconstitutional

Yesterday, Governor Mitch Daniels (R-IN), signed HEA 1210 into law. The legislation cuts off federal funding to all twenty-eight Planned Parenthood centers in the state, instantly taking away access to birth control, cancer screenings and STD testing from thousands of low-income women and men. Why? Because anti-choice elected officials in IN are against one of the services Planned Parenthood provides, which happens to be protected by the constitution.  Apparently they've also overlooked the fact that family planning dollars fund preventive health services that are critical to low-income and vulnerable women, not abortion.

The new law also lets physicians provide medically innaccurate information to patients by codifying that "human physical life" begins with the fertilized egg. According to the law, doctors are required to inform their patients that the fetus "may feel pain" in order for an abortion to be "voluntary" and "informed." It also directly contradicts Roe v. Wade by banning any abortion twenty weeks after conception.

We are outraged that Daniels signed this unconscionable legisation that violates a woman's right to make her own health decisions, compromises her ability to access essential healthcare services, and distorts medical information.

In response to Daniels signing HEA 1210 into law, the American Civil Liberties Union of America, along with lawyers from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, filed a request for an injunction and temporary restraining order in the U.S District Court. If the judge rules in our favor, it would temporarily prevent the leglislation from taking effect as we continue to fight the law. A ruling is expected later this afternoon.

Regardless, Planned Parenthood of Indiana is committed to continuing to provide their healthcare services during the fight against HEA 1210. “By signing this bill, the governor has put the health care of thousands of Hoosiers who rely on federal funding at risk,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum.  “And by signing when he did, he put patients with appointments tomorrow at PPIN health centers in danger of not getting their birth control or physical exams. However, we’re not going to let that happen.  We will see all patients who rely on federal funding that have appointments until we receive a ruling in this case, and will cover those costs out of our Women’s Health Fund.”

Check out this great broadcast from NPR to learn more about the situation and what HEA 1210 reveals about the future challenges our organization will face. To stay informted on the situation as it develops, check out our Facebook page, or Planned Parenthood of Indiana's Facebook page where you'll find updates and articles as the counter-attack on HEA 1210 continues.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Mitch Daniels, HEA 1210

Happy Mother's Day from Planned Parenthood of Illinois

At Planned Parenthood, we celebrate Mother's Day as a special and happy occasion for all women.  Mother's Day commemorates the importance of a mother's role in a family unit and in society as a whole.  Mothers are caregivers, philanthropists, workers, activists, and community builders.  We believe that it's important to recognize the mothers and grandmothers in our own lives, but also the many women and girls in nations around the world who are fighting for equality and access to essential health care services.

The Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) works tirelessly to ensure that women all over the world have the same rights and privileges that Planned Parenthood fights for here in the U.S., especially when it comes to reproductive health. Why is this so important? Look at the facts: Worldwide, HIV is the number one killer of women of reproductive age. 50% of women do not receive proper antenatal, delivery, or newborn care. The women of the world are five times more likely to contract an STD than men. Every year 16 million babies are born to adolescent mothers. These numbers are frightening and real. We must improve the lives of women and girls around the globe, thereby creating healthier families and communities.

How can you help? Get informed and get moving! CHANGE is currently supporting a piece of legislation called the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act (H.R. 1319). The bill represents an attempt to create a truly comprehensive and integrated approach to reproductive health programs that reflect the real needs of women and girls. The bill includes funding for family planning services, sexual health eduction, STD prevention and more. Here you can find your Representative and urge them to co-sponsor this important bill.

So this Mother's day, in addition to giving your mom a card and some flowers, stand up and take action in her honor to preserve and promote the reproductive health of women all over the world. Only when we work together will we ever see all women gain access to the reproductive health services they so fervently desire and so rightfully deserve.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, CHANGE, Women's Reproductive Health Women's Rights

Celebrating Generations of Healthy Families with PPIL

This Thursday, Planned Parenthood of Illinois honored generations of supporters at its first-ever Generations: A Celebration of Healthy Families gala at the Chicago History Museum. Nearly 400 supporters attended the event to celebrate how each generation approached the fight for reproductive justice and what Planned Parenthood is doing today for future generations.

“Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the health care that they need and deserve,” said Carole Brite, PPIL President and CEO.

Actress and comedienne Julia Sweeney delivered a hilarious monologue about sex education. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders gave a powerful speech about how her generation fought for the reproductive freedoms we enjoy today, yet the battle still rages on.

“We have come a long way to ensure access to comprehensive health care for all women in America,” said Dr. Elders, distinguished professor at the Clinton School of Public Policy. “However, conservative extremists across the country have launched the most aggressive assault on women’s health care in American history. It is now more critical than ever to stand strong to protect the rights we fought so hard to achieve.” 


Christina Santiago, Programming Manager at the Lesbian Community Cancer Project (LCCP) at Howard Brown Health Center was honored with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award for her activism in the reproductive justice movement. Guests also joined in honoring Peggy A. Carr and her son Terry Carr with a tribute video. Peggy Carr was inspired to advocate for women’s health by her mother who supported Planned Parenthood when it was in its infancy. Peggy, now in her 90s, has passed the torch to her son Terry, who has been on the PPIL board for almost 30 years.


We'd like to personally thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us at our event. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our fabulous event co-chairs, Hedy Ratner and Lisa Fiore. Because of your support, PPIL is able to fulfill its mission and continue to provide services to millions of families and individuals of all generations.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Events

Black Women Speak Out in Chicago

Black Women for Reproductive Justice (BWRJ) and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women will be hosting a speak out on May 18th in Jackson Park in response to the racist billboards that have gone up in African American neighborhoods on Chicago's south and west sides.  These disrespectful and insulting ads target black women using shame tactics and attack a woman's legal right to make personal decisions about her own health.

BWRJ invites you to become a part of the ongoing efforts to highlight some of the real issues impacting the lives of Black women and the entire African American community.  Attend the May 18th speak out to stand up for women and girls.  Call BWRJ at 773-955-2709 or email no2billboards@bwrj.org to learn more about the work taking place to stop the attacks on Black women.

SPEAK OUT
Wednesday, May 18, 20116:00pm — 8:00pm
Chicago Park District — Jackson Park
6401 S. Stony Island, Chicago

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, chicago billboards,

Act Now on the Smith Bill!

When will the madness end? Planned Parenthood has had some amazing victories over the past few months, but there's still another extremely dangerous bill threatening the health and privacy of individuals in the US. This bill is H.R. 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion" Act. We've written about the Smith Bill before, and unfortunately this bill just hasn't gone away. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on this legislation tomorrow, so it's imperative that we take action now.

Here are some of the horrendous guidelines imposed by H.R. 3, if passed:

-The IRS could conduct rape audits, meaning women will have to prove that they were raped in order to receive insurance coverage for an abortion.

-Women would be forced to report their abortions to their employers.

-The bill would deny abortion coverage for millions of low-income women, federal employees, and military women.

The Smith Bill has nothing to do with saving taxpayers' money--instead, it merely aims to restrict women's access to abortions and invade their privacy. There's not much time left until the voting begins, but with your voice, we can stop the attack on health care and reproductive rights. Please contact your representative today and tell them to vote NO to the Smith Bill. Every voice counts!

If you'd like to know more about H.R. 3, here is an excellent FAQ page that can give you all the details.

Technorati tags: Planned Parenthood, Smith bill, health care