For anyone who doesn’t know, the Planned Parenthood Activist Council is a group that was launched at the beginning of 2005 for people who want to get more involved in Planned Parenthood’s advocacy work. It’s made up of tireless, amazing men and women who do everything from run advocacy campaigns to hold fundraisers and everything in between. We’ll be starting a new feature this Tuesday called “Meet the Activists” a weekly snapshot into who these fabulous volunteers are. You can learn more about the Activist Council, and find out how to join, by going to our web site.
Carrie
Name: Carrie James
Age: 28
Profession: Getting my MA in International Affairs
Where do you hail from? Houston, TX
Why did you get involved with the Activist Council? I was in a job that was sucking the soul out of my life and needed to do something to feel good about myself and how I was spending my time in this world. I got an email from PPNYC about their next Activist Council trainings, so I signed up.
What’s the most exciting/terrifying/invigorating thing you’ve done while a member? The first time I met with an elected official was all three of those things. I do not get starstruck by (Hollywood) celebrities, but my heart was definitely racing the first time I met with State Senator Dilan. I feel much more confident and calm now!
Why is it important to be involved? For me, reproductive rights are a crossroads for so many other social justice issues. If people are not trusted with and iven full ownership of their own bodies, any other rights given to us seem more like trinkets to distract us from gaining full equality. The pro-choice movement touches on so many things that matter to me on a personal and human level, that I feel compelled to be involved. From comprehensive sex education to LGBT rights to access to contraception to abortion rights, we are fighting for a more perfect union, and I absolutely want to be a part of that.
Want to get involved? Check out our Activist Council!
