Volunteers: Our Valuable Assets

Today, in celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), Planned Parenthood thanks all of its volunteers and recognizes three volunteers in particular, each of whom received Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Planned Parenthood Annual Conference and Health Care Institute on March 30, in Los Angeles, CA.  These three individuals embody this year’s National Volunteer Week theme, "Inspire by Example."

Nick Goldberg

Nick Goldberg was recruited as a Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island (PPRI) board member to help develop a young professionals committee to reach out and engage other young people in Planned Parenthood.  That committee, United for Choice, Building the Movement, meets monthly to network and discuss choice in safe surroundings.  The committee’s programs include films, discussions, performances, and the “Condoms in the Clubs” program, through which they distribute free condoms and information.

PPRI had considered such a program for several years, but until Goldberg showed up, they never had the right volunteer to make it happen.  He says people often ask, “Why are you doing this.”  His response?  “The fight for reproductive justice isn’t just for young women.”

Katie Rider

In 2004, Katie Rider approached Planned Parenthood of Western Washington (PPWW) with the idea of starting a young professionals group that would raise awareness among 21-to-35-year-olds of Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights.  She managed all aspects of the startup of the Planned Parenthood Young Professionals group:  program design, goal setting, and outreach to prospective members.

As chair of the group since 2005, Rider works with staff on the design and development of the organization, presides over meetings, works in every area of event planning, and helps recruit volunteers.  Under her leadership, the group has hosted several successful and fun events that have engaged and activated new volunteers and raised money to support PPWW programs and services.  With the group’s members fast becoming agents of social change, Rider is cultivating the next wave of leaders.  When she accepted her award, she returned the compliment, saying “Planned Parenthood deserves kudos” for its efforts to reach out to the next generation.

Peggy Rubin

Since 1986, Peggy Rubin has served Planned Parenthood of Central Pennsylvania (PPCP) in numerous capacities, including as a board member, board chair, and chair of an abortion task force. She led the PPCP board to decide to start abortion services because she felt strongly that it was important for the affiliate to provide services for all women in need. Under her leadership, the board also laid the groundwork for adding five other new services.

Rubin has also devoted countless hours to Planned Parenthood Federation of America by serving on several committees. A number of them dealt with diversity, a core value of the Planned Parenthood mission.

An outstanding volunteer, Rubin has distinguished herself as an innovator, a mentor, and a leader.