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Welcome to the August Volunteer Update from the Community Engagement team at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region. July may have been hot - but our dedicated volunteers didn’t let the heat stop them from providing resources and engaging our communities!

Webster Groves Fourth of July Parade

This past Independence Day, Planned Parenthood's interns led a group in the Webster Groves Fourth of July Parade. About 25 volunteers marched in the parade cheering for reproductive rights and dancing along to the music. We were joined by Lu the mini-horse as well! 

In addition to those who walked in the parade, supporters throughout the parade put up yard signs and cheered on our float. To everyone involved in the parade - walkers and others - thank you for supporting Planned Parenthood!

Data Entry Party

Petitions are key to building a strong support network. They’re a critical way for new members to join the conversation and learn about volunteering opportunities, events, and other exciting news.

However, petitions themselves are just pieces of paper until someone enters them into VAN, our secure member database. On July 10, we held our first data entry event of the summer. Over the course of two hours, volunteers were trained to enter in petitions into VAN and entered in nearly 100 petitions, all to the tune of free pizza, lemonade, and snacks. 

If you’re interested in data, member mobilization, and meeting other enthusiastic supporters of Planned Parenthood, we will be holding another data entry party on Monday, Aug. 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring a charged computer if you can! Please RSVP to Brenda Cross at [email protected]

Manchester Bike Bash

No shoes, no shirt? No problem! The famous Manchester Bike Bash, formerly known as the World Naked Bike Ride, took place at the Grove where cyclists bike 13 miles in the name of body positivity and eco-friendly transport! From our booth on Manchester, we cheered on cyclists, handed out Safer Sex Kits and spread awareness about services and programs essential for accessible high-quality care and health.

Galilee Baptist Church Annual Community Health Fair

Planned Parenthood was proud to table alongside other health organizations at the Galilee Baptist Church Annual Community Health Fair. Volunteers shared resources about services, health insurance assistance, and ways to get involved. We also collected signatures for the ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in Missouri, a critical effort to improve healthcare access for families and individuals.

Volunteer of the Month

Each month, we highlight one outstanding Planned Parenthood Volunteer. This month's Volunteer of the Month is Jessica Lefton. See our Q & A below to learn more about Jessica and her experience with volunteering!

Q: Why is it important for you to volunteer at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region?

I was living outside the U.S. during the 2016 election, so when I moved back to St. Louis I was determined to get involved with as many amazing causes and community organizations as possible. Planned Parenthood was at the top of my list - not only do they provide top quality healthcare for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to access it, but they are consistently the most welcoming and friendliest healthcare providers and advocates I've ever met. 

Q: Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with Planned Parenthood?

I've really appreciated the diversity of experiences that volunteering with Planned Parenthood has allowed me to learn about.  The people who come up to a Planned Parenthood booth at any given event are not always the ones you would expect, and I've been touched and appalled by the stories people have shared. The common denominator is always that Planned Parenthood is there for people - regardless of gender, situation, or economic status.

Q: What else would you like to share about volunteering with Planned Parenthood?

No matter how hot it is or how tired I am on the day I've signed up to volunteer, I always know that showing up to support Planned Parenthood will energize me and leave me feeling better. Plus, I've gone to so many events this summer that I never would have even heard of if it wasn't for Planned Parenthood.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

See some of our upcoming events for the rest of August below! Keep up to date and register for opportunities to volunteer with us in the community. Stay tuned for exciting opportunities to help elevate voters’ voices and collect petitions for ballot initiatives! If you are interested in attending future trainings on ballot initiatives, or if you have any questions about our volunteer programs, please contact Brenda Cross at [email protected] or 314-531-7526 ext. 358.  

August 10-11

Urban Expo

 

The America’s Center, St. Louis, MO

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