Each month, Planned Parenthood will post updates regarding our volunteer activities around the St. Louis area and provide a look at future opportunities to get involved. Here’s a look back at our work in May and information about future volunteer opportunities in June.
Rosé Day
Our volunteers had a great time giving out information, resources, and giveaways at the second annual Rosé Day in Central West End on May 4. The event highlights non-profits that empower women and girls and connects each non-profit with a local business. We were proud to be paired with Projects+Gallery for the second year. Our volunteers and generous community members raised nearly $400 for Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri at the event!
Harmony Grand Chapter of Eastern Star Community Health Fair
One of our amazing volunteer leaders, Bobette Anderson, organized and led a Planned Parenthood table at the Harmony Grand Chapter of Eastern Star Community Health Fair over Memorial Day weekend. In addition to providing information about Planned Parenthood’s services, the health fair included mammogram appointments, blood pressure checks, diabetes testing, a blood drive, health insurance information and other valuable educational programming for the community.
Amanda Palmer Concert
We were proud to partner with Amanda Palmer, a prolific singer-songwriter and activist, for her show “There Will Be No Intermission” at the Pageant. Earlier that day, Amanda Palmer spoke at the #EmergencyResponse Rally & Action in downtown St. Louis. With the bold message, “if you can, you must,” Palmer galvanized the 2500 attendees to protest the recent attacks on reproductive rights. Palmer’s show continued to rally for reproductive freedom as she shared her own reproductive journey through songs and stories. Our own Sarah Felts took the stage to speak to the audience about ways to take action. Outside the concert in Suite 100, our volunteer leaders distributed information, collected petition signatures, and raised $171 in donations for Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region. Overall, the night was a tremendous success for Planned Parenthood of St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.
Volunteer of the Month
Each month, we highlight one outstanding Planned Parenthood Volunteer. This month's Volunteer of the Month is Sarah Sheahan. See our Q & A below to learn more about Sarah and her experience with volunteering!
Q: Why is it important for you to volunteer at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region?
I began volunteering at Planned Parenthood to get some experience with an organization whose values I really agreed with. It's introduced me to many wonderful people. I strongly admire their role as sex educators and advocates of accessible and affordable healthcare. It's equally wonderful how central intersectional feminism is to their mission.
Q: Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with Planned Parenthood?
My favorite part of volunteering has definitely been lobby days. It's been surreal to go to my state capitol and to have had the opportunity to directly influence legislators about important policies. Protesting there while the House passed the abortion ban was additionally life-changing.
Q: What else would you like to share about volunteering with Planned Parenthood?
I love the person I'm becoming because I became a volunteer here. I'm realizing my power in political organizing, and I feel so much more informed. This experience has given me a stronger sense of agency to fix problems in my community, and I'm so grateful for it.
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Pride Month is upon us, and we’re looking for volunteers! Check out some of our upcoming events and dates below. Keep up to date and sign up for opportunities to volunteer with us out in the community. If you have any questions about our volunteer programs or this newsletter, please contact Brenda Suhan at [email protected] or 314-531-7526 ext. 358.
June 8 Metro East Pride Festival 2019
Belleville, IL
June 8 The Latino Roundtable of SWIL Hispanic Summer Festival
East St. Louis, IL
June 8 2019 Health and Wellness Taste of Vegan Festival
Ferguson, MO
June 10 Safer Sex Kit Assembly Party
St. Louis, MO
June 15 Juneteenth
St. Louis, MO
June 15 Pride St. Charles Festival
St. Charles, MO
June 22-23 Fiesta in Florissant
Florissant, MO
June 29 Tower Grove Pride
St. Louis, MO
June 29-30 PrideFest
Downtown St. Louis, MO
June 30 PrideFest Grand Pride Parade
Downtown St. Louis, MO
Tags: Volunteers, Volunteering
