Volunteer Newsletter - October 2019

Trap Run

The Northside Trap Run is not just another 5K - it’s St. Louis’ first hip-hop themed run and walk! We were proud to participate in this event focused on building community and showcasing the overlooked North St. Louis neighborhoods for the second consecutive year. We handed out resources and gathered signatures for Medicaid Expansion from registered Missouri voters.

Greentree Festival

Did you know the Greentree Festival was started as a way to replace drought-stricken trees in Kirkwood? Back in 1961, trees were sold for $1 so more could be planted throughout the city. Now an annual event, the Greentree Festival, takes place in Kirkwood Park. Planned Parenthood is always excited to participate in this event, and this year was no exception. Our Community Engagement team and volunteers tabled the event and handed out safer sex kits, resources about our health services, and gathered signatures for both our membership petition and for the Medicaid Expansion ballot initiative. We were overwhelmed with support from the Kirwood community and received over 700 “I Stand with Planned Parenthood” signatures and hundreds of Medicaid Expansion ballot initiative signatures throughout the weekend. Thank you to all of our great volunteers who made the weekend a success!

With over 70 booths, Planned Parenthood being one of them this year, this lively event filled with music, dancing, and delicious bites is all about celebrating and raising awareness of Hispanic culture. Planned Parenthood tabled this event throughout the weekend handing out information about our services, safer sex kits, and gathering signatures for our petition of support to send to legislators. In addition, we also collected signatures for the Medicaid Expansion ballot initiative.

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

I began volunteering after I attended a rally at Planned Parenthood over two years ago. Listening to the women who spoke that night inspired me to do whatever I could to help the women of our community. Now as the federal and state governments wage war on women, I feel it is more essential now than ever to volunteer to assist Planned Parenthood in their mission to fight back against the policies that are contrary to the health care of all women. That is why being a Clinic Escort is so important to me - Not just as a friendly face, but to counter the lies they are told concerning their reproductive health care by the protesters who are at Planned Parenthood on a daily basis.

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

There are so many meaningful ways to volunteer that it is difficult to decide on a favorite. A favorite time is lobbying days, where I spend time with like-minded volunteers and the incredible staff of Planned Parenthood. Interacting with the public at various festivals gives one the chance to inform them of all the resources that Planned Parenthood has to offer. I also enjoy being a Clinic Escort.

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

What I have done, what I am doing and what I will do in the future, is because I am motivated on a daily basis by the most dedicated group of individuals that I have ever known: the staff of Planned Parenthood. It is both an honor and a pleasure to be a part of Planned Parenthood. Being a volunteer you will realize what I have, that it is most gratifying to support the women of our community. 

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

See some of our upcoming events below! Stay updated and register for a opportunities to volunteer with us. If you have any questions about our volunteer programs or this newsletter, please contact Brenda Cross at [email protected] or 314-531-7526 ext. 358.