 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
In Her Words
As continued from our Spring 07 Newsletter, here are the complete articles:
Notes From Nancy
Spring is a time for renewal at the Center. Although direct provision of quality healthcare and being at the forefront of community service will always consume a majority of our resources, we¹re acutely aware of a need for additional grassroots organizing efforts if women are to remain in control of their bodies and reproductive lives. I¹m reminded of a peace protestor"s sign I saw recently that read "I can't f___ing believe we're still protesting this!"
We're all about moving forward. I've joined a Feminist Majority Congressional Commission of 120 people to strategize and communicate what's possible for sound public policy and the wellbeing of women's health. Janelle is both presenting and learning at the National Abortion Federation's annual conference in Boston this month.
The legislative challenges before us can be neutralized but not without a rallying of support to sustain our commitments to women's health and bodily sovereignty. . . .
There's been a steady erosion of reproductive freedom with increasing humiliation in Georgia over the past several years. As the progressive majority has moved its agenda forward in the bulk of our nation, Georgia is back stepping. We can either stand back and wait for things to cycle back while we lick our wounds or we can choose a more assertive path. And this is just the beginning.
Look for a few new faces and a rejuvenation of the creative spirit within our team of healthcare professionals, educators and community organizers. We'll be stepping beyond our comfort zones this summer to explore ways of increasing our skill levels, efficiency and re-directing some of our community resources toward public policy awareness and grassroots organizing. Spring is definitely an opportunity to bloom.
- Nancy Boothe, Executive Director
A Future Doctor Interns
I suppose what has been most amazing about interning at Feminist is the fact that it is such a unique establishment. I didn’t expect to so easily find a center of its kind in New York City where I attended college and certainly not in Georgia. It is this quality of distinctiveness that I want to highlight first because that is likely the main thing I will take from this experience and attempt to strive for in future endeavors. How many healthcare organizations across the country take an approach that is so broad and overarching and yet so thorough? And how many put this much effort into improving the lives of women? I would say relatively few. In this way, Feminist not only focuses on a segment of the population that is systematically ignored, it also focuses on that segment with a unique eye.
Though Feminist is far from being a multi-anything dollar organization, the people who work here are truly incredible. They realize that it is not money that ultimately brings about change, its people. Since working here I have learned the importance of utilizing connections and keeping a comprehensive list of those connections so they can be called upon when needed. For this, the importance of dedicated volunteers is key, so cultivating relationships with people outside of the center who admire and want to participate in its work is key as well.
Through its community outreach programs, it educates individuals about health, social and economic issues that are central to their lives. These sessions also provide people a space to voice concerns they have and to meet other people in the community who share their concerns and interests. From this I learned how knowledge can be so impactful, whether it helps one more young woman avoid contracting an STD or simply shows someone that her voice can be heard and her vote does count. Today, that someone is me.
I am not certain what paths I will follow in the future but I do know that the lessons I take with me from Feminist will be right there with me.
And try to help as many people as you can along the way.
My time at Feminist has been absolutely stunning. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to spend my summer with such great women doing such great work. I expect Feminist to be around for a long time and I plan on coming back again and again.
-Clinical Intern, 2006