Moving Forward Newsletter Winter 2017

Moving Forward Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Newsletter

SAFE

healthy

Winter 2017

strong

“ I’m not giving up my torch…

I’m using it to light other torches because everybody has a torch.”

gloria steinem

Planned Parenthood’s

80th Anniversary Celebration

Dear Friend, Thank you.

They are the words you’ve heard me say often as I’ve written to you for nearly the last nine years as PPWI President and CEO. As I write this last note for the newsletter before I retire, I’m filled with pride and appreciation for the multitude of ways you have supported me and Planned Parenthood. During my tenure, you’ve taken my phone calls, advised me, stood next to me at the capitol and never flinched when I’ve asked you to increase your financial support.

During the last several years, you’ve showed up in extraordinary ways to help fight legislation that would have been significantly damaging for women and families. It is your tireless resolve that has always won the day throughout my tenure. I am deeply humbled – thank you.

While I may be retiring, I’ll still be here with you every step of the way.

My resolve has been fueled by you and has only grown stronger. The days and months ahead are not going to be easy. In fact, they’re going to challenge each of us and Planned Parenthood in ways we didn’t think possible. Remaining visible with your support of Planned Parenthood is an important way you, and all of us, can engage to protect continued access to essential health care.

The challenges ahead require the fearless leadership you have come to expect. Tanya Atkinson is the perfect leader to navigate and lead as we step into unprecedented times for those we serve. There is no better legacy I can leave to this organization than knowing the right leader is in place to strategically lead PPWI into the next 80 years.

And I assure you, like the venerable Gloria Steinem said at our 80th celebration, I’m not giving my torch to anyone, rather I’ll continue lighting others.

The New Birth Control Casserole Harry Drake’s mother would serve “Birth Control Casserole” when her friends would gather to discuss reproductive rights. The recipe has been lost to time, but PPWI would like to find an “updated” version. Tell us your idea for a birth control casserole recipe! The winning recipe will be featured in a future issue of this newsletter, and the winner will receive a PPWI Swag Bag.

Now, as I begin this new chapter in my life, join me in sharing your bright light. The time and the moment is upon us to BE VISIBLE!

Submit your recipe!

With respect and gratitude,

Standard Mail: send your recipe with your name, address and phone to Birth Control Casserole, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, 302 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Teri

Teri Huyck 2 |

president

Moving Forward

& ceo

Online: www.ppwi.org/casserole

Harry Drake Recognized with Margaret Miller Award

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lanned Parenthood of Wisconsin selected Harry Drake to receive a Margaret Miller Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Named for PPWI’s first full-time executive director and a pioneer within the Planned Parenthood Federation, the award recognizes volunteers who display extraordinary commitment to PPWI’s mission. Harry’s work on behalf of PPWI rises to a truly extraordinary level of service.

Harry’s Many Fans During a celebration in Harry’s honor, it was clear Harry’s compassionate nature and innate charm has touched many in the PPWI family. Among those who shared their impressions of Harry was former PPWI President and CEO Teri Huyck, who spoke about Harry’s integrity as a leader and his passion to move PPWI forward while serving on the board. A common thread in all the presentations was Harry’s ability to make things better for others. True to his nature, Harry accepted the award expressing gratitude to PPWI’s staff and their dedication to serving our patients, in spite of facing protesters on a daily basis.

Harry’s Longtime Support of Planned Parenthood

top:

Katie, Harry and Barbara Drake

bottom:

Former Margaret Miller Award winners gather

with Harry for a photo (L to R): Edie Brengel Radtke (2002), Patsy Aster (1997), Harry Drake (2015), Joan Hardy (1987), Kathie Zieve Norman (2007)

Harry’s relationship with women’s and reproductive rights began while growing up in Chicago. His mother, a Planned Parenthood supporter, would invite her friends over to enjoy “Birth Control Casserole” and discuss reproductive rights. Following her example, Harry began to volunteer in Chicago. In 1992, after moving to Milwaukee, he continued volunteering and eventually was named to PPWI’s board — serving two terms, including one as chair. He also served on the development committee and chaired the governance committee.

Harry’s work to keep Wisconsin safe, healthy and strong continues today. He was recently inducted into the PPWI emeritus board, and has been hitting the streets doing advocacy work and helping to raise awareness about the many services PPPWI provides to the community. Thank you, Harry, for all you do for PPWI! • Winter 2017

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Reflection, Inspiration and Celebration Gloria Steinem, speaking at the 80th Anniversary Celebration of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

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lanned Parenthood has been a grassroots force in the reproductive freedom movement since the first small birth control clinic opened in Brooklyn in 1916 — more than 100 years ago. The story of Planned Parenthood began with just three women — Margaret Sanger, her sister Ethel Byrne and Fania Mindell — working from the ground up. They knew what they were doing was vitally important to the lives of women and their families. Police raids and being arrested and jailed would not stop these brave women, and the movement continued to grow.

Twenty years later, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin was established at 720 North Jefferson Street in Milwaukee. This past October, more than 1,300 supporters, volunteers and staff — today’s leaders in the movement — gathered just two miles from that original location to celebrate 80 years of keeping Wisconsin women and families safe, healthy and strong!

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The Wisdom of Gloria Steinem

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he highly energized event, held at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, featured Gloria Steinem, the founder of New York and Ms. magazines, and perhaps the most noted leader in the women’s movement for the last 50 years. As the celebration looked not only at where we’ve come from, but where we’re going, there could have been no more fitting person to introduce Ms. Steinem than Ruby G., a 13-year-old Planned Parenthood supporter from Madison and likely next-generation leader in the movement. “I believe that Gloria uses her actions and words to fight for equality, not only for women but for all oppressed people. I went from not knowing who Gloria Steinem is to looking up to her as a hero and a fighter,” said Ruby.

“ M

ovements come from the ground up. They do not come from the top down. I think if we are just to look, almost mathematically, at what is affecting the largest number

of people, first it would be the achievement of reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right like freedom of speech or freedom of assembly.”

gloria steinem

At age 82, Gloria shows no evidence of slowing down; touring as a speaker, working with the Viceland Network’s show Woman, and continuing to write. Her latest book, My Life on the Road is a memoir and testament to her tireless mission as “an entrepreneur of social change,” as she refers to herself. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Peace by President Obama in 2013 for her work to improve the lives of others.

Although the event space was filled to standing room only, Ms. Steinem’s stories and remarks maintained an intimate feeling through a casual interview format, moderated by author and founder of Women on Fire, Debbie Phillips. Ms. Steinem spoke of her past travels and experiences, but remained grounded in the present and the work we have yet to do. “Letting women’s bodies be controlled as the means of reproduction is the first step in every hierarchy.

It’s the first anti-democratic step and, once that step is there, you can’t change it,” remarked Ms. Steinem.

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80th anniversary celebration

guests arrived, they were greeted by a living timeline of volunteers dressed in period costumes, showcasing the triumphs and struggles of the past 80 years. Here are some highlights…

AS

1935

Wisconsin’s first family planning clinic, the Maternal Health Center, opens its doors at 720 N. Jefferson Street in Milwaukee on April 10, 1935.

1937

The American Medical Association officially recognizes birth control as an integral part of medical practice and education.

1938

In a case involving Margaret Sanger, a judge lifts the federal ban on birth control, ending the Comstock era.

Diaphragms, also known as womb veils, became a popular method of birth control.

Referring to the book Sex and World Peace (Valerie M. Hudson, Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill, Mary Caprioli, and Chad F. Emmett, Columbia Press, 2012), she commented, “in every modern country, the biggest indicator of whether that country is violent inside itself, or will be willing to use military violence against another country, is not poverty, not access to natural resources, not religion, not even degree of democracy. It’s violence against females.”

Ms. Steinem’s poignant words drew enthusiastic responses from the crowd several times.

Along with her strong feminist messaging,

1948

The Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, best known as the Kinsey Scale, is developed. The scale accounts for research findings that show people don’t fit into exclusive heterosexual or homosexual categories.

1949

Milwaukee’s Maternal Health Center becomes Planned Parenthood of Milwaukee.

1956

Clinical trials begin on early forms of the birth control pill on women living in housing projects in Puerto Rico. Levels of estrogen and progesterone are 20 times the eventually acceptable levels, creating harmful side effects for women.

1965

The Supreme Court (in Griswold v. Connecticut) gives married couples the right to use birth control, ruling that it is protected in the Constitution as a right to privacy. However, millions of unmarried women in 26 states are still denied birth control.

1967

The United Nations Declaration on Population proclaims family planning is a basic human right and establishes the United Nations Fund for Population Activities.

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“It’s not for me to say what comes n when we are acting on what we care about – and getting oth

gloria s

Ms. Steinem also spoke at length about the intersections of sexism, racism and violence.

“Domestic abuse and racial abuse are connected because they’re both supremacy crimes. They are both about proving that you’re in control and you’re superior.”

Moreover, she emphasized that, as a movement, people need to connect with one another in a real way and inspire one another to action. When asked about passing on her torch to the next generation she said, “I’m not giving up my torch, thank you very much...I’m using it to light other people’s torches because everybody has a torch.”

next because each of us is strongest e are experiencing, and what we her people to do it with us.”

steinem

1970

Congress enacts Title X of the Public Health Services act, providing support and funding for family planning services and education programs, and for biomedic and behavioral research in reproduction and contraceptive development.

1973

In Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the 1859 Texas law that prohibited abortions except to save a woman’s life. The court rules that the constitutional right of privacy extends to a woman’s decision, in consultation with her doctor, to have an abortion.

1976

Wisconsin is the last state in the U.S. to allow unmarried women to access birth control.

1981

Congress passes the Adolescent Family Life Act (AFLA), also known as the “chastity law,” which funds programs to promote sexual abstinence before marriage.

1989

Hundreds of thousands of prochoice advocates travel to Washington, D.C. on April 9 to join the March for Equality/Women’s Lives.

1993

President Clinton reverses many anti-choice, anti-family planning restrictions on government funded programs.

1996

Congress authorizes $250 million for abstinence-only education as part of the welfare reform act.

1998

Emergency Contraception – birth control that can be used after unprotected sex – is marketed in the United States under the brand name Preven.

2010

The Affordable Health Care Act is signed into law. Under this law, private health insurance companies must provide birth control without co-pays or deductibles. The law requires private insurance companies to cover preventive services.

2013

After protracted regulatory and legal battles, one brand of emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B One-Step) becomes available without a prescription on drugstore shelves.

2016

Planned Parenthood Federation launches its centennial Winter 2017 | 7 celebration!

80th anniversary celebration

The Beauty of Niki Johnson’s Hills and Valleys

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he unveiling of nationally known artist/ activist Niki Johnson’s new work, Hills and Valleys, was an exceptionally powerful moment during the celebration. Ms. Johnson, who also received the 2016 Voices Award for her tireless support of women’s health rights and access, spoke about her process as an artist and the emotional journey she took creating the piece, which depicts a woman’s torso with a representation of the United States Capitol Building. Ms. Johnson notes that the Capitol is the ideal symbol because it’s the place where decisions are made that legislate a woman’s liberties over her body.

The 8 x 8 foot artwork was meticulously constructed from pieces of PPWI signage, removed from health centers closed by Governor Walker’s defunding efforts. Ms. Johnson sourced mirrors from Hobby Lobby to create the “vajazzled” Capitol building as a statement about the Restoration of Religious Freedom Act and the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby.

The woman’s body is placed on a field of “Susan’s Choice” stars, a pattern used in traditional quilt-making. The pattern is meant to signify reproductive health care as an American tradition, integrating the visual language of women’s traditional craft and the heritage of reproductive rights, forged by women in the present and past.

top:

Hills and Valleys by Niki Johnson makes a

strong statement about women’s reproductive freedom, body autonomy, and legistative control. below:

Ms. Johnson accepted the 2016 Voices

Award during Planned Parenthood’s 80th Anniversary Celebration.

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Moving Forward

Ms. Johnson is widely known for her work, Eggs Benedict, a portrait of Pope Benedict made from multicolored condoms. As part of Ms. Johnson’s process to create Hills and Valleys, she engaged Planned Parenthood supporters to assist with punching the round pieces of PPWI signage used in the piece, adding their love and energy to the finished work.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

T

he incredible amount of positive energy leading up to and spinning out from the anniversary event has been staggering. This was a glorious celebration of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s past, as well as a rally for the future actions of this movement. It served as a powerful, inspiring reminder that women’s health and rights have come so far over the past century and there’s no option to go back. Ms. Steinem left the audience with a clear message that it’s time to reach out and connect people and movements together, to protect the future for our young people, like Ruby G., who deserve a future where they can make their own choices and decisions, and develop their own voices for social change. Your place in this movement and your continued support of Planned Parenthood has never been more important. Thank you for sharing your light as we move into the next 80 years of keeping Wisconsin safe, healthy and strong! •

top:

Guests at the 80th Anniversary celebration had the opportunity to view “Across the Line,” a virtual reality film about the harsh treatment

patients must face from protesters when seeking abortion care. bottom:

Guests of all ages came to celebrate PPWI’s 80th Anniversary.

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Celebrations Around Wisconsin In addition to the large-scale 80th anniversary celebration held in Milwaukee, several regional events brought supporters together to celebrate in other areas of the state. Each event was an opportunity to share stories of the past and look to the future with hope and excitement for the next 80 years.

Supporters gathered at Hagemeister Park in Green Bay to celebrate

Oshkosh area supporters commemorated PPWI’s 80th Anniversary

PPWI’s 80th Anniversary

at Fox River Brewing Company.

appleton u fratellos waterfront restaurant

so much to them, personally and professionally. Teri emphasized the importance of support from our generous donors and the compassionate care those investments allow our health center staff to provide every day.

Bob Pederson, Chief Visionary and Story Teller for Goodwill Industries was the featured speaker. He spoke about the importance of advocating for those who need a voice in our community, and reminded everyone “we’re still fighting same battles” due to the current social/ political climate. Pederson commented, “Eighty years is an impressive milestone for any organization and a testament to the importance of the work PPWI does.” green bay u hagemeister park

Edith Valentine, former PPWI Green Bay Director from 1975 to 1985, spoke to supporters about the opposition to Planned Parenthood that exists in Northeastern Wisconsin communities which often hold more conservative values. She encouraged guests at the event to be visible to help diminish the stigma surrounding Planned Parenthood and its services. madison u l ’ etoile

Former PPWI President and CEO Teri Huyck, development staff member Martha Vukelich-Austin and PPWI practitioner Dr. Jessica Dalby all shared compelling stories of why the Planned Parenthood mission means

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Moving Forward

oshkosh u fox river brewing company

Former PPWI Director Severa Austin addressed guests, focusing on the political climate surrounding abortion services. She emphasized the need for individuals to become advocates for women’s reproductive rights and to be visible and vocal about supporting PPWI. In addition to financial support, she stressed the need for supporters to reach out to their circles of influence and have open and honest conversations about the important work PPWI does in their community. sheboygan u the home of janet ross

In honor of PPWI’s 80th Anniversary and Women’s Equality Day, Janet held a gathering at her home. The event featured several speakers who champion women’s health, including Nanette Bulebosh, Sarah Lloyd, as well as recent high school graduates Liz Johnson and Katie Reineman, who gave a Gen-Z perspective on women’s rights. Janet also took the opportunity to showcase her extensive collection of women’s movement memorabilia. •

Recognizing Outstanding Efforts Maria Barker and Embody honored by Planned Parenthood Federation of America for Outstanding Educational Programming

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uring its 2016 National Conference, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) recognized Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) with two awards for outstanding educational programming. Multicultural Programs Manager Maria Barker, who has been with PPWI for 33 years, was honored with the Mary Lee Tatum Award, while Embody, PPWI’s community education program, received an Affiliate Excellence Award for Professional Training.

Mary Lee Tatum Award The Association of Planned Parenthood Leaders in Education (APPLE) chose Maria as the recipient of the Mary Lee Tatum Award for exemplifying the qualities of an ideal sexuality educator. Maria accepted the award remarking, “I am very proud to be a sexuality educator. I’ve come a very long way in my 51 years; from a Mexican family who never talked about anything having to do with sexuality, to now teaching others to normalize conversations about sexuality and inspire real family conversations.

“I am not doing this alone, however. Working with an outstanding team of health promoters has allowed PPWI to reach many more people with our message of positive sexuality. Because of this we have safer, healthier and stronger communities.”

Affiliate Excellence Award for Professional Training This award acknowledges outstanding efforts to provide professional training related to sexual and reproductive health, sexuality education, or clinical services. PPWI’s accomplishments include the fifth annual Safe Healthy Strong (SHS) Conference, organized by PPWI’s Embody team. The conference, which has grown steadily each year, provides training to health care and education professionals. The award also acknowledged PPWI’s cross-departmental training programs, which bring together education and patient services to implement a variety of internal training opportunities for health center staff.

Your generous investment in PPWI allows this important work to continue strengthening your community. Please join us in congratulating these deserving award winners! •

top

(L to R): APPLE Board Chair Annabel Sheinberg

with PPWI President & CEO Tanya Atkinson, Multicultural Programs Manager Maria Barker, and Director of Community Education Meghan Benson. bottom

(L to R): Planned Parenthood Federation

of America President Cecile Richards with former PPWI President and CEO Teri Huyck,and Director of Community Education Meghan Benson

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supporter spotlight

Making Her Voice Heard!

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anet Ross has been an ardent PPWI supporter since the early 1980s. At the time, she was very concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and wanted to work for a more peaceful and just world. She was also very interested in women’s issues, and through her volunteer network crossed paths with a parish nurse who introduced her to the work of Planned Parenthood. She was immediately hooked and became a member of PPWI’s local advisory council in Sheboygan.

During the Roe v. Wade days, Ross and her group of volunteers would stand on the median of busy roads with “Honk for Choice” signs. They would count to 100 honks and then take a coffee break!

Janet isn’t one to shy away from controversy or tough fights. Working with the municipal Health and Human Growth Committee, she helped wage a successful fight against the school board’s “abstinence only” sex education policy at the local high school. She has also been active in the Wisconsin Women’s Network and was a vocal opponent of the implementation of Wisconsin’s W2 program.

She remembers a time when women did not have the right to makes choices about their own bodies and draws many parallels to the current assault on reproductive rights. She sees this trend as a “backlash of patriarchy.” Janet is a fantastic example of a woman who is bold in her convictions and never afraid to stand out in a crowd and be visible for Planned Parenthood. •

thank you!

Thank you to the thousands of supporters who have stepped up to stand with Planned Parenthood since the presidential election. Your overwhelming support and generous contributions are deeply appreciated by everyone you allow us to serve.

5 Ways You Can Be Visible in Your Community Talk

Engage

Vote

Share

Amplify

Have conversations with friends and family about why you support PPWI.

Follow PPWI on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay informed and share the latest news.

Get to the polls in every election. Your vote counts! Ask 10 of your friends to do the same.

Generously give your resources, time and talent to causes in which you believe.

Write letters to the editor or speak at public forums involving reproductive health care.

302 North Jackson Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 ppwi.org

© 2017 Planned Parenthood® of Wisconsin, Inc.