Standing Together Fall 2021

STANDING TOGETHER NEWS FOR FRIENDS AND CHAMPIONS

Fall 2021

Take Care • Give Care What’s Inside: Messages for this Moment:

– Tanya Atkinson – Alexis McGill-

Johnson

The Brilliance of Artists CCmáS — Shining a Light on Health & Advocacy Take Care Give Care – The Community

Centric Approach Visibly at Work

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to experience an augmented reality (detailed instructions inside)

Be Visible — Stand in Your Light

Be Visible has always been much more than a campaign name or a theme – It is a way of being.

It inspires. It encourages movement and action.

It provides hope. And reminds us of our own power to achieve change.

Dear amazing, steadfast friends, As I settle in to write my note to you for the fall edition of Standing Together, my heart is filled at this moment with what feels like competing emotions: determination and despair.

While this newsletter was ready to be printed, the US Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on Texas Law S.B. 8 which essentially has made access to abortion care illegal. Since September 1, there has been virtually no access to abortion care without traveling outside the state of Texas.

While our focus rightly should be on the women, families, and people of Texas, this news provides a magnified lens to view the many restrictions to abortion care in Wisconsin, including our state’s egregious 172-year-old law criminalizing abortion care. This law could go into effect if Roe is overturned when the Supreme Court reviews another court case impacting abortion access in December.

Be Visible Several years ago Be Visible — the state-wide campaign with a key tenet being to protect abortion care by building a new state-of-the-art abortion care facility and advancing health care access advocacy — was successfully launched and completed. Thank you for your commitment and your support.

Recently, PPWI was introduced to a sculptural art model by internationally recognized artist Alison Berger. Alison’s medium is light and glass. Her sculptural model called Optical Still Life, features a single candle flame surrounded by a series of lenses that magnify, refract, intensify — and at just the right angle — even hide the flame’s light.

As I experienced Alison’s art, I was reminded how critically essential it is for each of us to continue to Be Visible. We each possess a very needed light that collectively provides hope, guidance, and the fire to navigate all that is ahead — even on the days seemingly filled with despair and darkness.

Being part of a mission that is nearly 90 years strong, it is incumbent for us to be steadfast in continually examining ourselves through a multitude of lenses, including the lenses of racism, inequity, and injustice. We also reflect on ways we shine in the world — how we support others to magnify their own brilliance, and our responsibility to radiate both.

As visible stewards of the mission, it is our time to shine. It is our time to once again step into the power of our light in order to Be Visible.

In these next several pages I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the people who are lending their talents, their art, and their expertise to the mission. We’ve incorporated some additional inspiration and hope through an interactive front cover — simply hold your camera’s smart phone to the QR code and enjoy what has been created for you.

As you peruse these pages, I hope you will be equally inspired by your own investment

and support that makes the work of Planned Parenthood possible – thank you.

Below I’ve included the words Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s president shared in the hours following the nearly total ban of abortion access in Texas.

They provide me the hope I need in this very real and dark moment because yes indeed, I imagine the light. And we undoubtably were built for this moment.

Be Visible,

Tanya Atkinson, President & CEO

Follow Tanya Atkinson on Facebook and LinkedIn

Inspiration from Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood Federation of American President relating to Texas’s S.B. 8 To all of you, who fight every single day for people in this country to have access to abortion: This. Isn’t. Over.

This is the beginning.

Opponents of abortion have been working toward this moment for decades. And now, it’s here, and it’s forcing a confrontation. And we aren’t backing down.

I know you’ve all seen and felt the outrage towards Texas politicians and a majority on the Supreme Court. The people are with us. There is still much unknown about what will happen with S.B. 8. But it is likely to get worse before it gets better.

There are 25 more states that will be emboldened to introduce and pass similar legislation. They could make Roe irrelevant before the Supreme Court even has a chance to weigh in on the Mississippi case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health in December.

We will need to be there for each other, and for Planned Parenthood patients, in new and different ways.

I want to ground us all in the reality for Texas patients. Because of the layers of restrictions in Texas, most abortion patients have to come in twice, 24 hours apart. At the first visit, there may be no fetal cardiac activity. But the second visit, there may be — and now that means this patient will have to travel hundreds or thousands of miles out of state to get care. Because they were one day too late.

What is that patient feeling and thinking? What well are they drawing from to restore their belief in their dignity and humanity? That patient is at the front of my mind and the center of my heart.

We’re not just fighting for a constitutional right or for an injunction… we’re fighting for her.

And I’ve never been more confident or steeled in my resolve and belief in this organization and this movement.

This is a dark moment.

But movements exist because of darkness and pain. They exist because we can imagine the light, even when it isn’t visible.

Our job is to turn pain into purpose; pain into promise; pain into power.

We were built for this moment.

About the cover

The Brilliance of Artists

The sculpture featured in this issue is from internationally recognized American artist and designer Alison Berger, known for her evocative light fixtures and chandeliers, functional objects, furnishings, and large-scale sculptures.

Using age-old glass-blowing techniques, Alison creates elegant forms that transcend time and function to capture the magic of light. Her unique process and its rich results — hybrids of lyricism and perfectionism – feel at once old-world and modern.

Alison uses this piece to inspire her own creative process, which in turn has reignited the opportunity for PPWI supporters to Be Visible – especially while navigating the current difficult and challenging times.

Alison shared, “It has been my honor to loan this work to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to help fuel your work which is needed now more than ever. There is an important Photo credit Jeff Fitzsimmons

light within each of us wanting to be magnified and reflected to achieve greater peace and harmony in our world.”

After experiencing Alison’s artwork, Wisconsin supporter, artist, tech entrepreneur, and mother of two E. Keller Fitzsimmons was motivated to shine additional light via her art during this challenging moment.

Through augmented reality you can experience a version of Alison’s magnificent work and Keller’s heart-stirring song Shine.

Here’s how:

Keller recently wrote music to accompany each chapter of her first full length fiction novel called The Geometry of Lies.

“I wrote Shine to remind all of us, and especially individuals with marginalized identities, how beautiful and rare each one of us is. Working with Usen Isong as the lead vocalist in unison with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles elevated Shine to a level I could have never anticipated.” ~ E. Keller Fitzsimmons

E. Keller Fitzsimmons Follow Keller and her art collective, VUCA, on Instagram at @thevuca

• Hold your phone’s camera to scan the QR code (featured on the front cover or below).

• Tap the pop-up link to open drops.nyc. Tap the button to accept/allow/continue.

• Tap the floating “droplet” to begin your AR experience.

• Tap the recenter button to be centered in the the portal.

Tip: adjust your position with the recenter button as often as needed.

• Stand up and walk into the digital portal to view a 3D model of Alison’s artwork.

• Volume up to enjoy Keller’s song featuring the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Usen Isong.

• Capture the moment via the photo button, so you can share the experience.

• Tap the text box to connect with PPWI.

Alison Berger Learn more about Alison and her work at alisonbergerglassworks.com

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is proud to have provided care through 110,457 patient appointments at 24 health centers throughout Wisconsin in 2020.

This care included*

Birth Control 134,327 (units)

STD & HIV Tests 95,916

Abortion Care 5,104

Emergency Contraception 59,517 (units)

Breast Exams & Cervical Cancer Screenings 3,982 *This is a sampling of services.

For a complete list, visit ppwi.org

Nearly 1 in 4 women have an abortion in their lifetime.

As the Supreme Court begins their next session, they will hear a case that directly challenges Roe v. Wade.

Wisconsin already has among the most restrictive barriers to abortion in the country, with a law, created 172 years ago, criminalizing all abortions, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the health of the person who is pregnant.

This law could go into effect immediately if Roe is overturned.

Together we will fight to ensure that full reproductive health care is safe and accessible in Wisconsin.

— Shining a light on health and advocacy in Latinx communities

Award-Winning Education Since 2003, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has supported active outreach to the Latinx Community through the CCmáS Program Cuidándonos Creceremos Más Sanos (Growing Healthier Together).

Over the years, the CCmáS program has won several awards, and has been featured at education conferences throughout the US, as well as in Central and South America due to its unique approach to community and sexual health education.

Unique & Adaptable CCmáS offers a comprehensive Spanish-language curriculum informing families on how to advocate for the essential right to live a healthy life. Combining sexual and reproductive health education with up-to-date information on navigating community resources, the program helps families use their voices to improve quality of life and strengthen their communities.

Created by Community Members, Alongside Experts in Education, Public Health The CCmáS curriculum was created by and for Latinx families, in partnership with Planned Parenthood’s Education Team and the Medical College of Wisconsin — all focused on integrating cultural values, traditions, and beliefs into the curriculum and other programming.

CCmáS Home Health Parties Home Health Parties are casual conversations inside people’s homes where Promotores share information and engage in educational conversations — increasing their level of comfort and confidence when talking about sexual and reproductive health.

The parties help to empower guests to take control of their health by learning how to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Among the topics discussed are: • Family values • Sexuality throughout your life • Taking control of your sexual health • Reproductive cancers • Access to helpful programs and how to get more involved in community building

Meet Maria Barker, Director of Latinx Programs & Initiatives Maria Barker is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Certified Sexuality Educator of Mexican origin who oversees Spanish-Language programming at PPWI. Keenly aware of the need to provide support, education, and services to Latinx populations most in need, Maria’s team serves communities throughout Wisconsin. She is well-known for directing PPWI’s CCmáS Program, leading a team of bilingual educators to recruit and train lay community workers known as Promotores de Salud (Health Promoters).

Maria is a graduate of the Latino Nonprofit Leadership Program through UW-Milwaukee and Cardinal Stritch University. She received her Sexuality Educator Certification through Planned Parenthood of Western Washington and Centralia College.

Promotores de Salud (Health Promoters): Community Health Experts Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is fortunate to partner with a group of Promotores de Salud — individuals who stand in the light of their commitment to better the lives of those around them. They live, work, and play in Latinx communities throughout the state — providing information and resources for people to live their best lives and encouraging civic engagement to make their environment a place to thrive.

Promotores represent several Latin American countries, ages, and genders. They share their expertise on their cultures, communities, and the best ways to reach people — often doing their work after hours, on weekends, or anytime they are needed. The Promotores break through language barriers and help their community members navigate institutional structures.

Promotores undergo a rigorous three-month training program comprising over 52 education hours. This intensive training covers topics ranging from family values, birth control, STDs, reproductive cancers, self-advocacy, PPWI services, Reproductive Justice, and much more — making them a valuable resource to those they work with.

Health Promoters recently worked alongside the Madison Health Department at Mercado Marimar to help with COVID-19 vaccination outreach.

“I am glad their communities see them, know them, and trust them. They are visible to their networks; and their work and impact is of the utmost importance to the people they serve.

Visibility where it is most needed!” ~Maria Barker (on the Promotores de Salud) PPWI Director of Latinx Programs & Initiatives

The CCmáS program is made possible through the generosity of PPWI supporters and other funding grants. Thank you for your support!

In the face of a pandemic, PPWI learned the importance of taking care of ourselves to, in turn, give care to others.

Here’s a look at some of the ways PPWI has been enhancing care, improving health outcomes, providing educational resources, and advancing the mission to keep Wisconsin Safe, Healthy, and Strong.

Thank You for all the ways you take care and give care to the patients and communities who rely on PPWI.

PPWI’s Community Centric Approach Visibly at Work...

In Racine The Racine Health Center recently formed a partnership with BeLEAF Survivors (formerly Sexual Assault Services of Racine). In an effort to align care, PPWI and BeLEAF hold joint staff meetings, discovering ways to integrate their collective services for a greater positive impact on those whom they care for.

About BeLEAF Survivors

“When patients come to the health center, there are certain ones who stay with us for a while. We think about them on our evening commute. We wonder if they’re ok while we make dinner — and then we see their face as we try to fall asleep. By working closely with BeLEAF, we are able to directly connect these patients — not only to an organization — but to a person we know and trust. It’s truly a gift. Both to the patient and ourselves.” ~ Kim, Racine Health Center Manager

BeLEAF Survivors promotes hope and healing after sexual assault. The “LEAF” portion of the BeLEAF means Lifting, Empowering, Advocating, and Fighting for survivors, allies, and a culture of consent. For more information, visit beleafsurvivors.org.

In Delavan The Delavan Health Center has been working with PPWI Promotores de Salud (bilingual health promoters) and the Walworth County Health and Human Services Department to better serve the area’s Lantinx community. As a result of this partnership, a series of Spanishlanguage videos was produced featuring health center staff and PPWI Promotores. The videos address common questions and dispel myths about the COVID-19 vaccine.

I see promotores as an extension of our work — bringing it out into the community. They are our eyes and ears; they tell us what the community needs and what they would like from us. At the end of the day, we are all in this together.”

~ Monica, Delavan Health Center Manager

Abortion Access Updates (information as of November 1, 2021) Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is watching closely US Supreme Court, Texas Senate Bill SB 8 Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health: On December 1, the Supreme Court will take up Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health case. This case stems from a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks — in direct conflict with Roe vs. Wade. A decision is expected sometime in 2022.

If Roe should fall, Wisconsin’s 1849 criminal abortion ban could again become law — effectively banning abortion in Wisconsin at any point in pregnancy with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the health of the pregnant person.

Texas Senate Bill 8: As you may be aware, a troubling Texas ban on abortion after six weeks is in effect. Not only does S.B. 8 ban abortion before most people know they are pregnant, the law also encourages private citizens to sue anyone who helps another person get an abortion. This means people who help someone get an abortion after six weeks in Texas could be sued by a neighbor, distant relative, abusive partner, or even a stranger from out of state — and collect $10,000 for each successful claim. The first of such lawsuits has already been filed.

As of the printing of this newsletter, the US Supreme Court is considering oral arguments in two cases seeking judicial relief from Texas S.B. 8. — Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson and United States v. Texas.

We Won’t Back Down Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin along with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, are closely monitoring these threats and implementing strategies to protect abortion access. Both of these challenges to abortion pose a real threat to the constitutional right to abortion care, but Planned Parenthood won’t back down.

We can’t know every person’s circumstances. What we do know is banning abortions won’t stop them in Wisconsin or in any other state. What it will do is make it unsafe.

Abortion is a deeply personal, private decision that each person must be able to make for themselves, taking into account their own values, responsibilities, and life circumstances. And we are prepared to fight to ensure that every person in Wisconsin who needs access to abortion can get the care that they need.

Together We Are Powerful.

We will stand together, in our power, to protect access to essential abortion care.

Do you have an abortion story to share?

One in four women will have an abortion in the course in their lifetime. It’s more important than ever before that we stand strong, stand visible, and share our abortion stories. If you would like to stand in your own powerful light and empower others to do the same, please consider sharing your abortion story.

Visit ppwi.org/shareyourstory

THANK YOU FOR HOLDING THE FLAME STEADY IN THE FIERCEST OF STORMS. THANK YOU FOR RADIATING THE CARE AND SAFETY WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE REASON PLANNED PARENTHOOD IS A POWERFUL, SHINING, UNSTOPPABLE LIGHT.

© 2021 Planned Parenthood® of Wisconsin, Inc.

302 N. Jackson Street Milwaukee, WI 53202