Keeping Up the Good Fight for Women's Rights!

Two short months ago, I timidly entered the office of Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia, unaware of what was to come. I was excited but more nervous to start a new job that I didn't really know anything about. Now, as the summer winds down and my internship comes to an end, I can't help but feel sad and already nostalgic of the good times that were had and the hard work that was accomplished.

When I first arrived at Steve Santarsiero's campaign office in Yardley, I was greeted by lots of friendly faces, including my fellow intern and partner in crime: Heidi. Although Heidi is five years older than me, we still shared one thing in common: we are both passionate about women's rights. For months I have wanted to get involved with the issues of reproductive healthcare and women's rights (other than reading PP emails) and I was ecstatic to finally get the chance. For 2 days of the week, Heidi and I canvassed for Steve in the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding Steve's campaign office. Steve stood for education, the environment, creating jobs by infrastructure, and of course, women's rights. I was happy to be helping out a candidate who was so honest and well-intentioned. For 1 day of the week, we performed a Planned Parenthood canvass and targeted only the women of Yardley, which gave me the chance to connect with ladies of all ages who cared about healthcare and freedom of choice like I do. The other interns at Steve's office were all around my age, very friendly, and super helpful. I got along with each one of them, and within the walls of the office, we were able to get work done, talk politics, share ideals, educate each other, and most importantly, goof off. Although some days were slower than others, I still left work each day feeling like I contributed to a greater cause.

When I look back on this summer, I will remember a few highlights: working the Planned Parenthood table at the Coldplay concert, handing out condoms and getting petitions on the streets of Philadelphia for First Friday, attending one of Steve's fundraisers, and meeting some truly wonderful people who are out to make a difference in the lives of others like I am. Although this was just a summer internship, I believe I gained so much experience and knowledge from this opportunity Planned Parenthood gave me. I now feel ready to go off to college and study Politics and Feminist Studies and to show my professors and peers what Planned Parenthood is all about!

This upcoming election is going to be crucial to the lives of millions of women but I have faith that come November 6th, we will all rise together and be the strong political voice that the women of America need. My internship may be over, but my work here in this country will never be done, until every last citizen is given the equal rights that they deserve.

-Jamie Epstein, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA

Having Fun at the Heart of the Keystone State

Every Tuesday and Thursday are the days that I get to completely immerse myself in the heart of Pennsylvania at the state capitol in Harrisburg.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not get to learn more about campaign life and or learn more about Planned Parenthood while I am in Harrisburg.  Though Mandee, my intern-partner, and I do not work in the capitol building itself we are less than 30 feet across the street in the campaign office of Robert Teplitz for Senate (PA-15).  The campaign office is in a cute store front where instead of people coming in they simply stare at the campaign signs that are in the window and stare at the four of us in the campaign office until we make eye contact.  It is always refreshing to have someone actually come in and ask who Teplitz is so we can break the hums of computer keys and inform them about what Rob Teplitz stands for and what he hopes to do if elected.

            These last eight weeks we have been laying down a pretty good foundation for the campaign by number crunching and sending out mailers. Our daily tasks included completing donor research and occasionally during the week having impeccable assembly lines for mailers to get stuffed, labeled and stamped as quickly as possible.   It is very interesting watching how campaigns work and function with the tremendous amount of hard work and organization that the campaign manager, Victor Wills, and financial advisor, Andrea Berringer, put in on a daily bases.  

           
My last week of the internship has been quite busy being as though the events that we were preparing for in June were all coming up.   One event was on Saturday with the Admiral and Former Congressman Joe Sestak in the garden area behind the campaign office while the other was on the following Wednesday with Former Congressman Patrick Murphy.  Both events were equally pleasurable and it was great seeing the hard work come to light.  I actually met two people that I actually looked up to invite to the event!

      Though donor research and mailers are time consuming they have their purpose in every campaign and I know that the Teplitz Campaign truly appreciated.  I love getting the opportunity to work on a campaign where I could be exposed to so many different facets of it. I know I enjoyed working on the Teplitz campaign and I can say would still like to help out any way I can. 

- Comfort Dixon, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates in Harrisburg 

Heidi's Whirlwind of Political Adventures

The past weeks have been a whirlwind of political adventure. It began in Harrisburg where I met and bonded instantly with a group of my peers.  There is something really special that happens when you are placed with a group of so similarly like-minded people in a society that tends to view feminism and Planned Parenthood with disdain.  

The Action Camp really motivated me and sent me to the campaign office of Steve Santarsiero with the tools to make a difference.  Since starting with Steve’s campaign, I have walked door to door in 100+ degree weather, participated in a fundraiser, done super important campaign research, worked with young volunteers, and have had the privilege of talking to a lot of very supportive people.

I think my favorite part of the past weeks has been canvassing for both Planned Parenthood and Steve simultaneously in his district.  It has been a rough summer for the political canvasser but as we have seen through practice, canvassing is the most effective way to get the word out to potential voters.  It has been a pleasure canvassing for Planned Parenthood and hearing the stories and words of support from the women of Yardley.  It gives me a lot of hope to hear that there are so many women who feel strongly about Planned Parenthood.   I know that this upcoming election is going to be one of the most difficult but hopefully one of the most rewarding. 

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this internship is that Steve Santarsiero is running a very bipartisan campaign.  This is far from an angle, as Steve knows firsthand how the deadlocks in Harrisburg are harming Pennsylvania.   It has been an especially interesting experience to hear people from all political affiliations praise Steve because he does not give in to party politics.  He is therefore an excellent candidate for people who want to see changes made for the good of the people of Pennsylvania rather than strictly on party lines. 

I have also had the pleasure of doing visibility work with the Philadelphia Planned Parenthood.  We staged a rally after the Affordable Care Act was passed on the streets of Philadelphia.  The atmosphere on the streets was overwhelmingly positive and full of hope.  It was so inspiring to hear the stories of people as they signed our petition to support Planned Parenthood.  Another amazing opportunity was being asked to table the recent Coldplay concert.  Knowing that this group that has such a large audience wanted a Planned Parenthood presence at their concert is inspiring to say the least not to mention extremely exciting! 

Thank you so much Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates for allowing me to get involved during such a crucial time in politics.   This is just the start of my involvement with political campaigns and I am so excited to see where it takes me. 

- Heidi Lieberman, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA