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Campus Rep Corner
May 2012
From Campus Representative Rebecca of Macalester College:
WOW was founded by Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, who wanted to raise awareness about reproductive rights and to increase access to safe abortions, especially in countries where it is illegal. Dr. Gomperts' unique method of activism is the subject of the film. She and a team of other doctors sail a boat to countries where abortion is illegal; because the laws of a boat's home country apply to international waters, it is legal for the doctors to dock in a country, invite women in need on board, take them into international waters and then administer medical abortions. Whitten's film documents some of the journeys for this boat and the different reactions it has gotten in the countries where it docks. Additionally, the group has a branch called Women on Web, a website and hotline that gives information on using legal drugs to induce miscarriage. "Vessel" is currently in production and hopes to reach audiences worldwide.
April 2012
Sophia Leenay, a Campus Representative at the University of Minnesota, describes the "Coffee and Choice" discussion series.On February 29, 2012, Campus representatives at the University of Minnesota (University Pro-Choice Coalition or UPCC) partnered with the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (MN RCRC) for another installment in UPCC’s "Coffee and Choice” discussion series. Around twenty people showed up and munched on coffee and bagels while discussion leaders from MN RCRC and UPCC facilitated an important discussion on the oft strained (and seemingly impossible) relationship between faith and"pro-choice.” Participants ranged from students who have never participated in feminist or pro-choice activism to the board of the MN RCRC.
The discussion that emerged became about so much more than people of faith talking openly about their feelings towards pro-choice issues(or pro-choice people talking about difficulties they have when communicating with people of faith). The discussion turned towards important questions about raising a family and growing up in a system of values—whether these values subscribe to a Christian or faith tradition or not. Questions about tolerance of homosexuality, holistic sexual health education, the pervasiveness of rape culture were posed in a way that allowed participants to see that a narrow definition of faith in America can cause a lot of harm to everyone. I think everyone left the discussion with their original paradigms for thinking about people of faith or pro-choice people thrown into question. All in all, it was an excellent group of people willing to open up and have a difficult and philosophical conversation about issues they care deeply about. UPCC would be delighted to work with MN RCRC again.
February 2012
Alex Robertson, Campus Organizer, talks about the first Campus Representative Training of 2012.
Biannually, the NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota Campus Representatives gather in St. Paul to have a day of training. During these gatherings, we partake in training activities, such as political updates, formulating talking points, and program highlights; however, we also get to have a little fun role playing with anti-choice rhetoric and brainstorming event ideas. This January we had the privilege of meeting on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In light of this historical day, we celebrated the "birthday” of reproductive rights with story time. The Campus Representatives shared their personal stories, pro-choice roots and described what got them involved in the pro-choice movement. One individual said, "I’ve always been pro-choice, but now I am actively pro-choice.” That sentiment undoubtedly resonated with the group.
In a world where being a pro-choice activist is met with overwhelming resistance and rage, it is wonderful to remember that we are not alone. Whether a silent majority or participants in political action, the pro-choice movement is here to stay; a day with dedicated NARAL Campus Reps is the perfect reminder!
January 2012
From University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus Representative, Kerry Green:
The University Pro-Choice Coalition at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has had a full semester on campus engaging students in reproductive rights activism! One of our stand-out events was a showing of the HBO documentary 12th and Delaware,which is a great, eye-opening film about crisis pregnancy centers. We co-sponsored the event with five other student and community groups, including the Women's Student Activist Collective, Medical Students for Choice and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice! We had a great turn-out and a discussion after the film about the negative effects of crisis pregnancy centers in our community, and the great things we can do to in turn advocate for a woman's right to access all options when faced with an unexpected pregnancy.
Another event we featured was the kick-off of our new"Coffee and Choice" discussion series. For this event, I presented a short lecture about the work of reproductive justice movements (such as the amazing work by the national organization SisterSong), and facilitated a discussion among students and community members about how the framework of reproductive justice movements can transform our pro-choice politics. This was an exciting and pivotal event for me personally, as I had the opportunity to share some of the research I have been doing for my senior project with other reproductive rights advocates, and have inspiring and critical conversation about our activism.
As I graduated in December and am moving on to different things, I will look back at my time with NARAL as a vital part of my own development as an activist. The people I've met, the education and training I've received, and the opportunities to engage with other young people about important issues of reproductive freedom have been invaluable. Thank you for being part of this amazing community, and Happy New Year to all!
December 2011
From Saint Cloud State University Campus Representative, Katie Carter:
SCSU Students for Choice organized the 2011 Hand Print Project on October 17th, 2011 to October 19th,2011, in which students wrote their name on a paper hand print to represent a pledge to neither tolerate sexual violence nor condone it with their silence. At the Students for Choice weekly meetings, we cut 250 differently colored and shaped hand prints. We then set up a table and cork board with the pledge in the campus’ main lounge area. By the end of the third day of tabling we had 197Hand Print Pledges! When we started the project we simply wanted people to take a stand against sexual violence, but by the end of the project we heard many personal stories from survivors of sexual violence, and read words of encouragement, thoughts, reflections and commitments to end sexual violence. We will be displaying the board at the Vagina Monologues in February.
November 2011
From Winona State University Campus Representative, Christina Kirt:
Tis’ the college season, and to kick it off, a student representative at Winona State University has collaborated with another student group Sexual Health Awareness Group (SHAG) to reach out to the college bars around our campus. They decided they need to be proactive to prevent the spread of STIs and unintended pregnancies, so WSU-NARAL has partnered with the Semcac Clinic to create a sexual health "intervention.” NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota and SHAG members will be patrolling the downtown streets with condoms and information to keep students’ college experiences fun and SAFE!
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