Volunteer opportunities to increase access to contraception?

June 20, 2009 4:09 PM

I want to volunteer my time/talents to an organization that helps women get access to contraception and family planning education.

I know about Planned Parenthood and the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. Any other ideas? I'm in Philly.

posted by stupidsexyFlanders to Education (4 answers total)

I don't have any specific ideas for you, but in case nobody else does either, I suggest you check out Idealist. They have volunteer and virtual volunteer listings, as well as a list of organizations and programs. Hopefully this will be a useful resource for you!
posted by necessitas at 5:36 PM on June 20, 2009

I heard Aimee Thorne-Thompsen from the Pro-Choice Public Education Project speak at a conference last year and she was wonderful. This page has some suggestions for how to get involved.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 5:58 PM on June 20, 2009

Reproductive health organizations:
Advocates for Youth
SEICUS
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
National Abortion Federation
IPAS*
Family Health International*
Population Council
NARAL (Doesn't have a Pennsylvania affiliate: start one?)

There are a ton more if you want me to go on. But really, the main question I'd have (I work in reproductive health) would be what do you want to do? Policy? Outreach? Sex ed? Clinic escort? Even your health department or smaller local non-profits do education and outreach about contraceptives.

If you want to do sex ed, you could join the UU church. They have a fantastic sex ed program called "Our Whole Lives" that would be really fun to help out with.

Finally, I am not familiar with this organization, but it's in Philly:
Public Health Management Corporation. Here's a link to their programs to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Again, what do you want to do? There's a lot of possibilities, and narrowing it down will help you find the right match.


Memail me if you'd like to pick my brain.

*I have contacts there
posted by Stewriffic at 6:29 PM on June 20, 2009 [1 favorite]

Here ya go. Phillycentric.

Also, it looks like you have a program in the schools for pregnant and parenting teens.

Here's a list of family planning services in Philadelphia. (BTW, watch out for so-called "crisis" pregnancy centers.)
Here's a list of area sex ed programs.
Women's Law Project

Alternately, if you'd like to make the difference in one kid's life, be a mentor.

OK, I have to stop googling.
posted by Stewriffic at 6:44 PM on June 20, 2009