Staying power. Let’s talk about what it takes.
The folks at Planned Parenthood Federation of America would know – they’ve been providing equitable access to reproductive healthcare for 109 years. A cool century. Now THAT’S staying power.
Margaret Sanger, her sister Ethel Byrne and Fania Mindell opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in October of 1916, in Brooklyn. If you want to see badassery personified, look these people up.
All three were arrested and jailed for distributing obscene materials. It didn’t stop them.
But if you want to have real staying power in this world, it takes more than abundant style and righteous tangling with law enforcement. I’ve come to believe that there are two key elements:
1) Deep, unwavering self-awareness: look at anyone who makes a name for themselves, touches people’s hearts or makes an impact on their community. They did that for themselves FIRST. They’re on their own team. That’s the source of the strength that allows them to give to others.
2) Steadfast dedication to the people you serve: not just for appearances. You understand their pain points and want to see them thrive. You don’t need them to be perfect, or do things perfectly. You see their humanity as a strength and understand your role in amplifying what makes them special.
It’s hard to find a more dedicated, self-aware organization than Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette.
Making these headshots of their team at their offices on NE MLK Blvd, I heard story after story of people starting as a volunteer at a clinic, falling in love with the mission and impact, and building a decade-long career of service to reproductive healthcare.
I’d ask these folks, “what gives you the confidence to know that Planned Parenthood will be here, helping the community, tomorrow?” And they all replied the same way …
“Because we have to. People are counting on us.”
Somehow, we don’t talk enough about what reproductive freedom enables for people. The revolution is already happening in our relationship with our own bodies. Dictating for ourselves how we’ll carry them into the future. It’s a century-long fight.
In Human Centric Media’s work, supporting and amplifying the leadership in others, I am so grateful to have role models like the people at Planned Parenthood. They lead with love.
And love always wins the day.
