I’ve been at Planned Parenthood for eight years now. And I’ve been an activist my whole life. So when I say that the constant attacks and disturbing news for women, for rights, for whole communities over the last few weeks — and months, and years, really — are utterly devastating, that’s saying a lot.And yet…and yet…despite the terrible news, it might surprise you to know that I’ve never been more hopeful. Stick with me here — I’ve got darn good reasons.But first, Carmen, I want to tell you why I’m writing today. Truth is, this is the time of year when I ask you to donate, and it’s just about the most important time to give.
Right now is when we make our plans for the next year. The money we raise
this month determines our course for all of 2015.
So, I’m counting on my reasons for hope being your reasons for hope — and your reasons to give.You could say that it all comes down to these two (very tall) young men, Eladio and Robert. I met them in North Carolina, where they were canvassing. They drove an hour and a half to Raleigh each way, each day to knock on doors and talk about health care access and reproductive rights. Why? Because, they told me, it’s not enough to complain about what’s wrong. Planned Parenthood Federation of America gives them a chance to DO something about it.These two young men are remarkable. But they’re not alone. Far from it! Everywhere I go, I meet young people who are taking back this world of ours.Who see a chance for change, for good — and I’m so deeply proud to say they see it in Planned Parenthood.After a pretty depressing election for many of them and in the face of increasing attacks on women and rights, these young people are bringing astonishing hopefulness and energy and indomitable will to their volunteer and organizing work with Planned Parenthood. And lest you think it’s always been this way, it hasn’t.
This is new. This is different. This is what hope looks like.Oh — and then there’s Texas. My home state has dealt just about the rawest deal to women I can imagine. You know — you’ve been with us through the few ups and many, many downs. But get this: Today we will cut the ribbon on a brand new health center in Dallas, TX. Because you cannot keep this organization, this movement, this family down.
Hope? Damn straight. They can try to limit access to affordable birth control and safe and legal abortion. They can push for dangerous laws that will roll back our rights. They can try to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers for good. All of these threats are all too real, and daunting indeed. They’re what we’re facing in 2015. We know this: Opponents of women’s health will try, again and again and again to keep women from getting the care they need.But here’s what else I know: Across the country, we’ve kept our doors open, no matter what, every day for more than 90 years and nothing,
nothing, can stop us.Because we’ve got Eladio and Robert. Because we’ve got thousands of other young people who are stepping up like never before. And because, of course, we’ve got you. You and your unending support.
Good reasons to hope? You bet. Good reasons to give? I’m counting on it. Literally! Thank you so much for believing in us, believing in these young people, and believing in hope today. Your support means the world to me, and to us.
Be a Seed for Change 
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