Last week, I spent four days in the nation’s capital with a few hundred young people in pink for PPFA’s 2013 Youth Organizing and Policy Conference. Most of the college-aged attendees were active leaders in their VOX chapters, campus health centers, and similar campus organizations. Also in attendance were young volunteers or interns, like ourselves, with their local Planned Parenthood or the D.C. office.

A lot happened and many influential people spoke, so I’ll try to stick to the highlights.

Wednesday evening kicked off with a few speakers and ended with a performance by Sonya Renee—slam poet and activist—who performed several empowering original works.

            

That night, I met my roommate, Katie from Alabama, who taught me what it’s like to be a liberal, progressive mind in an overwhelmingly conservative state and campus environment.     Thursday opened with a speech from Cecile Richards, the president of PPFA. It was Lobby Day, and a group of seven Pennsylvanian’s took over two representatives’ offices. The other state groups met with two or more congressmen and congresswomen to talk about the Affordable Care Act, Title X funding, and other state-specific issues. The PA group had a successful, albeit brief, meeting with Democrat Rep. Cartwright.  Next, we met with Republican Rep. Dent for about half-an-hour.  Rep. Dent has been a strong supporter, even crossing party lines to support Planned Parenthood’s mission.  Both meetings were positive and informative, while establishing good relations between our organization and their legislative office. Thursday also included a talk by California Rep. Linda Sanchez on being an unassuming female legislator.

            

Friday was full of a variety of presentations to choose from. The one I led with Corbin Knight-Dixon (Lead Outreach and Education Coordinator from PP Illinois), entitled “Sex Education and Advocacy in the Internet Age,” went splendidly. I feel lucky to have worked on and presented a workshop with him.        And Friday night closed with a dance party at DC9, where progressive hip-hop artist and beat box master Christylez Bacon performed for an hour, awing us with his talents of improvisation and spoon-playing.

            

Saturday morning included a tai-chi energizer led by Rosie Abriam and a brunch talk by Dawn Laguens, the Exec. Vice President of PPFA.

            

Overall, it was an incredible refreshing experience filled with strong, determined people that provided positive advice and encouragement from the reproductive justice community.

- AJ F., Harrisburg Health Center Advocacy Intern