Wow. I can’t believe my internship with the New Orleans Abortion Fund is coming to a close. This summer has gone by so fast, probably because of all that was packed into it. From the first public OutLoud event, to intimate story sharing house parties, to NOAF’s first canvass, I’ve learned so much and gained experience I couldn’t have gotten any other way.
In my role as OutLoud coordinator for NOAF OutLoud story sharing events, I’ve gained skills in event planning, logistical organization, and facilitation. By guiding discussions and presenting the stories of people with abortion experiences in an open and accessible way, I’ve gained leadership skills while learning from their stories myself. My internship has also given me invaluable experience working with a non-profit, something I plan to do in my future career. I’ve gained so much learning from Amy and the other NOAF members, planning and attending events, and escorting at the Women’s Health Clinic. While reproductive rights and justice have always been passions of mine, this experience has opened my eyes to all I can actually do to make a difference. I’ve expanded my knowledge to include so much more about policy, the important players in Louisiana, how NOAF operates and the experiences of women who everyday fight to receive the healthcare access they need.
I plan to continue attending NOAF events and escorting at the clinic as much as I can. I hope to be involved in Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice work in some capacity in the future, whether its working in non-profits like NOAF or simply continuing to learn, share and fight for those rights. Having the right to abortion care is useless if you don’t have access due to intersecting oppressions of race, class, and gender. I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved in this work to move past thinking about it, and get out there! Join clubs at Tulane like Students United for Reproductive Justice, and reach out to organization you’d like to work with. NOAF is looking for people to host OutLoud story sharing parties with their peers, a great way to contribute to a movement of sharing, accepting and advocating for reproductive rights.