I rarely use this blog to comment on political issues but this week I found my self sitting in front of my computer outraged at the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s decision to de-fund Planned Parenthood. Like millions of women (and men) I took to social media to express my dismay and make a donation to Planned Parenthood to support their efforts to provide low-income and uninsured women with access to life-saving cancer screenings.
I woke up Friday morning to read the news of Susan G. Komen Foundation’s change of heart. My first reaction? Elation. Elation that millions of women (and little ‘ole me) decided to rabble rouse and not sit quietly while yet another avenue for low-cost health care was eliminated. Millions of women (and little ‘ole me) were ready to vote with our feet and not just hit Susan G. Komen’s wallet but yank our dollars from their corporate sponsors as well.
I was reminded that advocacy really works and that it’s worth using your voice to save the things you care about.
4 Comments
Great reminder that we have a voice and when we speak up change can happen!!
The Well Behaved Women quote was from Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in 1976, well after Monroe’s death.
I was absolutely outraged as well, and I am glad they had a change of heart. But, do I forgive them? No. I think that every company should sort customer’s opinion before making such a strategic move. It compromises my belief in their system. I for one will be sending my donations directly to Planned Parenthood.
Blessing, I feel the same way. Even though SGKF reversed their decision, to me it speaks fundamentally about what this organization believes. To say I am disappointed in them is an understatement. It’s unthinkable that they could be so tone deaf to their constituency. It goes to show you what happens when organizations lose sight of their stakeholders. I think they will continue to feel the pain of their decision for a long time.