|
KRCRC defines the public advocacy of reproductive rights as its central purpose.
We work in many political arenas. We maintain contact with our legislators all through the year. During the legislative session, we inform our grassroots network about proposed laws on matters related to reproduction and encourage them to communicate with their representatives. By transporting pro-choice advocates to Frankfort, joining with ally organizations in demonstrations, and individual lobbying, we remind legislators that support for reproductive rights in Kentucky is deep and broad. Representatives of KRCRC also work to influence local government, for example by speaking at the hearings held by the Public Safety Committee of the Louisville Metro Council on a possible buffer zone in front of the EMW Clinic. Members of our board also participate in the fight for universal healthcare, Louisville Sex Education Now, and work as clinic escorts at the EMW Clinic. Sometimes our advocacy takes the form of organizing public rallies. Twice in 2017 we have rallied, in collaboration with sister organizations, in support of EMW Women's Surgical Center, Kentucky's sole remaining abortion clinic. Lobbying KRCRC collaborates with the American Civil Liberties Union/Reproductive Health Project, League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women and other organizations to lobby Kentucky legislators regarding reprodutive health and reproductive choice issues. The entire KRCRC community can be mobilized to send e-mails, letters and telephone calls to legislators when needed. Every February we join with ACLU and Planned Parenthood to lobby and rally on Reproductive Rights Lobby Day in the Capitol Rotunda. Escorting At the EMW Women's Surgical Clinic in Louisville (now Kentucky's ONLY abortion clinic), anti-choice protesters harass incoming patients every morning the clinic is open (Tuesdays through Saturday). No patient should have to walk through their cruel gauntlet alone. Volunteer clinic escorts are there every morning (Tuesdays through Saturdays, the clinic's open days) to walk with these patients past this gauntlet. If you are interested in becoming a clinic escort, visit everysaturdaymorning.net for information, and email your interest to everysaturdaymorning@gmail.com. Roe v. Wade Annual Commemoration Every January, KRCRC sponsors an annual commemoration to mark another year of safe and legal reproductive services due to the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Year by year, the event takes different forms: sometimes a vigil, sometimes a relevant movie or discussion panel, sometimes a reproductive justice fair. This event is attended by people throughout the state who are invested in preserving safe, legal and comprehensive reproductive services for women. State Fair Booth Every August, KRCRC staffs our "Pro-Faith, Pro-Family, PRO-CHOICE" booth all eleven days of the Kentucky State Fair. This is our way of maintaining visibility and reaching people from throughout the state who come to Louisville only once a year. We engage in conversation, educate using our "Spinning Wheel of Reproductive Knowledge", and invite people to join the KRCRC community. Staffing the fair booth takes MANY volunteers, working two-person shifts. Would you be able to take a shift? Contact info@krcrc.org to offer to help! Counseling Those coping with a problem pregnancy may choose to meet with a clergy person trained to provide all-options counseling. These clergy support women in finding a path through a problem pregnancy that is right for her and her family. Clergy do not judge nor do they try to persuade women to pursue one option over another. For clergy counseling referral, contact us at info@krcrc.org. Clergy Training If you are a member of the clergy and would like to offer all-options counseling to women and families coping with problem pregnancy, please consider attending a training session and joining the growing list of clergy making themselves available. To become an all-options counselor, contact us. Outreach Since it began, KRCRC has worked to reach out beyond its Louisville beginnings. Our volunteers are available to meet with individuals or groups throughout the state, where there is interest in starting to organize. It only takes a few individuals to begin a group. KRCRC can provide a resource person, a speaker, a discussion facilitator, a workshop, a video, publications, etc. Some members throughout the state have sponsored a KRCRC booth at county fairs or at school, church or community events. If you would like to connect with others in your area, contact us to see if we can help. |
|
|
