As a student and twentysomething in the midst of a politically charged time in country and city, I recently decided to start noticing what I want to take a stand for–and how to do it effectively. Marches, demonstrations, and rallies are constantly happening in New York City, but busy students might not have the time to commit to them on the daily.
Thankfully, there are companies, like print shop Power & Light Press, dedicated not only to creating change through stylish products (and monetary contributions), but to spread the word about important issues, allowing you to be a walking advocate for the causes you care for. Now you can show your support by sporting a cute AND meaningful tote bag everyday!
As an all-female run company, Power & Light Press, based in New Mexico, has something to say in order to stop the negative stigma around Planned Parenthood’s services, taking to tote bags in order to advocate for Planned Parenthood. The organization first announced their bags on December 26th of 2016. Since then, they have been successfully raising awareness and money for PP.
One of the most prominent and controversial conversation in current American politics is centered around the female body. Following the election, Planned Parenthood, one of the nation’s leading sources for sexual education and reproductive health care, has been in danger of being defunded. It’s a common misconception that women’s health clinics, like Planned Parenthood, only provide abortion services, when in actuality, they’re so much more than that. PP works for women’s health, fundamental reproductive rights, and education outreach, positively influencing the lives of millions of women, men and teens worldwide every year. They provide services like affordable contraception, cervical cancer screenings & breast exams, LGBT services, and more, which otherwise may not be available to all who need it.
Power & Light Press has pledged to donate all profits from the $15 canvas totes directly to Planned Parenthood, and the company has made a donations totalling over $70,000 so far.
The Power & Light Press bags read: I went to Planned Parenthood and all I got was a breast exam, a pap smear, physical exam, std testing and treatment, information and counseling about my sexual and reproductive health, cancer screenings, a pregnancy test, prenatal services, and access to affordable birth control. #istandwithPP #wewontgoback.
With this simple statement, Power & Light Press takes a stand for the various services that Planned Parenthood stands for and refuses for it to be undermined and labeled ‘an abortion clinic’ when its programs are so far reaching and much more commonplace than its reputation allows.
Wearing your activism provides the benefits of more than making a financial impact on programs that may need it; they make people look, start a conversation, and spread the word.\
Images:
1) Photo courtesy of Lorie Shaull
2) Photo courtesy of Julia Gold