December 2007 |
 From the desk of Kelli Conlin, President
It has been quite a year. The April 18 Supreme Court decision to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban was a stark reminder that we cannot count on our rights being protected at the federal level. We rallied on the streets of New York that day, but our action didn’t end there. This court decision mobilized Governor Eliot Spitzer to introduce the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act (RHAPP), a bill that would secure New York women’s right to choose for generations to come, as well as allow our state to serve as a safe haven for women across the country. NARAL Pro-Choice New York and other advocacy organizations have been working diligently to get this bill passed. We’ve been taking local initiatives to target anti-choice senators in New York and ask them, “Do you support New York’s Roe?” We are adding co-sponsors every day and will enter 2008 strongly advocating for this bill. Now that the New Year is arriving, there’s much work to be done, not only for the RHAPP Act, but for the upcoming elections. The political heat is rising, and we need to put choice at the forefront for 2008. To ‘08 victories! Happy holidays to you and your family.
For Choice,
Kelli Conlin |
‘Tis the Season to be Pro-Choice: Our 2008 Holiday Gift Guide
Amid the holiday chaos, the NARAL Pro-Choice New York staff thought it appropriate to put together a gift guide for your pro-choice pleasure. If you want to give a savvy yet thought-provoking gift to a fellow pro-choice loved one, we’ve got the goods.
For the movie buff
For those lazy Sundays when all you want to do is curl up on a couch and watch some of your favorite movies with a message.
Education of Shelby Knox
Now this is a pro-choice movie. Growing up in the conservative town of Lubbock, Texas, Shelby Knox tries to implement comprehensive sex education in her school. We can only guess she has some challenges.
Dirty Dancing
No, it’s not a film that focuses on choice per se, but it sure has some strong pro-choice messages. And the fact that it addresses serious issues like choice and class while being able to so brilliantly display Patrick Swayze’s dancing skills in tight jeans is what makes the film so inspirational. And we like that.
Vera Drake
This is a classic and wonderful (yet upsetting) film about a selfless woman whose choice to help women in need ends up turning on her amid a world of ignorance.
Dogma
We had to put at least one humorous flick in here. The witty Kevin Smith directed this satirical film about a woman with a special heritage working at an abortion clinic, and takes components of different religions to create a hilarious yet meaningful modern Biblical story.
Children Underground
You’ll need some tissues for this one. This is based on Romanian dictator Nicolei Ceaucescu’s outlawing of contraception in the hopes to increase his nation’s population, which only ends in total devastation. (We hope those who support the same policy in America take note.)
For the sex ed supporter
Pillpaks
So chic. If you’re taking birth control, why not carry them in style? Pillpaks are not only fancily-patterned birth control cases, but come with an alarm to remind you when to take your pill. After all, who wouldn’t want an American flag birth control case?
Birth control stationery
Moxie and the Compound birth control stationery writes, “Even when you aren’t sure what to write, you can make a statement with stationery.” This is too cute for words.
Condom compact
Be safe and savvy! These personal condom cases allow you to carry protection for yourself or friends who need it, but in a really stylish and fun way.
For the pro-choice reader
Magazine subscriptions - This is a great gift because it's something you don't necessarily need, but would want and not normally get for yourself. Whether your friend likes the glossy Glamour or the brazen BUST, giving them a quick read on the subway or in the tub will last them through the new year.
Books for Choice
Who wouldn’t want a good pro-choice read curled up by the fire, maybe or relaxing in a bubble bath? You can check out the pro-choice reading list we gave you this summer, or give a loved one our other favorites like How the Pro-Choice Movement Saved America, or if you want to go international, Global Prescriptions: Gendering Health and Human Rights is a great read that discusses the politics involved in the fight for sexual and reproductive rights amidst rapidly growing economic globalization. Intense, we know.
For pro-choice mommies
Babywit - They have tons of great, outspoken baby onesies and t-shirts that say things like “future activist” on the front. All at the same time now: *Awwww!* And here’s a good old “Pro-Choice Mom” t-shirt to match your activist baby. Hooray for pro-choice families! |  |
We hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s Pro-Choice Holiday Gift Guide. Use these gifts in good holiday spirit!
Now THIS is a Party
Let’s face it; the general assumption these days is that young people are politically apathetic, unaware and uninvolved. Boy, are they wrong.
The Young Professionals’ Council for Choice (YPCC) is a group of young women who have decided to pep up the meaning of pro-choice activism by celebrating reproductive rights literally. Because who wouldn’t want to support a great cause and get your party on at the same time?
Their kick-off cocktail event at Bungalow 8 in New York City was quite the event of the town. They sold out the event (over 200 tickets!) and raised thousands of dollars for NARAL Pro-Choice New York and the National Institute for Reproductive Health. Not to mention, it was quite the awesome party the place was beautiful, the people were engaged, the music was awesome, and everyone enjoyed our signature “Safe Sex on the Beach” cocktails!
YPCC founder and NARAL Pro-Choice New York Development Associate Abby Sugrue says:
“The right to choose is a serious issue, but it doesn’t have to mean that raising awareness and necessary funds can’t be a good time. There is a general thought that young people are apathetic about the issue of choice but our kickoff cocktail event proved that, not only are they interested, they’re looking for ways to become more involved.”
Indeed. Check out their website for more info about this fabulous group of women and for upcoming events!
Our Ultimate Gift of Choice
Now that we’ve offered our pro-choice expertise on gift-giving, why not give the gift that really does keep on giving:
Make a year-end donation to NARAL Pro-Choice New York in honor of someone you know and love (or at least like), and help build the future of the pro-choice movement.
A contribution to NARAL Pro-Choice New York makes a super holiday gift for someone who would probably appreciate it more than yet another box of chocolate. It’s also a great gift for that certain someone you just have no idea what to get!
We all know 2008 is going to be a crucial year for freedom of choice, so there is probably no better way to end 2007 than with the hope and inspiration that comes from a forward-looking New Year’s gift for 2008. As we gear up for the huge election battles coming up, we will need all the support we can get for pro-choice victories throughout the country, and you can help make these victories happen!
Whether it’s for a Roe of our Own, defeating anti-choice legislation at the state level, or organizing for pro-choice electoral victories across the nation, we need you to join with us to make these victories happen. And the best way to kick off this exciting political year would be by making a contribution to NARAL Pro-Choice New York in honor of your favorite people. And since you can’t get them an iPhone for $25, might as well make it a gift that they’ll really care about and remember.
Click here to give a gift.
Happy Holidays to you, your friends and family from all of us here at NARAL Pro-Choice New York. Onward to victory in 2008!
| A Few Choice Words Staff |
Vanessa Valenti, Writer
Mary Alice Carr, Editor |
