Statewide Vox Conference

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, students from 12 campuses joined together in Orlando for the first ever statewide Vox leadership training and retreat.

Vox®: Voices for Planned Parenthood chapters on college campuses across Florida educate and mobilize college students and young adults in support of health care access and reproductive rights. Vox groups organize public events, educate their peers, support their local Planned Parenthood health centers, and mobilize students and other young people to speak out for reproductive rights and access to reproductive health care services.

This two-day training taught participants how to effectively maintain strong and viable Vox chapters.  The training started with a call to action – participants called their members of congress to ensure a vital “No” vote on the Stupak/Pitts Amendment scheduled for later that day. Affiliate staff members had presentations on recruitment, event planning, security, and other issues of importance to Vox chapters.  Breakout sessions allowed participants to network and strategize, while learning best practices.

All in all, the training was a resounding success!  Vox members returned to their campuses on Monday with new ideas and an even greater resolve to protect access to reproductive health care for all.

Vox members from 12 campuses across Florida meet in Orlando

Vox conference participants brainstorming during a breakout session.

From left: Karen Iglesias, Florida International University (FIU) Vox, Stephanie Kunkel, FAPPA Legislative & Field Director, Emily Caponetti, Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast Director of Political Affairs, Kari Vogler, FIU Vox

Kim Slote, Planned Parenthood of Collier County Director of Education & Advocacy with Casey Smith and Stephanie Johnson of Florida Gulf Coast University