February 2011 Meeting Minutes

Hey Voxers, new and old! I'm going to be posting our meeting minutes for the Spring semester, so here's a run-down of what we've accomplished so far.

Also, our meetings for this year will be in Cabell 234 at 7 pm every week. Except for tomorrow (March 1), when we'll be joining FIFE for their weekly meeting at 7:30 in Newcomb 389 to discuss the recent legislation in Congress related to funding Planned Parenthood.

And now for the minutes!

February 22

We have a date/time/location for Sexual Arts and Crafts! Yay! April 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the Green Room at Runk!

In less pleasant news, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pence Amendment on February 18th, 240-185, which wants to deny all federal funding for Planned Parenthood -- not just for abortions, but also for HIV testing, birth control, cancer screenings, STI treatment, and many more preventative services. The House voted overwhelmingly along party lines, which allowed it to be passed.... if the Senate votes the same way, it should NOT pass, but we shall see ...

If passed, the Pence amendment would cut finding for family planning and preventative services, which are the vast majority of the services that Planned Parenthood provides. These services are mostly utilized by uninsured and lower socioeconomic bracket individuals, so cutting funding would really hurt them. Three million people would be at risk of losing out on these preventative services if this bill passes the Senate. Again, abortions comprise only 3% of Planned Parenthood's services!!

Vox members -- we will try to flyer in the next couple weeks -- if you're computer graphically gifted, consider making a flyer to put up around Grounds to alert students about what's happening!

For more information, click!

Sign Planned Parenthood's open letter to the U.S. Congress, encouraging the Senate to vote down the Pence Amendment!

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February 15

Sexual Arts and Crafts!

• We would like a number of other CIOs represented, including the Peer Health Educators, a queer organization such as QSU or Sigma Omicron Rho, a domestic violence awareness groups such as SARA or SAFE, and more!
• Tables about birth control, breast self exams
• A table on CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Centers), educating people about other options, information from the NARAL study
• Political advocacy -- writing letters to U.S. representatives
• Possibly an Easter Egg hunt?
• Condom station (condom races, OPRAH method)
• Food -- chocolate lollipops, cookie decorating
• Trivia -- for goodie bag prizes
• Event theme -- carnival? Circus ring? Other ideas

Vox members -- think about what you'd like to be in charge of for Sexual Arts and Crafts, and bring friends to help out! :)

Also, get ready for a possible movie night after Spring Break!

And congrats to Anna, who is taking over presidential duties! :)

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That's all, folks! Stay tuned for more Vox news! :)

-Margaret