At Short Stack we find it important to give back to the community in any way we can—and so our “Organization of the Month” philanthropy project was birthed. This project allows us to give 1% of our sales each month to an awesome local organization that we strongly support for their amazing work in our community. Planned Parenthood WI was our chosen beneficiary for the month of December and we were able to get the inside scoop about some of the greatest needs of the organization (thanks Lori!). Inform and be informed. Continue reading below for more info about Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin.

What are the greatest needs of Planned Parenthood right now? Early in January Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced a proposal to end federal funding for patients accessing high quality preventive and essential care at Planned Parenthood health centers in Wisconsin and across the country. This ‘defunding’ proposal is a component of a larger effort to repeal Obamacare in a special budget bill that is to be in Congress before February 21. Contact Speaker Ryan’s office to tell him that the public needs and supports Planned Parenthood. Visit www.istandwithpp.org to learn how to take action on this important issue.

What services do you offer that people may not know about? We provide sex education for youth and also work with parents to help them feel more comfortable and confident when talking to their children about sex and relationships. We also reach out to Latino youth and adults through “home health parties,” which encourage families to discuss sexuality and healthy relationships.

What makes Planned Parenthood a community asset in Madison specifically? We want everyone to have the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to make smart choices about their sexual and reproductive health so they can lead healthy, productive lives.

What can individuals do to support Planned Parenthood’s mission? BE VISIBLE! Support us however you can – financially and/or take action, online or at local rallies.  #StandwithPP #WeWontGoBack. Write letters to the editor and contact your local elected officials and let them know you support PP.

Are current politics a threat to Planned Parenthood and if so, how can people make sure this potential threat is eliminated? By calling and emailing your elected officials that you are not supportive of defunding Planned Parenthood. Post your support of Planned Parenthood on your social media accounts. Speak Out Against Hate: Planned Parenthood’s patients are from all walks of life—immigrants, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ –and all deserve access to health care in a safe and welcoming place. Wherever you are, declare your rejection of hate and show that you believe every single person is deserving of respect, dignity, and equal rights under the law.

Is there anything else you would like to share?  We will never back down and we will never stop fighting to protect access to care that so many people depend on. That includes essential reproductive health care, abortion care and education.