Give the Gift of Love!

It seems that my blog post from November never posted to the site…interesting, so bear with me as I attempt to recollect the events of November.

In conjunction with the V-Warriors and Allies, we sponsored the Safe-Sex Campaign/Kinky Crafting two weeks in to November. Going along with our theme for our Panthers for Planned Parenthood, we wanted this event to emphasize our attempt to remove the taboo associated with the usage of contraceptives. To effectively convey this, we allotted students condoms, along with art supplies such as paint, feathers, sequins, and glitter to create safe-sex themed art. I was worried we wouldn’t have much of a turnout, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! We had at least twenty or thirty students come out to support our cause. To say the least, the event was a success. Also, I’d like to thank you to our architecture pal Nick Fish for tagging our Safe Sex photo backdrop.

I can’t say we had the same success with our Juno movie night in the last of November. Our turnout totaled three. Quite disappointing, really. I’d say we probably should have advertised a bit more, because I feel like our free condoms, Twizzlers, and Sunny D would have drawn in quite the crowd. And it probably didn’t help that we held the event the day students returned after Thanksgiving Break. But this was only a minor setback; we’ve learned that we need to prepare more in terms of advertising our events and next time, the same won’t happen.

Alright. On to December. World AIDS Day served as this semester’s final event. We wanted to celebrate the holiday season, so we thought it’d be neat to make those close pin reindeer like the ones everyone made in elementary school for Christmas ornaments. The reindeer were our cutesy was of hanging the condoms from our Christmas tree in commons. I’m fairly certain everyone got a kick out of them. I think a few of my housemates even made a few clever slogans for the condom reindeer like “Give the gift of love this holiday season” and “Wrap your Christmas presents”.

Anyhow, Wiemar proposed we answer some questions in response to this semester is Summit, so here it goes:

Q: What events have taken place at the agency have you have volunteered for and how have you assisted this month?

A: Our events this semester haven’t been directly through Planned Parenthood, but rather and extension of their message, and ours, to remove the social stigma associated with sexual education and the use of contraceptives. In November and December our events – the Kinky Crafting/Safe Sex Campaign, Juno movie night, and World AIDS Day all communicate our emphasis upon this theme.

Q: As we end the semester, what have been your best experiences and toughest experiences with your partnership agency?

A: It has been exceedingly difficult to communicate with Planned Parenthood throughout the semester. At the same time, I feel they are very excited that we have created a chapter of Planned Parenthood on Drury’s campus.

Q: How do you see your group project evolving into the spring semester now that you have one semester under your belt?

A: I think that in the spring semester we will be more involved in off-campus events with Planned Parenthood, especially with the Roe vs. Wade anniversary fast approaching.

Q: What skills have you gained or improved this semester that came directly out of being part of the Summit Leadership Experience?

A: My confidence in speaking with strangers has definitely been influenced by our on-campus events, particularly the lunchtime Ovarian Cancer Awareness and World AIDS Day booths.

Q: As we end the Wellness Program, and Stress Free Now, what have been the highlights –low and high – of this program and what would you suggest for the future if this is continued?

A: I especially enjoyed the weekly events – the yoga, tai chi, and massage session. On the other hand, the online meditation work was quite cheesy. I’ve done meditation work before, and have never found it quite this ridiculous and laughable.

Q: What are you looking forward to over the winter break?

A: Sleep. Quite the original answer, yes, I know. Actually, I took a glassblowing classes over the summer and would very much enjoy taking a few more over break. Also, Elyse and possibly Stephanie will be visiting St. Louis for New Years to hang out with Amanda, Kevin, and me. It should be a great time.

Have a Happy Holidays everyone!

Laura Jean