“Women need all of us working together”
Planned Parenthood of the Greater Northwest ran a full-page ad in the Seattle Times today, urging its supporters to support their continued partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
I’ve talked to a lot people over the past few days, many of them long-time Komen supporters. We’re grappling with the same questions: How do I feel about the Komen/Planned Parenthood/political debacle? Should I continue supporting them? How will my decision affect the women served by Komen-funded programs in my community?
Komen isn’t the only organization I give time or money to. Over the years I’ve supported a number of local causes, almost always because I have a personal connection to their mission: SAMA Foundation because I’ve seen how teen drug addiction rips apart a family, March of Dimes because both my children were born prematurely, National MS Society, Powerful Schools, the list goes on.
But few have resonated with me in the way the Puget Sound Affiliate of Komen has. I believe in their mission. I’ve seen the results of the work they do, the support they’ve provided my family, friends and colleagues. And contrary to some opinions, they are one of the financially leanest organizations I know.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very frustrated at the way grant policy changes were decided, implemented and communicated. But I’ve spent the past 15 years working with the Affiliate and I don’t see myself walking away because of this. I am, however, thinking of ways I can support them locally without supporting Komen national.
To all you past Komen supporters, how are you feeling?
