While an article printed in your magazine sparked outrage from some, it has also sparked some grassroots efforts. Curtis Grimstead decided to take the criticism leveled at women and turn it into gold with a $25 donation to Planned Parenthood (http://www.plannedparenthood.org) and a challenge for each of you at RVA and everyone else in Richmond to do the same.

The response has been beautiful with a couple of dozen upset community members stepping up to the challenge immediately. RVA's own John Reinhold has now joined in the efforts: "...here is my donation to Planned Parenthood... Turning this into something positive is what is most important to me." And support is still growing!

But there's more at stake here in Virginia. The Virginia General assembly is currently in session and voting on laws that directly effect organizations like Planned Parenthood. This Friday, January 27th, 2012, the Virginia Board of Health will hold a public hearing about permanent restrictive regulations for women’s health centers like Planned Parenthood. Getting 500 donators by Friday would send a powerful message regarding what Richmond residence actually care about.

RVA Magazine, we are asking each of you to match those donations with $25 donations of your own. Prove that women's rights and reproductive health are not satire, but rather a cause you and your readership support. Get the message out. Post a message on your site urging your readership to donate or to attend the hearing this Friday (http://www.coalitionforwomenshealth.org/events/publichearing.shtml). Help bring the community together rather than dividing us.

For more information on the RVA article, see Jezebel's article with the original RVA article's text here:
http://jezebel.com/5878440/did-you-know-uggs-mean-you-have-chlamydia

For more information on the public hearing this Friday:
http://www.coalitionforwomenshealth.org/events/publichearing.shtml

For more information on Planned Parenthood and to donate:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org

500 Richmond Residents for Reproductive Rights: 
http://www.facebook.com/events/257233994349013/