Castleton graduate Karsen Woods was recognized for her advocacy work on a state-wide level as she was named one of Planned Parenthood Vermont IE PAC’s Choice Champions for her extraordinary commitment and contributions towards advancing reproductive and sexual health rights and freedoms in the state of Vermont. The Choice Champion award honors the work of elected representatives, volunteers, donors, supporters, and community members in protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care throughout the state.
“We are proud to recognize Karsen Woods for her work in founding an effective and award-winning Generation Action Team at Castleton University and for advising both staff and campus leaders across the state on how to best grow Planned Parenthood activism amongst college students,” said the Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund IE PAC, Lucy Leriche.
Woods graduated from Castleton in May of 2017 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. During her time on campus, she established Castleton Generation Action as a final project in her senior seminar, Political Action in the Media, with Professor Sanjukta Ghosh.
“There were many requirements, lots of research, and tons of reward that went into the project itself. I continued to make connections with local Vermont leaders, tapped into their resources and supported the club's growth,” said Woods.
In founding Castleton’s Generation Action chapter, Woods worked closely with the Student Government Association, the Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund, and Planned Parenthood Generation Action to establish the club and generate members. The club has since continued to grow and flourish on campus.
“Castleton Generation Action is just one piece to the grand scheme of advocacy, activism, and awareness that our country needs,” explained Woods. “If there is one person in the world that gets inspired, that seeks care, or that learns something from any of the messages I put out into the world, then I have done my job.”
Since graduating, Woods has continued to act as a club advisor and has recently taken on a volunteer position as a leadership coordinator for all of Vermont's Generation Action chapters including Middlebury College, University of Vermont, Bennington College and Castleton University.
On Tuesday, October 24, Woods was honored for her distinction at the Planned Parenthood Vermont IE PAC Sex, Politics and Cocktails fundraising event.
“To say this recognition is humbling is a massive understatement. I'm being recognized for doing what I'm supposed to do, what I said I would do, and what I've made a commitment to continue to do,” said Woods. “It feels good to take a minute to pat myself on the back, but then it's back to work.”