NMU students concerned with promoting sexual health can become involved with Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX), an organization concerned with reproductive health awareness and rights for college students and the Marquette community.

The group’s goal is to support the local Planned Parenthood health centers and mobilize students to speak out for reproductive rights and access to reproductive health services, said group President Lyndsay Mercier, a senior psychology major.

The group tries to accomplish this goal by holding fun and informational activities on campus, she added.

Mercier said hanging out with other members and helping others become more sexually aware are rewarding aspects of being involved with VOX.

“My favorite memories from being a member of VOX are the fun events I have been a part of, as well as just being able to help so many of our peers learn more about their sexual health,” she said.

VOX works hand in hand with Planned Parenthood of Marquette, Mercier said.

“If Planned Parenthood representatives are working on a campaign nationally, our group at NMU can do our own part on campus on behalf of that campaign,” said Mercier.

Along with doing charity work in the Marquette area and hosting showings of controversial films on campus, the group has hosted “The Vagina Monologues,” which has been featured at NMU several times in the past. The production will return to campus March 21-22.

VOX will offer “A Condom and a Cookie” this Valentine’s Day in Jamrich. Members will hand out baked goods with a wrapped condom attached so students can enjoy a safe and fun Valentine’s Day, Mercier said.

Additionally, the group is hoping to bring back “Sex in the Dark,” where students will have the opportunity to ask a panel of health professionals sexual questions while remaining anonymous.

Meetings are held every Monday at 7 p.m. in the UC. For more information students can contact president Mercier at [email protected].

–Danielle Brandreth