I am a 28-year-old, finally, pursuing my undergraduate degree after losing my career due to sexual discrimination. I have decided that I want to work in the field of Womyn's Health, but less traditional areas (ie AIDS, Abortions, Fertility, etc). I am pretty sure that I don't want to be a doctor, but possibly to advocacy work, or maybe even eventually go to law school, or open a clinic one day. I would like to begin working in the field, possibly in a clinic. I don't mind starting at entry level, although I have ten years of work experience, mostly in supervisor/management positions, however, I am supporting myself and need to make a certain income. Any suggestions on where to look for work, or what types of positions I should look for? I was thinking of sending my resume with a general cover letter to a few health clinics in Chicago, where I live. I don't know if this is a good place to start? Could you point me in the right starting direction? Thanks, Jen

Thanks for your note. It is so inspiring to see you pursuing exactly what you want to. I know far too many people who are doing what they think they should be doing or doing something that they thought they wanted to be doing, but things changed.

Anyway, there are some great places for you to start looking in Chicago. In fact, Chicago was home to the Jane Collective, an underground abortion referral service and later abortion provider from the late sixites, early seventies. There are also a few great women whom I know through my work who live in Chicago and work in that field--specifically, Toni Bond and Marcia Love (I'm might have the last name mixed up.) But Toni is with something the effect of the Chicago Women's Abortion Fund. There is also the Chicago Women's Health Center. I'm sure there is also a NARAL chapter (National Abortion Rights Action League) and certainly a local Planned Parenthood. I would suggest calling these places and see what positions they have available. These are all pretty small organizations, so just getting your foot in the door---as an intern, a receptionist--is likely to lead to other things. Also, this the best way to see what is available to you. For instance, if you want to start a clinic, what is involved--a degree in public health, experience in an existing clinic, etc....

I hope that helps. Good luck -- and congratulations for doing what you want to.

—Amy