Elaine Taylor-Klaus oral history interview, May 22, 2009

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: Taylor-KlausE_20090522

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Morna Gerrard. Taylor-Klaus begins her second oral history by further discussing her work with Georgians for Choice, particularly in relation to other groups, including NOW and GARAL, and also in relation to the minorities in the movement at that time. She goes on to describe her work for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s Southern Region Office, including details about her work during the Summer Siege in Baton Rouge and the relationships and contrasts between the different Southeastern affiliates. She then discusses deeply emotional experiences volunteering for the Women in Need Fund. After leaving the Fund, Taylor-Klaus taught pregnancy yoga at the Pierce Yoga Program and she talks about her time as a teacher as well as sharing her own labor and pregnancy journey, before describing her role in the Georgia Governor’s Council on Maternal and Infant Health. She ruminates on the essential traits needed to be a productive activist and gives advice about the importance of securing a solid education and a distinct career path before growing a family. Taylor-Klaus finishes her oral history by discussing her more recent projects including developing the Edison Garden subdivision for her family, and her newfound love for life coaching and blogging.

Dates

Creation: May 22, 2009

Creator

Taylor-Klaus, Elaine (Interviewee, Person)

Restriction on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Elaine Taylor-Klaus has followed a lifelong mission to pursue justice and empowerment. Born 1964 as a third generation Atlantan, Taylor-Klaus attended Wesleyan College and proceeded to become a CORO fellow in New York. After completing her education, she focused on women’s rights issues, particularly family planning and choice. She did so by serving on the NYC Commission on the Status of Women, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Governor’s Council for Maternal and Infant Health for the state of Georgia. One of Taylor-Klaus’ most notable acts for the Pro- Choice movement was her creation of one of the largest independent PACs in Georgia, Vote Choice. After marrying David and having three children with ADHD, Elaine turned her activism to Public Health and families with children with learning disabilities. Taylor-Klaus is the co-founder of ImpactADHD, a resource for parents raising children with ADHD. Recently, she created Touchstone Coaching with her husband and business partner.