When Olga Gorodetsky was growing up in Soviet Ukraine, talking about politics was discouraged, protesting was impossible.

Today, she spends much of her life advocating for social change and teaching her daughter, Tali Gorodetsky, junior, about the merits of striving to uphold one’s views.

“She’s so strong and opinionated,” Olga said, “I’m very proud that at such a young age she’s actually so outspoken. I hope that Tali’s generation will change the world for the better.”

For Tali, that means she is encouraged to constantly stand up for what she believes in.

“I think that my mom and I have very similar views on things,” Tali said. “I love that we can learn from one another and participate in activities together and be in the same mindset. I think that’s super important.”

To put that in action, Olga organized a 50-mile charity bike ride, all proceeds going to Planned Parenthood, in honor of Olga’s fiftieth birthday on Sept. 23. The ride ran from 8 a.m to 11 a.m, starting at the Gorodetsky home and proceeded to Augusta, Mo., and back. At noon, Tali and her mother hosted an after party, celebrating the proceeds raised and Olga’s birthday. Olga said she hopes the bike ride will become a tradition.

“It is so like her to do something like this,” Tali said. “I think that my mom is one of the most considerate and supportive people in the entire world.”

Far from its political stand, Tali said the basis of the bike ride is to teach people to organize and push for their ideals to be met.

“It just sends an important message,” Tali said. “No matter what age you are, you should be caring about other people and especially other women if you are a woman. I think that my mom is so selfless and that there really is no better person in the world.”

Cari Shearer, senior, has a cross country event on the day of the bike race, but will still be donating and encouraging family and friends to ride.

“I think it’s an incredible way to raise awareness and support for the organization while bringing people together,” Shearer said. “I can’t wait to see the outcome and the support it generates.”

Shearer is donating because she believes in the visions and services Planned Parenthood provides.

“There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood, especially in recent years,” Shearer said. “I’m donating because I wholeheartedly believe that Planned Parenthood is an incredibly important organization and is essential for women who might not otherwise have certain resources.”

Devin Haas, senior, is participating in the bike ride not only because of his support for Planned Parenthood, but also due to his love for biking.

“I used to bike to school every single day,” Haas said. “I wish that I biked more now. I’m hoping that doing this bike ride will be a lot of fun.”

Despite his love for biking and endurance, Haas said he couldn’t dream of traveling the full 50 miles in one morning.

“I and the other people are only biking 15 to 20 miles and then we’re stopping,” Haas said.