Kate Walsh hasn’t forgotten where she came from. The Private Practice star has had a successful career for quite a while now, but there was a time when things weren’t so easy.

Kate sat down with Entertainment Weekly for their new “Act With Me” column, in which stars share how they are giving back. Kate is a member of Planned Parenthood’s Board of Advocates, and after a decade of working with them, she still stands firmly with the cause. She to EW:

“When I was a struggling actor, I relied on them for my annual exam. And it was affordable, because I had no money. I was broke. So it was essential to me, and I wanted to make sure once I got insurance that I would advocate for women.”

Kate added that she is moved by the recent work of young advocates in our country. She said:

”To see kids talking to their peers about safe sex and the inclusion of the LGBTQ community is inspiring to me.”

Her advice to those who want to help the organization continue to provide women with reproductive health care and sex education is to get involved. She said:

“It’s not necessarily about making financial contributions. Go volunteer. Call your senator. I know that sounds cliché and boring, but it’s hugely effective. And make sure that [your] friends and families are educated on exactly what Planned Parenthood provides.”

Thank you, Kate!