Through Planned Parenthood Generation Action, University Students Prepare for Lifetime of Organizing and Advocacy

We’ve all heard the tired stereotypes about Gen Z, especially when it comes to politics.

Lazy. Entitled. Disengaged.

Tell that to the dozens of students from six Maryland, NoVa and Washington, D.C., universities who turned out to PPADMV’s first-ever Planned Parenthood Generation (PPGen) Action summit, on April 21. Through a mix of training and interactive sessions, more than 30 students from Howard, Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, Salisbury, George Mason, and the University of Maryland had the opportunity to share best tactics for organizing peers at their schools to fight for reproductive freedom locally and across the country. 

After spiking in the 2018 midterms, voter turnout among young people seems to have cooled. Although youth remain more engaged than they were, say, a few decades ago, even a slight drop in turnout has devastating impacts on how reproductive rights fare at the ballot box – and particularly abortion access, which many youth identify as their top issue.

If we’ve learned one thing from organizing PPGen groups in the D.C., Maryland, and NoVA region, it’s that when young people decide not to head to the polls, even in elections that will have profound impacts on the issues important to them, it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they feel they haven’t had a seat at the table. 

That’s where our PPGen organizers come in. Working to bridge the gap between passion and action, they exemplify how, when you empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for the issues they care about, they step up to the plate. 

But don’t take our word for it. Meet three student activists who say their work with PPADMV’s PPGen program is laying the groundwork for a lifetime of advocacy. 

Reagan, Morgan State University

"PPGen has done an amazing job of making sure that we have the resources we need to educate our campuses on all things sexual and reproductive health in a sensitive way, which is especially important with topics that are often considered taboo. We’ve also been trained on organizing tactics like phone banking and canvassing. I’ll surely take everything I learn, share it with others who cross my path, and apply it to any future project that I may encounter. "

 Maggie, Salisbury University

“My most valuable experience with PPGen was establishing a chapter at Salisbury University and creating an advocacy group on campus, Freedom, Learning, and Advocacy for Reproductive Equity (FLARE), that has enabled me to host educational events and provide reproductive health resources to students.  

This journey has ignited my passion for reproductive health advocacy, possibly shaping my future career path. The overwhelming support from campus staff, faculty, students, and PPADMV has been memorable and inspiring.  

Attending the PPGen Summit was transformative, connecting me with other PPGen campus leaders, touring a Planned Parenthood clinic, and educating me on current reproductive rights issues. The Summit left me feeling empowered, supported, educated, and inspired for future FLARE events. PPGen has provided a platform for my advocacy, fueling my passion for reproductive rights.”

Update: Congratulations to PPGen chapter FLARE on being named Outstanding New Student Group at Salisbury University's Golden Gull Awards.

Jordan, Howard University

"My journey with PPGen has been a whirlwind of eye-opening experiences and profound connections. From participating in events like "Wings & Abortion Things" to the electric atmosphere of our general body meetings, PPGen has armed me with the tools and confidence to advocate fiercely for sexual and reproductive rights not just in my local community but across DC, Maryland, and beyond.  

The Summit was a game-changer, offering insights into ongoing [mifepristone and EMTALA] Supreme Court cases and fostering bonds with fellow activists from different chapters. One of the most memorable highlights was touring a Planned Parenthood facility, witnessing firsthand the breadth of services they provide.  

But beyond the knowledge gained, it's the passion and camaraderie within PPGen that resonate most with me. It's these moments of connection and empowerment that fuel my commitment to a lifetime of advocacy."

Planned Parenthood Generation Action is a nationwide network of young activists who organize campus and community events centered on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Learn more about PPGen and donate to PPADMV to support our work supporting, training, and mobilizing activists like the student leaders in PPGen. 

Want to join or start a PPGen chapter at your university? Email Madison Garcia at [email protected].