PP GenAction campus chapters were incredibly busy these past couple of months and have impressive goals for the future of not only their chapters and schools, but their communities at large. It is truly inspiring to watch and support our chapter members as they grow into leadership, step into their power, and organize within their communities.
Touching base from Nevada, is the University of Reno PP GenAction chapter.
Here’s what chapter president, Nikki had to say about the group’s recent achievements:
"In our first semester back on campus, PP GenAction has successfully re-solidified our campus presence through multiple tabling efforts and a safe sex campaign!
We have also launched into spring by holding meaningful events like Abortion Provider Appreciation, in which we hand-wrote letters of gratitude to providers in Nevada and safe haven states, in light of threats to Roe v. Wade and the (six-week abortion ban) Texas SB8.
We are wrapping up the semester with a Take Back the Night event, an ambitious multi-club effort for sexual assault awareness, education, and solidarity.
We also recorded a podcast with the UNR Reynolds School of Journalism about the importance of advocacy, sex-education, and creating safe spaces for students on campus.
Finally, we are thrilled to accept an Outstanding Club Award at the upcoming (Associated Students of the University of Nevada) Clubs and Organizations Banquet! I am so proud of our work in PP Gen Action and can’t wait to continue our efforts in the upcoming fall semester!"
Nikki will be graduating this year, but the PP GenAction legacy will continue as she passes the torch to the next leader. The chapter is already gearing up for the new school year. Some plans include a voter- registration drive and launching a student survey that aligns with the chapter’s current campaign to promote safer sex and inform students about on-campus STI testing and other sexual health resources.
Next up in the Silicon Valley, San José State University PPGenAction:
Under the leadership of chapter president, Priscilla, the chapter was selected to participate in the 2021 Condom Collective program, a project of Trojan brand condoms and Advocates for Youth, a youth-led grassroots movement that promotes accessible sexual health and contraceptives as a right for all.
Since then, the chapter has not only distributed 500 condoms to the campus community, but dozens of safer-sex supply kits as well. These kits include informational brochures, condoms, sunglasses, and other goodies, just in time for spring break.
Here’s what Brianna, a chapter board member, had to say about the event: “As a club founded during the pandemic, our first in-person condom distribution event focused on promoting the organization to the campus community.” Since their efforts have been met with so much gratitude and excitement, the club will continue to serve as an informational hub for local Planned Parenthood services, condom-distribution, and more.
Moving down south to the Central Valley, University of California Merced:
Chapter members have focused their organizing efforts on providing comprehensive sex education for their campus community. Their bi-weekly meetings are centered on sexual education topics such as abortion, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and sex positive education. By hosting these meetings, the chapter has provided the campus with a safe space for students to express themselves and feel comfortable seeking the resources and support they need.
The chapter is also continuously working with their student peers, faculty, and the student health center to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community to be respected and included within all campus resources, activities, and policies.
Fresno City College, another established chapter in the region, has been invited by the Fresno Rainbow Pride committee to co-sponsor and lead this year’s big local Pride event on the City College campus! Chapter members will be a part of the planning committee, leading activities the day of the event, and using this opportunity to make meaningful connections with the LGBTQ+ campus community.
PPAMM’s Central Valley team also scored another success by launching organizing efforts to establish a new PPGenAction chapter at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. Building from the momentum and passion surrounding the proposal to open a new PPMM health center in Visalia, our team connected with community leaders, students, and faculty from the local community college.
The goal is to have the chapter ready to launch in Fall 2022 with a strong emphasis on supporting the expansion of a new PPMM health center in Visalia. Chapter members will focus their efforts on attending public meetings, sharing public comment, and participating in community events to maximize visibility. We will strengthen our relationships with engaged community members and key leaders to work towards full access to reproductive rights and care in our region.
If you’re interested in taking a closer look at their work, follow them on Instagram:
And if you’re on campus and what to learn more, see the PPGen Action feature on our Get Involved page.