Activist University

Join us for our new virtual training series, Activist U, starting January 12, 2021!

Each session will offer a deeper understanding of Illinois’ political system and provide you with the tools you need to take meaningful action on issues that are important to you.

We'll cover current legislative priorities, from the REACH Act and improving health outcomes for Black mothers to increasing funding for family planning services and repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.

The Details

The series begins with three "101" sessions on federal, state, and local government. During our “201" Policy Deep Dive sessions, we’ll take a closer look at PPIA’s 2021 agenda. Each session will feature special guests from partner organizations and elected officials.

Participants can sign up for the entire series or just pop in for the sessions that interest you most.

There is no cost to attend any part of the series.

You’ll graduate from Activist U on Virtual Lobby Day, March 2. This day will be your chance to put your new skills in action, speaking directly with elected officials and participating in digital actions that will help move our legislative goals forward.

Register Now

Learn more about each session

Federal Government 101 | January 12

Join PPIA, the Future of Choice Committee, and Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL11) for a discussion about how the Federal Government works. You’ll learn how a bill becomes a law in the U.S. Congress and hear Congressman Foster preview what is coming up for the 117^th Session of Congress and the new Biden Administration.

State Government 101 | January 19

Join PPIA, the Young Democrats of Illinois, and our champions in the State Legislature for a discussion of how State Government works. You’ll learn how a bill becomes a law in the Illinois General Assembly, what issues come before the Illinois General Assembly, and a preview of the upcoming 102^nd session.

Local Government 101 | January 26

Join PPIA and our champions in local government as we discuss how legislation is passed at the local government level. You will hear from elected officials about the issues they are facing in local government and the work they are doing to improve communities across Illinois.

Policy Deep Dive on Black Maternal Health | February 2

Join PPIA, Planned Parenthood’s Black Organizing Project, and Planned Parenthood’ Raiz Program as we talk about the challenges people of color face when giving birth in Illinois. We will discuss initiatives that are making their way through the Illinois General Assembly, aimed at addressing disparities in Black Maternal Health. You’ll also learn how you can take action to ensure that your voice is heard on this issue by your member of the Illinois General Assembly.

Policy Deep Dive on the REACH Act | February 9

Join PPIA and Equality Illinois as we take a deep dive into what sex education looks like in Illinois and why we need to pass the REACH Act. Illinois students need and deserve comprehensive, inclusive, and age-appropriate instruction that will help them be safe and healthy at all ages and we need your help in making that happen.

Policy Deep Dive on the Budget & Family Planning Funding | February 16

The Illinois state budget is a concern for many social service groups throughout Illinois. Learn about the challenges facing Illinois’ finances and what you can do to ensure that the social safety net remains intact across Illinois.

Policy Deep Dive on PNA Repeal | February 23

The Parental Notice of Abortion Act requires a health care provider to notify an adult family member at least 48 hours prior to performing an abortion for a patient under 18. Decades of research and experience show that forced parental involvement laws like this hurt young people and serve no valid purpose. Learn more about how you can help us break down this unnecessary barrier to abortion in Illinois.

Virtual Lobby Day | March 2

Congratulations, you've graduated from Activist U! This day will be your chance to put your new skills in action, speaking directly with elected officials and participating in digital actions that wil help move our legislative goals forward.