A Generation Action chapter run by students and Planned Parenthood coordinator Sade Bolger has been formed on the NVU-Lyndon campus. Generation Action is a network of youth activism groups that work with Planned Parenthood to advocate for reproductive rights.
There are 350 Gen Action chapters on campuses nationwide. According to Planned Parenthood, these chapters’ goals are to “Mobilize advocates for reproductive freedom, raise public awareness about reproductive health and rights, educate young people about sexual health, and create lasting change in their communities.” Chapters advocate for issues like abortion rights, reproductive health care access, transgender health care access, creation of accessible scientifically accurate sexual education programs, laws and legislations that give justice for survivors of sexual assault, the election of reproductive health supporters in all levels of government and building long term power for young people.
“Gen action is student-led and we are there to support logistically for students enacting change,” Bolger told The Critic. Students who are a part of the group decide what actions they want to take. Examples of activism events other chapters have taken part in include Take Back the Night, an event raising awareness for sexual assault, Lobby Days to meet with lawmakers, Lit Drops where students distribute literature around campus, Condom Crawls to give access to protection on campus, and mutual aid to give access to menstruation products. Students can also volunteer at events that might include canvassing in the community and participating in phone banks. Bolger explained that what the Lyndon chapter wants to take part in is completely up to the students and what they think the community needs.
Planned Parenthood coordinator Eileen Sullivan discussed with The Critic the importance of Gen Action chapters in the State of Vermont. Currently, there is a proposal to make an amendment to Vermont’s constitution to include reproductive freedom and abortion access in it. If the House passes the proposal, it will be up to Vermont voters in the 2022 general election for approval. If passed, it would make Vermont the first state in the U.S to include reproductive freedom in its constitution. Should Roe v. Wade ever be overturned, this amendment would protect abortion access in the state. Gen Action chapters in Vermont have the opportunity to advocate for this proposal and raise awareness. “If you’ve ever wanted to find a meaningful way to be involved, this is it,” Sullivan said.
Generation Action hosts virtual meetings every first Thursday of the month, the next meeting being tomorrow, December 2, at 6:00 PM. Bolger openly invites any students who are interested in joining to come to this meeting. Students can get the Zoom link for the meeting by emailing Bolger or signing up online here.
Feature Photo provided by Planned Parenthood