New Mexico State University’s Generation Action student group is trying to revive and liven their club and held a recruitment tabling event along the International Mall on Thursday, Oct. 2.
The group is hosted by Planned Parenthood and, according to the Planned Parenthood website, has more than 350 groups on campuses across the country.
While Generation Action is a student group, only one student remains after the rest have graduated. Kiarra Stacho and her
Planned Parenthood advisors, Tatiana Solis and Lluvia Silva, are working to revamp the club. Last week, at their tabling, they invited students to be a part of their activism.
“It’s [the club] to build community for each other, discuss important topics, and educate,” Stacho said.
Solis shared how the groups plan to hold more outreach events and continue to provide safe sex resources to create a safe community.
“In the past, we had meetings to talk about reproductive health and birth control options,” Stacho said.
Last year, Stacho said they held a condom decorating event on expired condoms as a fun and interactive way to spark a discussion of how to have safe sex.
“We want people to know they have safety resources, knowledge, and there’s options for everybody, no matter what you choose ,” Silva shared.
Generation Action is actively recruiting =students interested in educating their peers about sexual health and wellness. The group is welcoming volunteers to help table and advocate for their cause.
“[“[recruiting] It’s like what are you interested in? Are you curious? Have you ever attended a sex ed class? Do you know about consent? Do you know about birth control and abortion?” said Solis.
When recruiting, Solis looks for students with similar interests and curiosity.
At their table, the group passed out pamphlets with information about these topics as well as condoms and dental dams which help prevent spreading sexually transmitted diseases during oral sex.
According to the Planned Parenthood website, the group organizes events to:
- Mobilize advocates for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Raise public awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Educate young people about sexual health.
- Create lasting change in their communities.
The group aims to create a unique network of leaders and provide young people with the proper tools to help them create productive changes. Generation Action values inclusivity, advocacy, encouragement, and the development of strong communities and activism.
In previous years, the Generation Action group has attended the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe to advocate and discuss reproductive rights. The group has hosted guest speakers such as PhD Lauri Costello to educate members about various topics, as seen on their Instagram.
On their Instagram bio, they offer a link tree and a Google form for students to join the club and receive updates and information about their events.
