Hi Friend,

At URGE, everything we do is grounded in our shared commitment to building the power of young people to shape policy, culture, and elections.

As we step into 2026, our communities are facing escalating attacks on abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, and democracy. Our response is an organization-wide focus on the 2026 Midterm Elections, by advancing voter education and get-out-the-vote efforts.

We’re excited to share more about what we have planned for the year and how we can stay connected.

Take Action: Hold the Line for Our Communities

Over the past several weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the guardrails have come off in how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are handling our communities in Minnesota and across the country.

The Senate has voted on the 2026 budget, advancing expanded DHS and ICE funding. We are at a breaking point. Our communities are being terrorized, our democracy is at risk, and our human dignity needs protection.

Tell your Senators: no accountability, no protection of human dignity—no funding. DHS and ICE need reform and accountability, not more funding and unchecked power.

What Young Leaders Are Fighting For

Each state is facing a distinct set of challenges – but the same coordinated attack on our rights, bodies, and futures.

We are are advancing a youth-led policy agenda focused on:

• Defending bodily autonomy and healthcare access, including abortion without barriers, comprehensive sex ed, and care rooted in science, not stigma or misinformation

• Protecting LGBTQ+ young people and our democracy by opposing attacks on trans and queer youth and defending voting access, fair courts, and meaningful civic participation

• Advancing economic justice so young people can thrive, including menstrual equity and policies that support young people, parents, and communities

Our opposition is sharing a strategy across states to advance their Project 2025 agenda, and young people are fighting back.

For example:

In Alabama and Georgia, young leaders are organizing against abortion bans and policies that funnel public dollars to crisis pregnancy centers that spread misinformation.

In Ohio, URGE members are defending reproductive freedom and voting access in the face of extremist legislative attacks.

In Kansas, young advocates are preparing to push back against renewed attempts to restrict reproductive and transgender rights, while advancing menstrual equity.

We’re organizing across the South, Midwest, and California, leveling up our tools and strategies, and holding elected officials accountable, because our work requires collective action.

Join us for a virtual conversation to reflect on this moment and celebrate the young people leading with hope and power.

How URGE Is Building Young People's Power in 2026

In 2026, our work connects policy advocacy, narrative change, organizing, and elections. Our goal is to ensure young people have the power, resources, and relationships to create lasting change.

We’re supporting young leaders as they:

• Build and engage a national base through digital advocacy, campus campaigns, chapters, and community organizing

• Develop leadership and skills through training, storytelling, and political education

• Coordinate across states to share strategies, tools, and learnings

• Hold elected officials accountable through advocacy and civic engagement

  Mobilize young voters through education and get-out-the-vote efforts leading into the midterms

Thank you for being part of our community.

Friend, if you are able, please consider making a donation to help the next generation of leaders build collective power.

We’re grateful to have you with us this year to fight for Reproductive Justice. 

URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity
4315 50th St. NW, Suite 100 #4616
Washington, DC 20016
United States

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