URGE: Unite For Reproductive & Gender Equity

URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity is a non-profit organization based in the United States that advocates for the sexual and reproductive rights of young people. The organization was founded in 1992 and has since been at the forefront of youth leadership and advocacy in the field of reproductive justice.

History

URGE was founded in 1992 as a response to the increasing restrictions on abortion rights and the lack of youth voices in the reproductive rights movement. The organization was initially known as Choice USA, but rebranded in 2014 to URGE to better reflect its broader mission of advocating for both reproductive rights and gender equity.

Mission

URGE's mission is to engage young people in creating and leading the way to sexual and reproductive justice for all by providing training, field mobilization, and national leadership for a youth-driven agenda. The organization believes in the right of all people to have agency over their own bodies and to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Programs

URGE carries out its mission through a variety of programs and initiatives. These include campus chapters, which provide a platform for college students to advocate for reproductive justice on their campuses and in their communities; the Youth Leadership Council, which offers young activists the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and advocate for policy change at the national level; and the State Activist Network, which supports grassroots organizing efforts in key states across the country.

Advocacy

URGE's advocacy work focuses on a range of issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. These include access to contraception, comprehensive sex education, safe and legal abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights. The organization also advocates for policies that address the intersection of reproductive justice and other social justice issues, such as racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice.

Impact

URGE has been instrumental in advancing the reproductive rights movement in the United States. The organization's youth-led advocacy efforts have resulted in policy changes at the local, state, and national level, and its training programs have empowered a new generation of reproductive justice leaders.