Each week, a group of women set up a small table with the intent to keep University of Idaho students informed about the importance of safe sex and reproductive health.
“We’ve made a big name for ourselves on campus and we are proud of that. The negative and positive publicity is still publicity for us,” said Keira Terchowitz, the social media chair for Generation Action.
Terchowitz has been a part of this group for about two years, so she has known good and bad publicity. However, she said the good things they’ve done for UI’s campus have outweighed any negative words and actions directed toward them.
That publicity is needed for this group to advocate for things such as sex education, birth control resources and other various social justice issues.
“There’s a general lacking knowledge about comprehensive sex education in high school and middle school in Idaho. A lot of University of Idaho students are from Idaho and that lack of education carries over into college,” said Terchowitz.
In order to help students, receive help and resources, the group puts on multiple events in order to do this. This includes their weekly “Free Condom Friday,” where the group sets up a table on campus and hand out condoms. They also speak to students about sex education and reproductive issues.
“I believe that we’ve had an impact on campus. We don’t just focus on reproductive issues, we also focus on social justice issues,” said Terchowitz.
This is a tight-knit group of about 25 women who want to advocate for the healthcare rights for everyone. President of the group, Brianna Lima described the group as a little family.
During her time in the group, Lima is the proudest of their annual Lobby Day event. For this, the group travels to the Idaho State Capitol Building to speak to legislators.
“I talked to directly to the (Idaho) senators and the house of representatives and talked about stuff that actually mattered to make a difference with actual legislation. I’ve never done that before,” said Lima.
Lima also enjoys whenever students thank her for providing resources and education for those who may not have gotten a comprehensive sex health teaching before college.
Vice President of the group, Angela Palermo believes that the group has made a positive impact on campus with events such as Sex in the Dark where students can ask about safe sex or any questions about sex.
“I joined the group because Planned Parenthood advocates for important things for women empowerment. It’s cool to be a part of something and to be involved and do activism of something that you love,” said Palermo.
Right now, the group is made up of just women, they are hoping to encourage more men to join the group.
“We are trying to spread the word about who we are and making sure that people know that we don’t fall into the stigma that this is just about women’s healthcare. Planned Parenthood also provides healthcare for men. It’s not just a women’s issue, it’s a men’s issue too,” said Terchowitz.
Through spreading their message and the message from Planned Parenthood the group is hoping that students recognize them more and take this issue seriously.
“We never judge anyone, and we want people to know that. We are here to help people and have them learn, that’s it,” said Lima.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]