At the first Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE) meeting of the year Sept. 5, members were welcomed with a creative atmosphere.

Before the meeting officially began, attendees were encouraged to grab a coloring sheet, which set a playful tone and allowed everyone to unwind while engaging in casual conversations. The start helped members feel at ease and connect with one another before diving into the more structured part of the meeting.

The executive team, led by President Jaiden Roff, senior human services major, took the opportunity to introduce the organization’s mission and values. URGE, which stands for Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, is driven by young leaders committed to educating and connecting individuals while envisioning a world where people can freely express their love, gender, and sexuality. Roff highlighted some of URGE’s core values, such as being anti-racist, sex-positive, gender-expansive, bold and creative. They also shared recent accomplishments, including the installation of period product dispensers on campus and the distribution of safe sex kits, Plan B and condoms to students in need. The team emphasized the sense of community URGE builds, both on campus and nationwide, making it a welcoming space for students who share these progressive values.

“My favorite part about URGE is that they share really valuable information in an engaging and welcoming way. I also like the sense of community that they provide,” said Taylor Redington, sophomore forensic investigations major and digital forensics minor.

“My favorite part about URGE is the welcoming environment and the supportive community,” said Jayden Coover, sophomore health science major.

Following the introductions, the meeting shifted to a more interactive and fun-filled segment. The group played a round of “Would You Rather?” with thought-provoking and entertaining questions, which allowed members to get to know each other better and spark laughter. The meeting wrapped up with a drawing guessing game, where everyone’s creativity came into play. The combination of games and discussions left attendees feeling connected and ready to participate in URGE’s important work.

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Stuti Khadka