Girls Learn International (GLI), a program of the Feminist Majority Foundation, educates and energizes middle and high school students to learn about and take action for human rights, gender equity, and access to education. GLI’s Action Workshops are planned by the Student Advisory Board and reflect the pressing concerns of today’s youth. This year, the message from students was clear: they wanted to focus on the election.

Less than two weeks after November 5th, GLI had 50 students registered for Election Reflection: A Student Forum, a student-led, student-centered discussion about what a Trump presidency might look like for young activists advocating for human rights and gender equity. Participants consisted of high school students from ninth to twelfth grade of various genders, Zooming in from all different parts of the United States. When posed with the question of why they thought the youth vote was down from 2020 to 2024 (CIRCLE; 2024), they did not beat around the bush; progressive young people need convincing, too.

It was made clear by the students attending GLI’s Action Workshop that their activism is thoughtful, personal, and nuanced. They expressed deep concern about what a Trump presidency could mean for progressive movements and shared concern for their futures as advocates under a Trump administration. The main issues brought up were reproductive healthcare access, the possible dissolvement or decentralization of the Department of Education, normalized bigotry, and continued foreign conflict.

Students also reflected on why they believed Trump won. In a poll launched during the discussion, GLI students voted that they thought Trump had a better campaign strategy, later adding that Harris missed out on votes by not focusing her campaign on critical issues that the Democratic Party has neglected in recent years. When asked which issues they wish Harris addressed better in her campaign, students suggested a pro-Palestine stance would’ve swayed more young voters. They conceded that the economy was a winning issue for Trump’s campaign, adding that Harris could’ve better-addressed issues affecting middle-class voters.

Despite the gravity of the concerns, the discussion concluded with a sense of determination. Students emphasized the importance of staying engaged, supporting one another, and finding ways to advocate within their communities, even in difficult political climates.

Looking ahead, GLI will continue to support students in their activism. Starting a GLI Chapter for your school or community is free and easy. Open to middle and high school students and teachers, the deadline for new Chapter applications is approaching – the last day to apply is January 3rd, 2025, to start activities in February. Establishing a Chapter gives students access to the Guidebook, GLI’s peer-led curriculum, to learn about human rights, with a focus on the obstacles girls and gender-expansive youth face in realizing their full rights, both in the U.S. and globally. Students can also participate in leadership skill trainings and connect with a network of student advocates and leaders in their region, nationwide, and globally. Visit girlslearn.org, and get started today!