Northwestern has a famed history of student activism and advocacy on campus. This year marks the 57th year since the Bursar’s Office Takeover to protest the Black student experience, and over a year since the pro-Palestinian encampment on Deering Meadow.
The latter coincided with modifications to the University’s demonstration policy; changes included banning protests at The Rock before 3 p.m. on weekdays and the use of amplified sound there before 5 p.m.
The Daily has compiled a non-exhaustive list of advocacy and activist groups on campus for undergraduates to explore. From marches to education, there’s a space on campus for you to speak out.
Asian American Pacific Coalition
First known as the Asian American Advisory Board, which fought for the creation of NU’s Asian American Studies Program, APAC has been present on campus since 1991. APAC looks to empower individuals with marginalized identities and engage them in activism and advocacy.
Fossil Free Northwestern
FFNU is a collective of students, faculty, staff and community members calling for NU’s divestment from fossil fuels and a reinvestment of its endowment into the Evanston community — specifically for Black, brown and Indigenous residents.
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jewish Voice for Peace at Northwestern describes itself on Instagram as “a collective of Jews building a Judaism beyond Zionism that centers liberation, justice, and solidarity,” and is a chapter of the national organization. The chapter also hosts celebrations for Jewish holidays and educational programming throughout the year.
Menstrual Equity Activists
MEA uses its three pillars of service, education and policy to implement various community initiatives within NU and beyond. Its programming includes advocacy for free hygiene products in dorms, distribution of sustainable menstrual products and fundraising for menstrual education projects worldwide.
NU College Feminists
College Feminists is a feminist, pro-choice organization that frequently partners with The Women’s Center. The group raises awareness about issues women face like sexual assault, economic discrimination and sexism; it also seeks to educate the community on reproductive health. Last academic year, NUCF participated in Sex Week and Survivor Action Week.
NU Community for Human Rights
NUCHR is an undergraduate collective that advocates for global human rights and organizes the largest student-run human rights conference in the nation. The group, affiliated with the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, tackles current human rights issues through year-round programming like dialogues and educational excursions.
NU Disorientation Week
Disorientation Week, planned by several organizations, spans days of educational and social programming with a commitment to teaching about the University’s history of student-led social justice and activism.
Northwestern University Graduate Workers / Northwestern University Postdoc Union
The University’s graduate and postdoctorate workers have also unionized in association with the national union United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America to advocate for fairer wages and increased job security.
Students Demand Action
Students Demand Action at Northwestern is the campus chapter of the national student network working to end gun violence. Gun violence education, voter registration and rallies comprise some of the organization’s programming during the academic year.
Students for Justice in Palestine
SJP is a pro-Palestinian activist group that advocates for Palestinian self-determination. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the group hosted rallies, workshops and discussions.
Students Organizing for Labor Rights
SOLR is a coalition of undergraduate and graduate students which has built solidarity with campus workers through campaigns and mutual aid since 2018. In the last academic year, SOLR participated in worker-led rallies, marches and pickets. SOLR’s 2025 May Day fundraiser collected more than $1700 for campus workers.
The Jasmine Collective
TJC is a multiracial, multiethnic coalition of students committed to combating casteism and Islamophobia in South Asian communities. Last school year, programming included a teach-in on Kashmir in collaboration with APAC, zine-making and a movie night viewing “All We Imagine as Light.”
Undergraduate Prison Education Partnership
UPEP is the undergraduate branch of the Northwestern Prison Education Program, the first and only degree-granting program for incarcerated students by a top 10 university. UPEP looks to drive support for prison education on campus through community hours, general meetings and speaker events.
Wildcats for Israel
Wildcats for Israel is an organization that seeks to educate the NU community about Israel through cultural and political events. One of their largest events is Israel Week; 2025’s programming featured a Yom HaZikaron ceremony and a celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
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