Students at the 2026 Fall Leadership Workshop launch their Demanding Our Rights action plan.
Photos by Patricia Williams and Naila Kabir
September 19, 2026: The STF community came together for the 2026 Fall Leadership Workshop to learn about urgent children’s rights issues, connect with fellow advocates, and begin developing action plans for the year ahead.
Participants learned about this year’s advocacy action plan, centered on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), dignity in immigration detention, and access to gender-affirming care.
“Change usually does not happen the first time we ask. It happens when we keep showing up and speaking up,” said Jefferson Tinus, while reflecting on recent STF accomplishments.
HRW's Aryeh Neier Fellow, Angélica César (click to watch, 12:41-44:22), discussed the expansion of immigration detention in the United States. Drawing on research conducted at Fort Bliss, the country’s largest immigration detention center, she described reports of overcrowding, inadequate food, unsanitary conditions, denial of medical care, prolonged indoor confinement, and physical abuse. Angélica emphasized that these violations are part of a broader system affecting adults, families, and children across the country.
“Change is possible, and you have what it takes to make a meaningful contribution,” Angélica told participants. “There’s no such thing as an action that is too small within this context.”
Yasemin Smallens (click to watch, 44:26-1:07:46) of HRW’s LGBT Rights Program spoke about attacks on transgender youth and access to gender-affirming care. She explained that this care can include social, psychological, and medical support tailored to a young person’s needs. She also discussed how restrictions have disrupted healthcare, harmed young people’s mental health, and created financial and emotional burdens for families.
Yasemin encouraged participants to challenge misinformation and connect the issue to the rights to health, bodily autonomy, nondiscrimination, and participation in decisions affecting one’s life.
Yasemin identified schools as important places to begin, explaining that, “Despite what’s going on politically, school can still be a place where somebody feels safe and affirmed.”
Students also worked in breakout groups to turn what they had learned into advocacy plans. They developed key messages, identified allies and decision-makers, and considered actions at the school, local, state, and federal levels. Their ideas included incorporating children’s rights into Student Bills of Responsibilities and Rights, educating students and families, meeting with administrators and elected officials, partnering with community organizations, engaging news outlets, and organizing awareness campaigns.
Youth Advocacy Assistants Naila Kabir and Nathend Olivares invited chapters to organize activities around November 20, the anniversary of the CRC and Trans Remembrance Day. The workshop ended with a shared commitment to continue learning, strengthen the STF community, and turn student leadership into meaningful change throughout the year.
Click to watch full workshop, 1:31:03