2012 School-to-Prison Pipeline Regional ActionCamps
The overuse of harsh zero-tolerance measures, police, and juvenile courts in addressing school disciplinary issues has led to the needless pushout and criminalization of countless youth across America. In response, a growing national movement has emerged to dismantle this School-to-Prison Pipeline. This grassroots-led effort has already achieved important victories, and the momentum for change is building, but there is much more to be done.
We invite you to join with youth and adult advocates from across the country at one of the 2012 School-to-Prison Pipeline Regional ActionCamps.
Western Region - Los Angeles, CA February 10-12
Southern Region - Raleigh/Durham, NC March 2-4
Midwestern Region - Chicago, IL April 13-15
Northeastern Region - New York, NY June 1-3
Not sure if this is right for you? Consider these questions:
- Are you tired of just talking about the problem and want to get to work on solutions?
- Do you want to connect with other youth and adults in your region who are working to protect the right to an education?
- Do you want to learn strategies from some of the most successful organizers and advocates in the country?
- Do you want to be part of the growing movement to dismantle the School-to-Prison-Pipeline?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then we need you at a Regional Action Camp in 2012, where youth, parents, advocates, educators, and other community members interested in ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline in their communities will take their collective learning and collaboration to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the Regional ActionCamps cost?
The ActionCamps are completely free. Meals will also be provided throughout the camps. Participants are responsible for their own lodging and travel expenses but there are travel and lodging scholarships available on a limited basis.
What is the process for obtaining a travel/lodging scholarship?
Scholarships for travel and lodging are available on a limited basis. You can request a scholarship when completing the application form for the ActionCamp. If you application is approved you will be contacted by Advancement Project staff to discuss scholarship needs. Scholarships can be used to partially or fully cover costs including gas money, vehicle rental, or train, bus or air fare. Keep in mind that a travel scholarship may require you to coordinate with others coming to the ActionCamp from your area to maximize resources.
Scholarships will be distributed on a rolling basis. For consideration, apply as soon as possible.
What will be covered at the ActionCamps?
We hope to acheive five goals through the Regional ActionCamps:
- Achieve a shared understanding of the School-to-Prison Pipeline.
- Arm participants with strategies and tools for dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline at the local, state, and national levels.
- Broaden and strengthen the community-led grassroots movement against the unfair discipline and criminalization of students.
- Develop new ideas and strategies for enhancing advocacy around these issues.
- Explore potential collaborative efforts across localities and organizations.
Participants will work towards these goals through a series of trainings, workshops, discussions, and presentations developed by leading organizations working to shut off the School-to-Prison Pipeline. Session topics will include:
Organizing 101
An optional session for participants with little organizing or advocacy experience. Facilitators from successful grassroots organizations will lead participants through workshops on the basics of organizing for social change including building relationships, organizing structure, and campaign strategy.
Building and Winning a Local Campaign for Change
Participants in the early stages of STPP organizing will be lead through discussions and exercises designed to help them begin and develop their campaigns. Topics will include data collection and analysis, power-mapping, intergenerational organizing,and message development.
Developing a State-Wide Campaign
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the unique challenges and opportunities presented by state-level campaigns. Topics will include developing legislative strategy, building and managing state-wide coalitions, and identifying and persuading state-level stakeholders.
Advanced Strategic Communications
Advancement Project communications staff will lead participants through discussions of effective communications strategies. Topics will include advanced message development, media outreach, and developing strategic communications plans.
Facilitated Learning Circles
Participants will meet in small groups to discuss topics of interest with a focus on drawing from the experience of participants. Discussions will involve particular challenges and successes.Applicants can select topics that interest them or submit ideas through the application. To submit a more detailed proposal, email sroberts@advancementproject.org.
Movement Building Session(s)
Participants will be developing ideas and strategies for potential collaboration after the ActionCamps.
We must seize the opportunity to build upon our successes, strengthen our existing relationships, build new partnerships, and collaborate with one another. We hope you’ll join us in doing just that and building this movement together.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Roberts at sroberts@advancementproject.org or call 202.728.9557.
