Why We Organize For Relationship-Centered, Community Schools
By Asher Ki, CFJ Organizer, Fresno Dear Community, it’s time for something new. A lot of the problems that we’ve been hearing about schools during Covid – learning disparities between Black students and white peers, the need for mental health resources, students feeling unsafe and needing relationships – existed before Covid, this pandemic has just…
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Public Schools Are the Heart of Our Communities
Above Image: CFJ Youth Leaders hanging out pre-pandemic at Fremont High School in Oakland. Love is in the air, and we’re celebrating by taking a moment to appreciate one of the major relationships in our life – the CA public school system! That’s right, decades into our relationship, CFJ remains enamored with public schools and…
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New Case Study Shows the Power of Student Voice to Transform Our Schools
We’re excited to share key findings from a case study released by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools showcasing the lasting impact student voice engagement has in our schools. The new report “Nothing About Us Without Us” examines the last decade of CFJ’s work organizing with student leaders in the East Side Union…
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Honoring Native American History Month
While the United States has tried to eradicate Indigenous people and cultures across Turtle Island, this Native American History Month and National Day of Mourning, we are proclaiming from the top of our lungs, Indigenous People Are Still Here! Indigenous people, languages, and traditions have existed and thrived on these lands for millennia. Not only…
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Students Need A Return to Community, Not Just Classrooms
Back to school season is upon us and the stakes are high for students and families across California. Many are starting at new campuses, meeting new teachers and navigating social settings they haven’t been exposed to since before the pandemic began. And if that isn’t already overwhelming enough, young people are also carrying the trauma…
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CFJ Youth Leaders Win Restorative Restart & More in Oakland & San Jose!
We’re celebrating some major news! Our youth leaders fought for and won commitments for a restorative restart in Oakland Unified and the East Side Union High School District in San Jose! Oakland Youth Win Mental Health, Relationships Supports & More In Oakland, the district has committed $9 million to a mental health resolution prioritizing supports…
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State Ed Budget: Crucial Investments in Young People’s Health & Wellness
On January 8th, Governor Newsom released his proposed 2021-2022 budget. After a year when students and families have struggled through a pandemic, natural disasters, a historic election, and the different manifestations of white supremacy, we commend Governor Newsom’s commitment to addressing racial equity by investing in public education, and also recognize we still have a…
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3 Things to Keep in Mind These Final Weeks of Election 2020
Original Art by Orion Camero for Californians for Justice. Title: Learning Liberation, Artist’s Description: “What do you see when you see this painting? Inspired by relationship-centered schools, this piece speaks to the power we have as young people to nurture future generations and build the skills necessary to manifest our wildest dreams.” We have just…
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Back To School Checklist: Student Voice & Racial Equity Data–Webinar Recording & Resources
Student Voice and Racial Equity Data are the name of the game this school year. As students and staff navigate the realities of online and distance learning, we know that centering student voice and the need to collect racial equity data are critical to success. CFJ recently launched our Equity in Action services to support…
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