Student Leaders Back in Action at our Capital
On the last week of August, Californians For Justice made an appearance at the Capitol! What were we doing in Sacramento? We spent a day there to let our state representatives know what Black and Brown youth need to feel safe and supported at school. At CFJ, we believe in the Power of Relationships, so…
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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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Text Thread W/ Deshae Lee: Featuring the Students of CFJ
This week, we spoke with Deshae Lee, a student activist in Fresno, CA. Deshae joined Californians For Justice 1 year ago as an incoming high school senior, and is already a central leader within our organization. Every week Deshae is in our Fresno office, setting up meetings with school officials, preparing to speak on behalf…
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Celebrating 5 Years of The Incredible Journey of The Student Voice Campaign
A legacy in the making turns 5 today— the Student Voice Campaign. Five years ago, the Student Voice Campaign transformed the perception and role of students as “essential” stakeholders in local decision-making processes in California’s public schools giving a voice to 4.5 million students. Today Californians for Justice celebrates an incredible historic victory in the…
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Reparations, The Crown Act, & Youth Voice: A Summer in The Movement
This Summer our communities of youth activists, experts, and community leaders continued to build towards a more equitable and racially just education system. Students rose to podiums, experts used their platforms to speak about racial justice, and race in education made national headlines. Here are just a few of the highlights from this Summer behind…
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Don’t be Afraid — Talk about Race with Your Students
As students across the state go back to school, 1 in 3 will fail to identify a single caring adult on campus. For Black, Brown, Native American, Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian Students, these relationships are even more scarce, and students of color frequently report feeling unnoticed and uncared for by teachers and staff. When…
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Why Relationship Centered Schools Matter for LGBQ, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Students
Since coming out publicly as a lesbian two years ago, Sierra has seen how her school’s treatment of trans and gender non-conforming and LGBQ students, while better than most schools, could be vastly improved through better representation and resources for students. “When I first came out my freshmen year, I went to [a few trusted]…
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The Path Toward Racial Justice In Our Schools: Challenges & Collective Visions
Envisioning a Racially Just Education Conversations focused on five issues that are key levers to advancing racial justice: School Funding, School Climate, Teaching & Learning, Intersectional Issues, and Youth & Parent Voice. Download the full summary.
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LCFF Community Engagement & School Climate Bill Introduced
LCFF Mend & Defend Coalition In July 2017, 15 grassroots organizations representing over 40 districts across the state came came together to “defend and mend” the Local Control Funding Formula. We held an “LCFF is working” press conference centered on the powerful testimonies of students, parents and advocates on the importance of LCFF. Since the “LCFF…
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