Activate Your Social Justice this Summer

By Ted Resnikoff

Take Their Word for It—You'll Be So Happy You Did

From our friends at the Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) 
—ed. (original post)

Are you a high school aged youth who is wondering how to engage more fully in social justice work? We at UUCSJ have the program for you this very summer! But don’t take our word for it, hear about Activate Youth Justice Trainings from youth who have not only already participated in one Activate training, but are also choosing to do another this summer!

Who: John Martin Tomlinson

Program: Activate Southwest Borders 2015 and Activate NOLA: Racial Justice and Beloved Community 2017

“I attended Activate Southwest Borders and it was a life-changing event for me. It was one of the most the meaningful weeks of my life and it changed my path in life. I had never before been surrounded by such great people. I made friends with the most amazing people, and made strong ongoing bonds with several of them. The program motivated me to try to become fluent in Spanish and I have been making strides. I am planning to go back to the border with the Spanish language and first aid skills I have learned. Since that trip, I have been hoping to attend another Activate program so I can learn in only the way an immersive Activate program teaches. I will have the chance to have another transformative experience and meet more like-minded youth at the UUSCJ Activate program, New Orleans Racial Justice and Beloved Community. Racism is one of the most serious issues facing the United States and the world – it affects every aspect of our society. With our current political climate it is more important than ever that we learn about racial justice work. To maintain our humanity, we must understand the roots of racism, and how to combat it, no matter where it occurs, in Arizona, in New Orleans or in Europe. I am especially interested in how I can tie together what I learn in New Orleans with what I learned at Activate Southwest Borders. This will help me with future immigration justice work.”

Who: Selena Silari

Program: Activate Tucson 2015 and Activate NOLA 2017

“Two Summers ago, I participated in the Activate Southwest Border program. This experience lead to a deeper exploration into immigration justice in my sophomore year of high school. I did a presentation for my school and preached to my congregation about immigration and the issues going on at the border. This experience brought deep awareness and inspired me to continue to gain an understanding of the injustices of the world and how we can help.”

Who: Isak Atkins-Pearcy

Program: Activate Boston: Climate Justice 2016 and 2017

“My UUCSJ experience last summer was my favorite week of my entire summer of 2016. Thank you!”

Activate Yourself!

The UU College of Social Justice offers three Activate Youth Justice immersive learning opportunities, one in June, one in July, and one in August. Deadlines are approaching (sooner than you realize) in May (see below) and generous financial aid is available! Learn more and register. Please join us and spread the word:

  • Activate @ GA, 10 am – 3 pm Weds. June 21st, followed by workshops during GA in the Youth Caucus space (register by May 21st)
  • Activate New Orleans: Racial Justice, July 16th-23rd (register by May 15th)
  • Activate Boston: Climate Justice, August 6th-13th (register by May 31st)