The Summer Leadership Institute runs from July 6-31, 2022. Fellows study issues of systemic oppression like racism, heterosexism, food justice, the school to prison pipeline, sexism, and more. While learning about the history of social movements and the ways people address these issues now, Fellows also learn community organizing skills and begin to design a youth-led campaign which they implement in the fall. Fellows also go on an overnight Healing Retreat outside of the city.

From September to December, Fellows will participate in bi-weekly meetings on Organizing Strategy to continue exploring social justice issues as well as create and implement actions in one of two campaigns:

POLICE FREE SCHOOLS–
Youth-led effort to remove the Chicago Police Department from Chicago Public Schools and invest in student needs/concerns.

THE FINAL 5 CAMPAIGN–
A statewide intergenerational campaign to close the last 5 youth prisons in Illinois.

Campaigns will bring together 10-12 organizers to research and identify strategies that address injustices impacting young people. Actions/tactics taken by organizers may include but are not limited to curating art shows, developing digital organizing campaigns, plan direct actions, etc.