This October, Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) will focus on the arts and the infinite variety of creative ways artistic expression can inspire action. There are all kinds of arts that can be used to educate, motivate, and advocate for social change.
Here are five ways you can participate:
1. Attend an event in your area. During YJAM, people across the country organize events that raise awareness, strengthen coalitions, build campaigns, and encourage action to keep youth out of the adult criminal justice system. See a list here.
2. Host an event. If there are not any events in your area, that’s ok. You can host an event that will unite folks for youth justice. Here are a few ideas:
- How to Host a Film Screening
- Organize essay, poetry, or other writing contests that highlight impacted youth
- Organize performances incorporating dance, music, spoken word or theatre to advocate for youth justice reform
3. Donate. Your resources, no matter how big or small are crucial to the pursuit for justice. Help us make sure YJAM continues to GROW! Donate $5, $10, $50 today and you will make sure that advocates get all the materials and assistance they need to host a successful YJAM event in their community.
4. Take action. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) is just one step away from final passage! The JJDPA sets basic standards and protections for youth in state juvenile justice programs, and it is long overdue for Congressional reauthorization. Use this alert below to urge Congress to act NOW because our youth can not wait.
5. Share your creations or other creations online using the hashtag #YJAM and invite your friends to join the movement.