Model and Strategy
Black Organizing Project effectively mobilizes low-income black people to put leadership into power and secure a deeply influential voice in local and statewide decision-making. Without an “intervention,” there is an existing pathway leading youth into the criminal legal system.
Through leadership development and collective action, BOP steers young people away from this well-trodden path to a truly alternative one. With comprehensive support and the experience of making a difference, youth have successfully veered from the offered criminal legal path to one of individual and collective positive change. Moreover, their collective organizing has successfully changed district-wide policies that reduce the criminalization of youth.
Impact
Contribute to statewide efforts to change school discipline policies
Measure academic success of the youth leaders who participate in a program for a minimum of three years
Increase in role of youth leaders in mobilizing BOP's full membership toward community-wide changes
Increase in accountability of police, school board and school administration to youth and community for policing practices; decrease in police presence in schools
Shift in local and statewide budget allocations in favor of restorative justice
Increase participation of Youth engaged in BOP become more active in school and community issues
Leadership
-
Jackie Byer
Executive Director