Justice Works 2016

Climate change is among the greatest threats to our future - worldwide and in our nation and state. Storms have ravaged the New York metro area, Long Island and upstate New York. Proposals to build and expand oil and gas infrastructure threaten the health and safety of countless rural, suburban and urban New Yorkers. This participatory workshop will review the basics of climate change and provide a landscape of the campaigns in New York fighting climate change and for climate justice. We’ll also have an open discussion about how groups across the state can help build this critical and growing movement.

Ending mass incarceration, achieving justice in policing, and creating a justice system that is actually just, is a big, multifaceted job - from people's first interaction with police, to the statewide policies that could drastically reduce incarceration. Even talking about the issue brings up raw emotions and personal anxiety that remind us that this issue is a one of life and death. Join us to hear from organizers on the front lines, get comprehensive and easy to use resources to begin digging in locally, and discuss how we unite statewide to turn our criminal justice system upside down.

We know we want more control over our economy, but how do we get there? This session will introduce tools that you can use, as well provide a chance to map out ways to use them at home. Come prepared to workshop ideas of how you might develop campaigns that generate jobs, build community wealth, and increase your organizational capacity in the process.

Our current education system perpetuates racist policies that consistently leave children of color neglected in underfunded schools. In order for education to be the great equalizer we need our schools to align with the needs of our communities. Bringing parents and community members in as true partners to transform the system and create a positive school climate where all students can thrive.

Join us in a dynamic 'moving the money - getting the people's money back' workshop, that will provide you opportunity to learn facts of the military industrial complex and Congress' backwards budget priorities that have led to funding an excessive, bloated Pentagon budget, while our communities are left in poverty. Come learn how we can and why we must change our country's priorities. Come share your ideas & enhance your consciousness and ability to connect the dots on issues in our movement.

We are in a moment when beating back those who want to destroy our vision for social justice will stop at nothing. To win a just society at every level, we must be as strategic as possible with our limited time, energy and resources. The Midwest Academy Strategy Chart is a time tested tool that not only lays the groundwork for a successful campaign to win concrete, positive changes in our communities, but if used correctly, also builds long term power to take on the next fight. We must challenge ourselves to use all tools at our disposal to take on power and build power, while we win progressive change. Join us as we learn together how to make it happen.