SYLA 2009 Kicks Off CFJ Summer

(June, 22, 2009) What is SYLA? What is its mission?

SYLA is CFJ’s Summer Youth Leadership Academy and its mission is to build the next generation of socially conscious, politically active leaders who will effect change in their schools, communities, and the world at large.

When does SYLA run?

SYLA is a seven-week summer program that runs from June 15 – August7, 2009.

What kind of trainings and activities SYLA students participate in? 

SYLA challenges its participants with a holistic curriculum that engages students from multiple perspectives.  One week, students might learn the principals behind grassroots organizing, develop basebuilding skills like flyer making and recruitment pitches, and then go out to a summer school to introduce CFJ to potential new members.   Another week, students might learn about the history of racial and economic injustice in the United States and then go on a city tour to see how those issues play out in their communities.

Who participates in SYLA?

An average SYLA class is made up of about ten students.  To be eligible, a participant must be an active, dues-paying member and attend one CFJ event outside of their chapter meeting.  Though SYLA students come from all walks of life, they are united by their commitment to racial justice, improving their schools and communities, and developing their leadership skills

What do students do after SYLA?

SYLA alumni become CFJ leaders as chapter presidents, yearlong interns, regional campaign chairs, CQE representatives, media spokespersons, and even board members.

What do alums say about SYLA?

“I appreciated SYLA’s hands on education.  I learned a history not taught in school, about gentrification and institutional racism, and how these issues affect different communities, like how sexism affects women, and how a lack of resources affects youths of color.  At the same time, I also learned how I can be implicit in these systems.  Afterwards, I felt a sense of empowerment, like I could change things.” 

 -Samantha Knox, SYLA Alum and current Long Beach Organizer

Nearly 1,000 Students Roar "Don't Pink Slip Our Education!" in Sacramento

MAY 18, 2009--In the midst of the largest education budget cuts in California state history, when do state leaders hear from those most affected--students of color?

In support of the day, Californians for Justice also:
   •    Raised almost $12,000 from 135 donors in April and May.  Signed up seventy-nine people as new monthly donors or who increased their monthly donation as a part of the Justice League Monthly Donor Campaign.

   •    Increased CFJ's student voice in the media through coverage in print, television, and web-based media outlets including KTVU, YO! Youth Outlook , the California Progress Report , La Opinión , and Vida en el valle.

As Communications Director Paul Tran wrote in his editorial "The People Have Spoken" in the California Progress Report: "…we need vision and imagination from our state leadership. A new bill here, a new policy there is nothing without political courage.  And until these changes and plans are made, we'll keep coming back to Sacramento and making our voices heard."