The ACLU of Wisconsin's Community Engagement Department runs three cornerstone youth programs: Student Alliance, which works directly in schools; Youth Social Justice Forum (YOSO), a one-day student gathering in the fall; and Summer Justice Institute (SJI), a week-long program in the summer.
All three programs together create a circle of programming for students, giving them opportunities to engage with and grow in their understanding of their civil rights and liberties, learn about the work currently being done in the community, grow their leadership skills, and build connections with their peers and other community members. Students participate in workshops, site visits, artistic endeavors, and more as they dive deep into what civil rights and liberties mean to them.
Student Alliance
Youth programming at the ACLU of Wisconsin returns after a small summer break, and our Youth Partnership Manager, Abby Homuth, will be back in the classroom with members of the Student Alliance programs.
As the ACLU of Wisconsin works daily to protect our rights, Student Alliance members understand that young people are the next generation of vigilant defenders of civil and human rights. Student Alliance invites impassioned and creative individuals interested in gaining the skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates and organizers for their community to become involved at their school! If you or someone you know is interested in leading a Student Alliance at their high school or college campus, contact the ACLU staff for more information.
YoSo
The ACLU of Wisconsin's Youth Social Justice Forum (YoSo) is right around the corner! YoSo is a one-day, free event at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center on Saturday, November 16, where students can come together to build leadership skills through various outlets such as advocacy and self-expression.
This year, YoSo will provide students with Know Your Rights Training to continue building their understanding of how to best advocate for themselves and their peers in school and the community. YoSo is open to all high school students and is entirely free. Food and workshop supplies will be provided. Sign up for YoSo 2024 here.
More about Abby Homuth
Meet our fearless Youth Partnership Manager, Abby Homuth. Abby came to the ACLU with a wide variety of experience working with youth, providing support to those impacted by the juvenile and criminal legal systems, advocating for the best interest of youth and families by supporting their education, personal development, mental health needs, and more.
Abby leads, develops, and facilitates the affiliate’s youth and public education programs, such as the ACLU Student Alliances, Youth Social Justice Forum, and Summer Justice Institute. In her role, Abby leads, organizes, and recruits young people, striving to create youth programming that engages young people through art, activism, education, and community organizing.
This year, Abby is most excited to continue growing our cornerstone programs and building connections with other community organizations – collaborating across southeastern Wisconsin with other social justice. youth-serving organizations to create partnerships with other organizations that are doing important work.
The ACLU-WI youth programs work to provide safe spaces for high school and college-aged students to grow in their leadership skills. Whether running a Student Alliance at their school or participating in YoSo or Summer Justice Institute training, students are engaging with opportunities to expand their comfort with leadership positions and community engagement. With a focus on increasing the accessibility and visibility of the ACLU youth programs, Abby wants to ensure the affiliate sets up young leaders for success!
