Youth Justice and Reform
In getting the bipartisan Brady Law passed in 1993, Jim and Sarah Brady accomplished the inconceivable. But there’s more work to be done — and only when we work together will we solve this problem. In order to do that work, we must accept these three truths about America’s gun violence epidemic: 1) Gun ownership demands responsibility; 2) Those empowered to do so must uphold existing gun laws; and 3) Gun violence is a uniquely American problem that impacts all races and ethnicities in the country, but nonetheless exacts a particular toll on Black and Brown communities.
This organization promotes the teaching of social justice related issues in the classroom and provides a variety of research which encourages this progressive viewpoint.
Giffords is a leader in the movement to end gun violence in America. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, our team brings decades of political, legal, and policy expertise to the fight for gun safety. Our efforts shift culture, mobilize voters, and challenge injustice.
Nearly 40,000 people die from gun violence in the US every year. This uniquely American crisis leaves no community untouched—but it doesn’t have to be this way. From universal background checks to community-based violence intervention strategies, we know that there are proven solutions that will make our country safer. In statehouses and courthouses across America, we’re taking on the gun lobby and winning. Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook in December 2012, we’ve helped pass more than 350 gun safety laws in 45 states.
Gun violence is a complex problem, and ending this epidemic will require a wide range of solutions. We’re committed to seeing this fight through, until the promise of a safe and just country is a reality for every person and community in America.
ITVS is dedicated to promoting, funding and presenting various documentaries and media projects on television and the web, that present various issues and points of view that reflect a diverse society. Provided is a list of ITVS supported films with lesson plans and curriculum for middle and high school educators.
In celebration and honor of Native Heritage Month, the National Educational Association (NEA) offers year-round resources to share the narrative of Indigenous People groups.
Resources include lesson plan units for children grades Kindergarten through 12 that focus on history, accurate representation, Thanksgiving lesson plans from the Native American perspective, background resources, printables/posters, videos, and recommended readings. The curated collection is in partnership with organizations centered in social justice and advocacy.
NEA Note: “Educators should be mindful of cultural appropriation when teaching about other cultures and understand that Native American students in class may experience lessons differently than non-Native students.”
The Intellectual Takeout for education and social justice section includes a variety of books, primary documents, and links to resources authored by those who encourage an American education system where critical pedagogy is front and center.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
This site is home to Rethinking Schools magazine, a publication that encourages teachers to educate their students from a social justice/critical pedagogy point of view. The website contains links to many articles and publications which promote the “education for social justice” agenda.
Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.
A San Francisco based, non-profit organization dedicated to the development and support of teachers. Through use of peer-evaluation and community building strategies, T4SJ implements programs and organizes teachers, to develop empowered learning environments and offer equitable access to resources for students. The site offers workshops, events and gatherings for educators.
Teachers for Social Justice (TSJ) is an organization of teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, and other educators working in public, independent, alternative, and charter schools and universities that have come together based on the commitment to education for social justice. They are working towards classrooms and schools that are anti-racist, multicultural / multilingual, and grounded in the experiences of our students.
Teaching for Change works to build social justice in the classroom by encouraging professional development and parent organizations and sponsoring the Cross City Parent Leadership Initiative that acts as an opportunity for parent coordinators and parents to gain the tools to facilitate effective family-school programs.