By David Backes, July 24 2013
During the month of October, allies throughout the country come together to engage their communities on youth justice issues, particularly the harmful impact of prosecuting children in the adult criminal justice system.
Youth Justice Awareness Month (YJAM) is an opportunity for families, youth, and allies to host community-led actions and events that expose the real-life consequences of children being processed in adult court and placed in adult jails and prisons. With events happening throughout the country, YJAM is not only a time to raise awareness but it is also a time to build collective action, to strengthen relationships with other advocates, and to join local advocacy campaigns working to create policy changes.
Every year in the U.S. an estimated 250,000 youth are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated as adults. These young people are our friends, siblings, sons and daughters. Each year, we build momentum to end the criminalization of our youth and the devastating long-term consequences they must face every day. Are you interested in taking a stand for youth justice?
In past years, YJAM events have included:
- 5K Run/Walk
- Film Screenings
- Art Exhibits
- Poetry Slams
- Community Service Days
- Social Media campaigns
- Teach-In Days
The Campaign for Youth Justice plans to host several calls with those interested in organizing events in their state. If you would like to participate in these calls, please contact us at: abellota@cfyj.org
Upcoming calls:
- July 30th - Hosting a 5K Run/Walk
- August 5th - FUNdraising for YJAM
- August 19th - Media Planning for YJAM
Please visit the YJAM page to learn about the history of YJAM and for a roundup of upcoming events!
David Backes writes the Friday news roundup for Reclaiming Futures and contributes articles about juvenile justice reform and adolescent substance abuse treatment to ReclaimingFutures.org. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Santa Clara University. David works as an account executive for Prichard Communications.
Topics: Events, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box, yjam
Updated: February 08 2018