This summer, the Juvenile Justice Project had two stellar interns from the University of Memphis, Monae & Casey! Together, we ran Know Your Rights Theatre Workshops with over 900 young participants at Liberty’s Mass Church, the Boys & Girls Club of Hickory Hill, Girls Inc, and almost every community center in the city! Last week, we said goodbye to Casey and Monae for the remainder of the Summer, as they prepare for next semester’s course load.
We asked Casey about her experience working with the Summer of JJP:
“We drove all over the city mentoring children, ages ranging from 5 to 13, about their rights when interacting with police. Throughout this experience, it has taught me so much about the city I now call my home. I was unaware of how hard some of these kids have it, due to no fault of their own. I had no idea how awful the bus system can be, nor did I know anything about a “slumlord.” As the classes progressed and the kids started to warm up to us, they would share their own experiences with police, which is where I believe I learned the most about the way other people are forced to live. This internship has really given me a new outlook on the city of Memphis and its people.”
As we close out a busy summer, we are looking to the fall. We want to visit classrooms, youth groups, clubs, and more; to teach people how to safely navigate experiences with law enforcement. Our curriculum is flexible enough to be taught to people of all age groups. Let us know if you want us to come to your organization to perform this FREE workshop.
We are also looking to continue the work of our Youth Council. Our summer youth council participants have been working hard designing events for other teens. They have been planning financial literacy workshops, food drives for the homeless, and more. Some of our council members are proudly headed off to college in the fall and we are looking to fill their spots. We are currently seeking self motivated high school students who want to help build a better Memphis for their peers. Participants can use this opportunity as an internship or for service hour credits.
If you are interested in booking Know Your Rights workshops or in joining the youth council contact Faith Pollan at faith@midsouthpeace.org or at the office at 901-725-4990.
Your support of this work is crucial. We need food and beverage donations for our JJP Days of service (mostly snacks) and your financial support. Donate today at https://midsouthpeace.org/get-involved/donate-now/