SOCIAL JUSTICE GUIDE
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF A SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOP
1.5 - 2 HR WORKSHOP PER DAY/SESSION
OPENING
DISCUSSION
Discussion introducing the topic and participants’ reflect about their personal connection to the issue
INTRODUCE THE ISSUE
What does the issue mean, what are the socio-politico-economic factors that influence it? What’s the historical background? Tip: include videos & definitions
DISCUSSION
Display a set of reflective questions that make participants think critically about the issue
DELVE INTO THE ISSUE
Reference videos research and modern-day connections, what does the issue look like today and what does it mean for the participants and the community? Here is a great time into bring in a community partner
ACTIVITY ENGAGING WITH THE ISSUE
This can range from jeopardy, gallery walks, reenactment/role-playing like mock voting and more. Download our activity guide for additional resources!
REFLECTION
Give about 5-10 minutes for them to journal about the issue, activities, and earlier discussions. Tip: play music while they write
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE
Think about the prescient issues in your community and the factors that influence them. What would people be motivated to organize around?
1
Consider if there are any organizations or leaders in the community who could provide insight on the issue. Reach out and see who would be available
2
Where do the personal passions, knowledge and skills of your team lie? What would you all be inspired to work around?
3
If you’ve done an Impactathon before, analyze the survey data you collected from the registration forms. What suggestions did participants have?
4
SOCIAL JUSTICE FACILITATION TOOLBOX
Readiness Checklist
A checklist to confirm everything that needs to be completed to run a social justice workshop
HOW TO MAKE A SOCIAL JUSTICE CURRICULUM
Choose a relevant social justice theme. Here are a few that we’ve done: Tech inclusion, Climate Justice, Immigration, Gender inequalities, Civic engagement, Mental Health
1
Research the theme, choose workshop facilitators, create a social justice workshop agenda
2
Solidify the agenda, create PowerPoint or visual aids with interactive activities, rehearse workshop multiple times
3
SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE IDEAS
Climate Justice
Civic Engagement
Gender Issue
Mental Health
Racial Justice
Immigration Justice
Criminal Justice Reform
Environmental Justice
STEPS TO CREATING YOUR SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOP
1
Choose your social justice workshop developers and facilitators but everyone on the team will need to be versed in the issue
2
After choosing the social justice issue, its time to do research! Look into the history of the issue and what it looks like today. Trace the socio-politico-economic factors that contribute to it and how it intersects with other social justice issues. Put all your findings into a shared google doc.
3
Narrow down what parts of this issue are most important and that you want to cover in your workshop, make sure these parts connect.
4
Create a detailed agenda for a 1-2 hour workshop detailing what concepts you want to cover, ideas for activities and discussions, who is leading which part, and the timing of it all. Be sure to review this draft agenda with the rest of your team for feedback.
5
Reach out to community partners and bring them in to host discussions, mini-workshops or activities. This can be done on the first session but would go well in the 2nd day/session and further out.
6
Create a powerpoint or other visual representation outlining the core parts of this issue with activities, discussions and reflections. Include aesthetically pleasing visuals, gifs and engaging videos.
7
Write a script or bullet points on what you want to say during your powerpoint/visual presentation to help you
8
Practice facilitating the PowerPoint with the rest of your team. Be sure to go over the activities and role-play possible questions you may receive.
9
Finalize your workshop agenda, script, and powerpoint. Then go on to facilitate a fantastic social justice workshop!
BEST PRACTICES FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Use a timer to stay on track
Give enough time for discussion
Create activities that require personal reflection
Relate what people say back to the social justice issue
Draw from your personal experiences, don’t make generalizations
Acknowledge that you may not be an expert in the field and hope to learn from participants as well
Practice multiple times with others and time yourself to stay on track
Be sure to work out any technical difficulties (test the sound, videos, links, and transitions)