S.t.r.o.n.g. (Siblings Taking Responsibility for Native Generations)
Our Indigenous youth in California face some of the most disproportionate numbers of school suspensions and juvenile detentions. IJ is dedicated to supporting our next generations in culture-first youth programs,workshops, and development.
Purpose & Vision
S.T.R.O.N.G.’s purpose is to empower Indigenous youth with the skills, knowledge, and support to become leaders in Indigenous Rights advocacy, ensuring the protection of cultural lifeways, sacred sites, and Indigenous sovereignty.
We envison Native youth reclaiming their power to advance Indigenous justice through self-determination, community organizing, and a commitment to environmental and healing justice, honoring ancestors and paving the way for future generations.
We envison Native youth reclaiming their power to advance Indigenous justice through self-determination, community organizing, and a commitment to environmental and healing justice, honoring ancestors and paving the way for future generations.
Our Objectives
- Build Capacity for Indigenous Rights Organizing: Equip Indigenous youth with community organizing skills, campaign development strategies, and the knowledge to advocate effectively for Indigenous rights.
- Leadership Development: Develop Indigenous youth as leaders who understand the complexities of Indigenous sovereignty, community needs, and pathways to justice.
- Promote Awareness and Advocacy: Increase public awareness of Indigenous rights issues, including environmental justice, MMIP, and education inequities.
- Foster Community and Collective Resilience: Create safe spaces for youth to connect, heal, and grow together, reinforcing Indigenous identity and resilience.
Program Components
Workshops and Training Sessions
- Skill-building workshops on community organizing, campaign development, and storytelling.
- Educational sessions on topics such as Indigenous Rights, sovereignty, decolonization, and cultural preservation.
Mentorship Program:
- Partner with Indigenous Youth Organizations to build youth power across California
- Pair Indigenous youth with experienced organizers and advocates.
- Foster intergenerational mentorship for knowledge-sharing and support.
Healing Circles and Cultural Events:
- Create spaces for youth to engage in healing practices, cultural events, and ceremonies.
- Promote mental, spiritual, and cultural healing and resilience.
Campaign Development Labs
- Hands-on sessions focused on designing and implementing campaigns around core issues like sacred site protection, MMIP, and education justice.
- Promote mental, spiritual, and cultural healing and resilience.
