History : What Are We Fighting For? : Victories : Decision Making
Decision Making
The Youth Justice Coalition has four (4) components within its decision making structure:
(1) FULL COALITION:
Youth members and individual and organizational allies are encouraged to attend monthly meetings where the issues raised by the membership are explored and direction for the YJC response is developed (including setting the direction for research, campaign planning, public education and mobilization, public policy development, and the creation of direct action strategies).
To date, 55 organizations have participated in the building of the YJC.
Most participate in one of the YJC’s county-wide action committees -- the Gang Profiling Working Group; County-wide March Committee; RESPECT (Zero Tolerance and School Safety); Conditions of Confinement; Legislative Committee; and the Arts Committee. Some YJC members also sponsor youth chapters – (see Free LA!). The full Coalition meets the last Wednesday of each month.
(2) FREE LA!
Membership, youth ages 8-24 who have been or are currently under arrest, in detention, incarcerated (in state prison, CYA, camp or county jail), on Probation and/or on Parole. Youth ages 8-24 whose parents and/or siblings are currently or formerly detained or incarcerated can also become members. More than 100 youth a week are engaged in leadership development, organizing and advocacy through the YJC’s chapters or legal education workshops. The youth membership: (1) Identifies issues and improvements needed in the administration of juvenile justice and related issues; (2) Organizes local campaigns on juvenile justice issues identified by chapter members; (3) Connects with and leads the YJC’s county-wide campaigns and public education efforts.
(3) LOBOS (Leading Our Brothers and sisters Out of the System)
Youth Organizers implement the day-to-day work of the YJC including research, community assessment, legal education and court support, constituency mobilization and political education including coordinating the chapters, meeting planning, outreach and facilitation, communication, fund development/grantwriting and engaging the membership in ongoing evaluation of the YJC’s effectiveness in meeting its stated objectives. Organizers are also responsible for attending issue and organizing training sessions and disseminating relevant information to other members.
(4) YJC COORDINATING COMMITTEE (Organizational Board of Directors):
Minimum 58% youth membership required. Provides administrative oversight to the YJC. Accountable for
fiscal, program and legal integrity of the Coalition. Ensures that program and campaign work follows the values, goals and objectives set forth by the membership. Voting reps are eligible according to the following: 3 reps elected from the YJC organizers; 4 reps elected from the chapters (1 from FREE LA High School and 3 from other chapters); and 5 reps selected from the full Coalition (1 parent rep, 3 organizational reps and 1 staff rep).
If the YJC doesn’t maintain its commitment to being led primarily by youth in the system, then it should be disbanded. At best, it would be replicating existing advocacy work. At worst, it would become an apologist for a racist system.