Organization Description The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) is a human relations organization dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy. Since 1963, the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ), has worked to transform our communities to end oppression and injustice for all. At CCEJ, we know that real change only comes from everyone working together. That’s why all our programs are focused on raising awareness, healing conflicts, and bridging our differences. With decades of experience, CCEJ works in schools, businesses, and communities to make real systemic change by growing the movement of people building a stronger, more united Southern California. Now, more than ever, we need each other to build a world of understanding, acceptance, and justice for all of us. Together, we stand for justice for all.
Program Information Students will be working in our Building Bridges Youth Programs. Building Bridges Youth Programs work to develop young people’s (ages 12 – 25) knowledge of inequities in their families, schools and communities, so they can begin practicing, by themselves and with others, ways to challenge and transform those inequities. Building Bridges Youth Programs offer structured opportunities for young people to engage in dialogue across differences so they can build the authentic bonds necessary to create real alliances for justice in Southern California’s communities. Fueled by community volunteers, our programs connect youth to a wide range of well-trained adults passionate about helping youth become empowered advocates for justice. With over 30 years of experience, Building Bridges Youth Programs have served over 12,000 young people across Southern California. Students will be placed in either our Building Bridges Camp or Conscious Classrooms program. Building Bridges Camp is a 3-day, overnight program for high school students focused on exploring issues of oppression, justice and the impact those forces have on their daily life. Students also learn concrete strategies for advocating for justice in their schools and communities. We host five camps per school year. Conscious Classrooms is an in-school program for middle or high school youth focused on building the awareness, knowledge, and skills students need to promote respect, advocate for social justice, and strengthen the learning environment in classrooms and schools. This program utilizes a Common Core- and California standards-aligned, critical thinking-focused curriculum that immerses students in a variety of human relations topics. Conscious Classrooms provides students with opportunities to learn healthy forms of communication, build community among themselves, and alter school culture in a positive way.