Ever find yourself reading an article outlining the missed opportunities and abuses in systems impacting kids and wish that you could just do something?
You can. We can help.
These resources have been developed with an eye on local advocacy. What can you do in your own community to effect change for your neighbors? It can be intimidating, but it can be done. Lasting change demands local ownership.
Together, we can improve outcomes for at-risk youth, reduce inequities and spread best practices across the state. So, let’s dig in.
Please note: As a local activist, you don’t represent the ACLU of Florida as an organization. You represent your own causes as a concerned community member. This is critical to local advocacy. As you work on your campaign(s), your voice will be stronger as representative of your community. If anyone is looking for comment about a formal ACLU of Florida position, please direct them to us.
In this section, you’ll find background materials and resources, like issue briefs and factsheets, to inform your local advocacy, and suggestions for practical things you can do now.
Florida prosecutes more children as adults than any other state in the nation. Once charged, these youth await trial in adult jails, where their rights to humane treatment and education are routinely neglected.
In these divisive and reactionary times, youth need your help ensuring that their schools are safe, nurturing environments. Use these resources to understand the issues, evaluate your local schools and advocate for better practices.
Our kids are at the mercy of justice by geography, as counties continue to struggle to implement pre-arrest diversion programs. Use these resources to understand the new state required programs, evaluate the program in your community and advocate for better policies.