Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows

There is a lack of representation in circles and environments where greater  voice is needed and an overrepresentation in the system itself. The Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows (YJJF) program is a youth justice training program that develops the leadership of justice-impact youth and allies. The YJJF programs attracts a diverse population of youth: racially/ethnically, and economically involved with the juvenile justice system. We expose participants to advocacy and guide them to allow their voices to be used for broader systemic change. One area of consistent interest with our current Fellows is addressing diversion from the juvenile justice system.

Prior to establishing YJJF, the Lewis Walker Institute first established the Youth Social Justice Fellows program in partnership with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the University of Michigan Youth Civil Rights Academy to address specific ways youth can advocate for more equitable and inclusive communities and institutions across the state. In doing so, we strive to develop youth organizing leaders, infrastructure, and curriculum that is sustainable, recyclable, and not simply a one-and-done program. It is the goal of the Lewis Walker Institute in partnership with the Michigan Center for Youth Justice and other community organizations to provide education on the juvenile justice system while being both a teacher and learner.

We desire to help youth better articulate their experience by providing training on how to share one’s story and experience. Ultimately, the youth and families participate in a series of advocacy days, presentations, and will ultimately facilitate trainings. The Fellows are a resource local, state, and national taskforces and organizations seeking youth voice in the pursuit of juvenile justice reform, thus making an impact that will lead to lasting change.