Get Involved
Action Learning Collective
Action Learning Collective is a monthly gathering that occurs on the first Saturday of each month, where we come together to engage in insightful discussions about campaign updates and strategize necessary action steps. Action Learning Collective embodies the spirit of unity and proactive engagement and serves as a vital meeting for members of the UPAS community to stay informed and coordinate our efforts to bring about positive change. Together, we collaboratively shape future strategies, ensuring our collective efforts remain focused and effective in achieving our organizing efforts.
The Young Organizers Institute (YOI)
YOI is an immersive summer series for high school students looking for an opportunity to cultivate an understanding of community organizing. Participants delve into the historical underpinnings of this vital practice, exploring effective strategies, and harnessing their personal power to foster a collective voice. Throughout the program's duration, students partake in field trips, engage with accomplished guest speakers, and are exposed to thought-provoking discussions, articles, and films that both inspire and inform their comprehension of pressing social justice matters.
Undoubtedly, a pivotal facet of this program resides in the students' dedicated focus on addressing issues that affect their broader community. These tenacious students channel their efforts towards change and enacting tangible progress. Past student organizers have worked on advocating for immigrant rights, spearheading initiatives to ban flavored tobacco, and propelling voter registration campaigns.
At the core of the Young Organizers Institute lies an unwavering belief in the remarkable potency of young people. The program serves as an ardent celebration of their voices, instilling within them the spirit to emerge as agents of positive transformation. Over the course of the past 7 years, we have had the distinct honor of nurturing and guiding over 80 exceptional students, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and profound impact of the program as we warmly welcome new cohorts.
