Susquehanna Conference UMC Justice & Advocacy Event - Juvenile Justice

Susquehanna Conference UMC Peace with Justice & Advocacy Team and United Women in Faith Event ~ Juvenile Justice Reform Training & Advocacy Conference (additional co-sponsors include SUSUMC Commission on The Beloved Community, SUSUMC Commission on The Status & Role of Women, and SUSUMC Conference Board of Global Ministires)

Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church, PA --- For people of color (especially young women who are black or indigenous) an epidemic of harsh punishment in our schools, schools who function as a pipeline to Pr*son, and unjust treatment in our juvenile court system is all too common. “While for some folks the conversation about the school-to-Pr*son pipeline and school pushout (disproportionate suspensions & expulsions for students of color) might seem like a new issue, the reality is that it is a continuation of a long-lasting, unfinished struggle for racial justice and educational equity,” said Emily Jones, United Women in Faith Executive for Racial Justice.

United Methodists “are committed to ensuring that all students have access to a vibrant educational experience, protected from pushout” and unjust treatment. United Methodists believe in

1. Changing the use of funds that focus on punitive punishment to developmentally-appropriate student supports, such as counselors, transformative/restorative justice practitioners, and more.

2. Eliminating racial disparities in school discipline at all levels, from suspensions and

expulsions to law enforcement referrals and school-based arrests.

3. Ending corporal punishment in schools.

(From https://uwfaithresources.org/prodDetail.cfm?productID=11101&catid=2210)

This conference will explore the above prevailing issues while helping participants learn advocacy & grassroots skills that will help them in working for justice on this issue and other justice issues.

Info: 9:30am Registration/Refreshments
10am Welcome/Logistics
10:15am Opening Worship
10:40am Break
10:50am to Noon/12:15pm Opening Keynote/Presentation by Rev. Kendall
12:15pm to 1:15pm Lunch
1:15pm Break Out groups 1 with 4 Different Workshop Options
2:15pm Break
2:30pm Break Out groups 2 with 4 Different Workshop Options
3:30pm transition back to sanctuary
3:45pm Wrap-up for day

Info: 9:30am Church Opens up
10am Welcome/Logistics and Opening Devotions
10:15am Opening Keynote/Presentation by Emily UWF
11:15am Break
11:30am Presentation
12:30pm to 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Break Out groups 3 with 4 Different Workshop Options
2:30pm break
2:45pm Presentation
3:45pm Wrap-up/feedback, etc.
4:30pm end event

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Host or Publisher Rev. Ryan K. Gephart, SUSUMC Peace with Justice Coordinator