When I first found out about SEJ, it sounded too good to be true. When I got accepted, I had no idea how much I would grow, both personally and as an organizer. This program is unlike any other in the way it invests in young people by connecting us to local issues, and gives us an opportunity to learn while working. I’m so grateful for how SEJ is preparing me for a future of successful campaigns for true social change that gives the power to the people.
Social justice has been a passion of mine for most of my life. Being a young, poor, queer person, I’ve been personally made aware of injustices including job and housing discrimination, as well as violent hate crimes against people in my community. Going to college has been huge in allowing me to learn more about social injustices, including mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline, which disproportionately targets people of color. Since becoming aware of these issues, I cannot be passive anymore. SEJ is creating opportunities and allowing me to be active in the fight for equity. If you agree with the importance of fighting these issues and you’re able to, please consider donating!
In solidarity,
Sam Lyons
Read more about Sam and the rest of the #SEJ2017 Cohort at: http://buff.ly/2sPQhmE