Post on 01-Jan-2016
description
The Dorothy Cotton InstituteCitizenship Education ProgramCitizenship Education Program
Building Global Community for Human Rights Leadership
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
The Citizenship Education Program (CEP)
• “The best kept secret” of the Civil Rights Movement
• A critical component of the Movement’s overall organizing strategy
• Played a foundational role helping disenfranchised people: – recognize their own capacity, intelligence and
power– transform themselves from a stance of “victims”
to full “citizens”
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
recognition that human rights are
being denied learning that
our rights are codified in treaties and laws
connection with others
who care about justice
sharing "how things
are" & "how things ought to be"
healing from
oppression, regaining
self-esteem & personal
power
inspired to action to
secure rights for self and
others
Share Stories & Aspirations for Transformatio
n
Our Theory of Change
Learn about Civil & Human
Rights
Join a Learning
Community of Peers
Share Strategies &
Mutual Support
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
Share Stories & Aspirations for Transformatio
n
Take Action, Leadership, & Inspire Others
Levels of Transformation
PERSONAL•Move from the role of “victim” to “agency” in one’s life
INTERPERSONAL•Practice non-violence to build a Beloved Community, where all are treated with love, compassion and respect, and our humanity and dignity is affirmed.
COMMUNALBuild our community’s capacity to work for social justice.
INSTITUTIONAL•Take collective action to transform institutions, policies and laws.
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
Citizenship Education Program OutlineCitizenship Education Program Outline
• Build community and the moral case for change
• See how the status quo is maintained
• Understand that we have rights
• Create a vision for change
• Prepare for leadership & effective action
• Offer ongoing support and movement building
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
CEP Core Educational Principles
Affirming human dignity and strengths
Learning in and through collective action
Living democracy in classrooms and programs
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
Support school—community teams• Connect people &
networks• Share learning,
challenges & success Share resources &
strategies for engagement Generate ideas for:• Building democratic
classrooms & programs• Innovative school –
community partnerships
Document:• Impact on students,
teachers, parents, community, etc.
• What is working best, how and why?
Build knowledge base Build Leadership Encourage movement-
building
Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011