YDJ: Youth
Discussing Justice

YDJ: Youth Discussing Justice gives public school students regular, judgment-free time with trained professionals and community leaders to talk through real-life topics and find their voice. At this time, EYEJ has a relationship with 27 schools and 5 recreation centers in Cleveland.

Youth Discussing Justice connects students in grades 6–12 with everyday resources and professionals trained in social-emotional learning. Guests, including local community members, peers, and any one of EYEJ’s 900 other volunteers, meet with students in a safe, intimate setting that encourages honesty on difficult subjects. Of the over 1,600 participants in the program to date, 65 percent were first-time advocates, and 45 percent committed to putting what they learned into action.

The 10-week YDJ program consists of seven weeks in discussion and three weeks in a “Reflection Event.” The most recent “Reflection Event” was a Photo Display Project. Five students impressed the public with an exhibition of photographs about toxic stress, self-esteem, body image, poverty, and Cleveland’s ongoing Digital Divide.