A Passion for Justice

Contact Person: Ryki Pearce, Coordinator
Contact Number: (203) 498-6845

Abstract:

"A Passion for Justice: Making a Difference” is an interdistrict collaborative grant for middle school students that is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education with appropriations from the Connecticut State Legislature. In this program, A Passion for Justice: Making a Difference, nine school districts work together on a cultural/historical/leadership-oriented project dealing with the individual confrontation of prejudice. Collaboration among Young Audiences of Connecticut (YAC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and ACES has resulted in the presentation of an original play, A Passion for Justice: The Prudence Crandall Story.

Purpose:

To engage middle school students in discussions and activities that help them clarify their own beliefs and attitudes about themselves, social differences and diversity.

Goals / Objectives:

• To increase student academic achievement and to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation.
• To expand the issue of diversity beyond race…to such issues as gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical and mental ability etc.
• To inspire our students to believe that they truly can make a difference and to encourage them to take a stand.

Schedule of Program Events 2011-2012

January 19, 2012, Group A, 8:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 205 Skiff Street, Hamden
February 2, 2012, Group A, 8:45 AM – 12:15 PM, 55 Audubon Street, New Haven
April 2, 2012, Group B, 8:45 AM – 1:30 PM, 205 Skiff Street, Hamden
April 12, 2012, Group B, 8:45 AM – 12:15 PM, 55 Audubon Street, New Haven

Participating Districts/Schools:
Group A: Ansonia Middle School, Lincoln Middle School (Meriden), Nathan Hale Middle School (New Haven) and Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Middletown)
Group B: Dodd Middle School (Cheshire), Hamden Middle School, Long River Middle School (Reg. Dist. #16), Nathan Hale Middle School (New Haven), and Thomas Edison Middle School (ACES)