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The Dorothy Cotton Institute Citizenship Education Program. Building Global Community for Human Rights Leadership. The Citizenship Education Program (CEP). “The best kept secret” of the Civil Rights Movement A critical component of the Movement’s overall organizing strategy
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The Dorothy Cotton InstituteCitizenship 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
Our Theory of Change recognition that human rights are being denied Take Action, Leadership, & Inspire Others Learn about Civil & Human Rights inspired to action to secure rights for self and others learning that our rights are codified in treaties and laws Build Beloved Community Share Strategies & Mutual Support Join a Learning Community of Peers healing from oppression, regaining self-esteem & personal power connection with others who care about justice sharing "how things are" & "how things ought to be" Share Stories & Aspirations for Transformation Share Stories & Aspirations for Transformation Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011
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. COMMUNAL Build 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 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
Ongoing Support from the DCI • 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? • Buildknowledgebase • Build Leadership • Encourage movement-building Dorothy Cotton Institute 2011