Every day, as we see lies, cruelty, inequality, and injustice as daily practices promoted by our current administration, I find myself thinking of Alice (Nanny) Pollitzer and Al Black, and why they established the Encampment for Citizenship (EFC). Having just emerged from a world war to stop fascism, they designed a program to give young people the tools to think critically and work for justice. As Al Black wrote in The Young Citizens, “The Encampment regards youth as a critically important element in the struggle between freedom and authoritarianism.”

What did you learn at the Encampment?
I learned a lot about people from different backgrounds which was the most important thing for me…. It sensitized me to their concerns and point of view…. Having people who came from such different backgrounds try to figure out how to get along together and not hurt each other and find commonality was an important lesson I learned: how to empathize with people and find common ground.

After, the Encampment, I was thinking about what I could do [to make a difference]. My connection to Ola and to my friend produced this desire for change. It’s about the representation of diversity. Even if the percentage of MENA students at my high school is small, they shouldn’t have to choose between White or Asian — they should be represented.

I had a life-changing experience at the 1966 Kentucky Encampment — the first held in the deep South. Today, I pay that privilege forward by donating each year toward the sponsorship of young people whose families cannot afford the full program fee. We are committed to continuing to give young people the transformative experiences, skills and support to be the leaders we need in this harrowing time.

When I went back to my community, I thought, “If I knew everyone as deeply as I know the people at the Encampment, if everyone put that much effort into listening, then I think everyone would be much happier and more engaged.”

EFC alum Russell Neufeld shared this article with us. He is reflecting on humanism — a timely topic. In addition, since it is an articulate and compassionate exploration of what he learned at the Encampment and its long-term impact on his life, it also a kind of “alum story” so we are sharing with you.

“The Encampment transformed my world view and continues to plant the seeds of justice, resistance and change. To put it simply: We are here to build a better world and we need each other. As you know, the need is especially urgent in these times for all of us to work together to defend and strengthen our democracy and prepare future leaders.

How has the Encampment influenced your life? I’m more connected to social justice movements, for sure. I’m always thinking about the Encampment in the back of my head when I’m involved in movement meetings or protests. I’m very aware of the dynamics and the players. When I see younger folks there, I think it would be really great if they could go to the Encampment. For instance, along with leadership skills, I learned about how to be with conflict — the Encampment prepared me for some of these events by the process where we debated different topics together. It’s important to learn how to address issues – not going for the jugular and not side-stepping issues because you don’t want to confront them, either.

Synthesizing and Sharing the 2024 Encampment: In the last week of the 2024 summer Encampment, the Encampers continued to learn and synthesize the lessons they were taking home. There were some new experiences and deepening of the critical thinking and community-building processes. At the end of the week, they welcomed parents, alums, and supporters to the InterGen Weekend.

Highlights of the second week of the Encampment summer program in Montgomery, AL. The theme was “Making the Connections to Today.”

One overall sentiment that was heard a lot during the daily debriefs and that sums up an underlying theme of this first week is, “I’m going to vote and I’m going get my friends to vote. I see the sacrifices that were made to get the vote and I can see the connections to what is going on now.”

Join the newest Encampers, fellow alums and supporters for a one-of-a-kind EFC experience with local activists focused on civil and voting rights! Gathering near the end of the 2024 Encampment, we will reflect on the legacy of those who fought passionately to preserve voting rights and learn what inspires the next generation of changemakers — the 2024 Encampers.

Why is the EFC important now? For the same reasons as then: to make young people aware, early in their lives, of what’s going on in the world beyond themselves — and do something about it. That’s what the Encampment taught me: You can do something about it and you need to! Vote, at least; pay attention so you can vote wisely. Speak up and help other people understand what’s going on in the world beyond their own daily dozen.

We recently caught up with alum A’Shaela Chaires, who told us about her exciting work at Microsoft. We also referred back to an interview she did with Marquise Steward in 2020, where she reflected on her EFC experience.

The most recent Encampers have added their voices. Add your voice today – by making a donation. You can also tell us what the EFC means to you in your donation note or by emailing. We are asking those of us who believe in the Encampment’s work to make a commitment to keep the EFC’s work available to today’s youth. 

The most recent Encampers have added their voices. Add your voice today – by making a donation. You can also tell us what the EFC means to you in your donation note or by emailing. We are asking those of us who believe in the Encampment’s work to make a commitment to keep the EFC’s work available to today’s youth. 

I give to the Encampment so that young people can learn how to engage with the world when it needs them most. Whether tackling the thorny issues of health, education, justice or the environment, we need leaders who can listen, explain and work toward shared goals — and do it with heart, as the Encampment taught us.

You can make a difference in young activists’ lives. Giving to the Encampment shows that you care about democracy, economic inequality, racial, sexist, homophobic violence and environmental destruction.

Come join us in honoring Ada Deer and share your stories and photos about this unforgettable and inspiring woman. Sunday October 22, 10:00 AM Pacific/11 AM Mountain/ Noon Central/ 1:00 PM Eastern.

This summer, Aaron Richardson, 2014-15 Encamper and 2016 intern, is joining our Alum Outreach Committee. We asked Aaron to look back, now that he is nine years past his first Encampment, and share his thoughts about what was most important to him and what has stayed with him.

Encampment: 2014 Chicago, IL
Residence at time of Encampment:
North Carolina
Lives in: North Carolina

Herb Raffaele, EFC 1963 Puerto Rico, has more than five decades of experience in international wildlife conservation. He has led global efforts to conserve endangered species such as tigers, elephants and gorillas, and much more.