“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.