The Encampment for Citizenship Responds to Project 2025: Upholding Democracy, Justice, and Youth Empowerment

Disclaimer

The Encampment for Citizenship does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office — but we recognize that the 2024 election results will have immense implications for the future of our democratic values, institutions, and processes. In 2022, the Heritage Foundation and many former administration officials wrote “Project 2025” — a roadmap for how to replace existing laws, regulations, and institutions with attacks on human rights, freedom of the press, and democracy itself. We commend organizations like the ACLU for their critical stance on this matter and for raising awareness about its potential consequences.

Who We Are

At the Encampment for Citizenship (EFC), we are steadfast in our mission to empower young leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage in participatory democracy and work toward a more just and equitable society. As we examine the goals and implications of initiatives like Project 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing critical thinking, fostering inclusive dialogue, and advocating for policies that uphold the core tenets of democracy and social justice.

What Is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a political framework that seeks to reshape the role of government, policy priorities, and public services in ways that could have a significant impact on marginalized communities and democratic institutions. Promoted as a “vision for the future,” its proposals risk undermining protections for civil rights, environmental justice, and equitable access to resources that form the foundation of a thriving and inclusive society.

Why Does This Matter?

At the EFC, we believe that democracy is not a spectator sport. Project 2025’s approach raises urgent questions about the role of citizens in shaping our collective future. The proposed policies could:

Erode Civil Rights Protections — Potential rollbacks in protections for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equity threaten to reverse decades of progress.
Jeopardize Environmental Justice — Deregulating environmental protections would disproportionately harm communities already burdened by systemic inequities.
Undermine Participatory Governance — Centralizing power risks silencing the voices of grassroots movements and marginalized groups who are critical to shaping fair policies.
Put Vulnerable Families and Individuals at Risk — Project 2025 targets trans and other gender non-conforming youth; immigrant families; low-income women and their ability to access reproductive health care; and undermines protections and wage gains for low-wage workers.

The Encampment Response

Since 1946, the Encampment for Citizenship has championed the principles of equity, justice, and participatory democracy. In light of initiatives like Project 2025, our work is more essential than ever. Here’s how we respond:

1. Amplifying Youth Voices

The EFC empowers young people to analyze policies critically, engage in community action, and advocate for justice. We provide a platform for intergenerational dialogue that ensures the voices of youth are included in shaping a future that prioritizes inclusivity and equity.

2. Building Democratic Communities

Through our Summer and year-round programs, the EFC fosters a self-governing community where participants learn the skills needed to challenge injustice and build alternative societal structures grounded in democratic principles.

3. Promoting Environmental Justice

Our Pesticide-Free Soil Project exemplifies our commitment to addressing climate change and environmental justice and is powered by youth and adults on the Central Coast of California. We oppose policies that prioritize profit over people and the planet.

4. Advancing Equity and Inclusion

The EFC stands firmly against any attempts to curtail civil rights. Our programs equip participants with tools to identify and challenge systemic inequities, ensuring that all communities have access to opportunities and protections.

A Call to Action

As members of a global community, we cannot remain passive in the face of policies that threaten democracy and justice. The Encampment for Citizenship calls on youth, educators, policymakers, and allies to:

Educate — Learn about the potential effects of Project 2025 on your community and beyond.
Engage — Participate in civic action, from local organizing to national advocacy.
Empower — Support programs like the EFC that equip the next generation with the tools to lead by joining us in providing support for this generation of young people.

Ways to Engage

We encourage individuals to join forces with organizations that align with their values and areas of focus. Collaborating with groups like the ACLU, NAACP, and other advocacy organizations strengthens our collective efforts to resist injustice and promote equity. Engage locally, nationally, and globally to amplify the impact of our shared vision for a fair and inclusive society.

Upcoming Event: InterGen Café

We are excited to invite you to our next InterGen Cafe, on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m. ET/ 4:00 p.m. CT/ 3:00 p.m. MT/ 2:00 p.m. PT. As we approach the potential implementation of Project 2025, we face pressing challenges that threaten the rights of undocumented families, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, women, the integrity of our education and justice systems, and voting rights and democracy. Now, more than ever, it is time to come together to reflect, strategize, and support each other. Click to RSVP.

Purpose of this InterGen Café:

Check-in on the community — Share how we’re doing and can support one another.
Strategize about how to move forward — Discuss practical ways to resist these challenges and protect our most vulnerable communities.
Learn from experts and each other — Hear from knowledgeable voices in the EFC network, and collaborate on actions we can take together.

Together, We Can Shape a Just Future

The Encampment for Citizenship remains committed to creating spaces where diverse voices unite to challenge injustice and envision a better world. We believe that by empowering youth to take action, we can uphold the democratic ideals that are essential to a thriving society.

For more information about how you can join us in this work, visit: encampmentforcitizenship.org. Together, we can ensure that the future reflects the values of equity, inclusion, and justice for all.