“I’ve learned how to think larger when it comes to my goals and activism. Before, I had one idea — to help fight for Black justice — but from hearing so many other perspectives, I’ve been able to open up my mind to learning more about the struggles of other communities.” — Ariella, 2022 Encamper
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. The young people who seek out the Encampment are very concerned about these issues and want to make a difference. The EFC provides a transformative experience of lived multicultural democracy, grounding in critical thinking about social justice issues and a set of tools to help them become more effective change agents.
This summer, July 6–25, we are returning to Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. I’m writing to ask for your support for this summer’s sponsorship fund. We guarantee that every applicant we accept can participate, no matter what their family’s income is. This is one powerful way that we ensure diversity in this next generation of activists. Without this assurance, many young people would not be able to attend the 2023 Encampment.
“I’m the program director for the Encampment. I often think back to my own teenage years and what the EFC would have meant for me as a low-income youth in a single-parent, immigrant home. Knowing that many of our young folks experience similar struggles, I feel so grateful to work with an organization that welcomes them into the loving community they so deserve. They have the drive to make change for their communities, and our program provides the support to make that a reality.” — Jesus Salcido Chavarria
What will youth activists learn at the 2023 Encampment?
This summer, the Encampers will work with and learn from grassroots organizers in Ventura County. This is key to the EFC’s educational approach: exploring the community and meeting with activists who are working for change. In addition, we find ways to contribute to the community’s projects that promote justice. For instance, this summer, we will work at a local community garden that grows and distributes organic produce. This addresses both environmental and food justice. By using organic methods, they address the issue that pesticides are harmful to farmworkers and their families, and the surrounding community, through drift. Our year-round project, the Pesticide-Free Soil Project, is working on this issue, particularly for schools and parks. The garden also addresses food justice by distributing produce to local food pantries and shelters.
A highlight of last summer will continue this summer as we learn from indigenous elders from the Central Coast about their culture and our connection to the natural world in multiple ways. The Encampers will do another tomol (indigenous canoe) paddle and may be able to join a work day on Limuw Island, removing non-native plants. This will be combined with learning about current Chumash Tribe justice issues.
Our core Arts as Activism component helps youth activists ignite the power of their imaginations to make change.“When it comes to activism, being true to yourself is super-important, and the best way to truly understand a topic is to express it through art. Art can challenge someone to think differently, or could educate people in a single glance. Art is a tool that should be mastered, and allowing a space for that is crucial.” — Ariella, 2022 Encamper
Inspired? Click here to help sponsor 2023 Encampers.
Or send a check to EFC, P.O. Box 1210, Aptos, CA 95001
All donations are tax-deductible. Our federal EIN is 30-0694938.
What is the Encampment?
- Young people ages 15–18, from the U.S. and beyond, living and learning together for three-plus weeks in a summer program focused on experiential learning, critical thinking, community, and social justice in action
- A follow-up program that supports them to take action when they go home
- A nationwide network of committed alums and partner organizations, working for social justice in their home communities.
- An option for local Ventura County alums to intern with our year-round Pesticide-Free Soil Project
The EFC in Action – 2022 Encampers are back in their communities and working on:
- Alvin is organizing a Cultural Awareness Day at his school featuring artifacts, foods and fashions.
- Melanie is co-leading a Social Justice Dialogue Club and contributed a Caribbean dance to her school’s international program.
- Jason helped organize his school community to raise $6,000 for Hurricane Fiona aid. His action plan is to organize for more garbage cans in Harlem.
- Piper, a Pesticide-Free Pesticide Program (PFSP) intern, is part of the social media team sharing PFSP’s work with the community.
- PFSP intern Joaquin helped harvest cempasúchil (traditional Dia de Los Muertos marigolds) at the Community Roots Garden.
- Basil and Aydin are co-leading the students of color group at their school.
- Maribel ran for first-year rep of La Voz Latina.
- Jaden successfully advocated with his principal to see that school lunches were provided consistently.
- Imani is creating a film and literature analysis club.
- Zora iniitiated a Black Student Alliance at her school.
Have questions? Ask us at Contact EFC.