When we dismantle racial, generational, and class injustice and create safe public spaces, young people feel welcome, safe, and treasured.
Raising Justice is proving that youth-led systemic change can happen.
500+
Community members engaged in dialogue at Police Peace PDX Forums to identify harm and craft solutions to our system of policing.
1,000+
Officers of the Portland Police Bureau received our first-of-its-kind training shaping a safer future for youth-police relations.
49,000
Students no longer have police in their schools enforcing crime culture in a setting meant to nurture, teach, and protect children.
Raising Justice is proving that young people deserve a seat at the table.
2016
Police-Youth Conversations Begin
Youth worked with THE CENTER, a Portland-based community hub, to start Police Peace PDX.
2017
Youth Educating Police is Founded
Presented a model for public safety training at the Training Advisory Council; received Catalyst Grant from United Way.
2018
New Model of Training is Launched
YEP brought together police with community and young people to create connection and dialogue around policing.
2019
Police Training Implemented
We gathered community and professional stakeholders to inform the final curriculum and implemented it across the Portland Police Bureau.
2020
YEP Becomes Raising Justice
With teams in five cities and a growing mission to create substantial national policy change, we became Raising Justice.
I fully anticipate this becoming a national model for policing in the United States. The work YEP is doing can and will be replicated across the country.
Danielle Outlaw, Former Chief of Police, Portland; Police Commissioner, Philadelphia Police
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I have never seen a team more driven, with so much compassion and ability to connect with youth. With an understanding of how to navigate bureaucratic systems, develop policy, and meet with people at all levels, with such ease and grace. I’m certain they will create a dynamic ripple effect of positive change in every community that they work with.
Alayna Windham
Student Coordinator, Gresham-Barlow School District