Civil Rights “Legends” Teach Youths About the Importance of Community Involvement

This article describes a past program.

Breakfast with a Civil Rights Legend is a 6-week program that connects community leaders or “civil rights legends” with elementary and middle school students to teach them about the Civil Rights Movement and to inspire them to get involved in their communities.

The program helps students develop the advocacy, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that better equip them to overcome challenges and improve their lives. Students also benefit from exposure to the positive adult role models who share their experiences and expertise.

Volunteers needed for fall 2013

This program will take place in 10 cities in fall 2013 and we are in need of volunteers!

• New Haven, CT
• Hartford, CT
• Dover, DE
• Washington, DC
• Boston, MA
• Baltimore, MD
• Harlem, NY
• New Brunswick, NJ
• Newark, NJ
• Philidelphia, PA

There are two types of volunteer roles:

1. Civil Rights Legends: community leaders or individuals who lived and contributed to the African American Civil Rights Movement
2. Classroom volunteers: adult community members who want to work with students to teach lessons on rules, laws, advocacy, and conflict resolution.

Both types visit the classroom three times to teach lessons and attend a mandatory volunteer training. The time commitment is minimal, about 60-90 minutes a week for three weeks, but the effect on the students is long-lasting.

SEE THE SPRING 2013 PROGRAM IN ACTION IN THE SLIDESHOW BELOW!