Our Programs

ACT offers reproductive justice leadership opportunities to our community.

Feminist Leadership Academy

The Feminist Leadership Academy (FLA) is an in-depth, 5-9 month academy dedicated to developing leaders with a Reproductive Justice analysis, concrete leadership skills, and hands-on civic engagement opportunities. Participants in our longest running program attend 2-hour weekly sessions, weekend retreats, legislative visits to the Capitol and networking events with prominent community leaders.

FLA political education and leadership skills training include:

  • Public Speaking
  • History of the Women’s Movement
  • Intersectional Feminism
  • Community Organizing 101
  • Legislative Advocacy 101
  • Reproductive Justice
  • Racial Justice
  • Disability Justice Movement
  • LGBT+ Justice
  • Research and Analysis

and more!

Participants plan and implement community campaigns that educate local, state and national leaders on issues important to them, their families and their community.

All young people 16-24 years of age that want to build community with young feminists and take part in creating positive changes are encouraged to apply during ACT’s recruitment drives in August and January.

 

S.H.A.P.E

S.H.A.P.E. (Student Health Awareness for Peer Empowerment) is a leadership development program dedicated to developing leaders with a Reproductive Justice analysis, concrete leadership skills, and hands-on civic engagement opportunities. SHAPE programs are located in Woodlake, CA. and Orosi, CA. Participants in our programs attend 2-hour weekly sessions after school, weekend retreats, legislative visits to the Capitol and networking events with prominent community leaders.

SHAPE’s political education and leadership skills training include:

  • Public Speaking
  • History of the Women’s Movement
  • Intersectional Feminism
  • Community Organizing 101
  • Legislative Advocacy 101
  • Reproductive Justice
  • Racial Justice
  • Disability Justice Movement
  • LGBT+ Justice
  • Research and Analysis

and more!

Participants plan and implement community campaigns that educate local, state and national leaders on issues specifically important to rural youth and their families.

SHAPE programs have had several victories including passing school board resolutions and creating student-led teacher trainings.

All young people 13-20 years of age that want to build community and take part in creating positive changes are encouraged to get involved today!  SHAPE accepts new members throughout the school year. Call the ACT office at (559) 702-6092 to learn how to find your local SHAPE meeting at Orosi High School or Woodlake High School campuses.

ACTion Teams

ACTion Teams were created as a way to engage young people and community members throughout the year on grassroots issues that need immediate action.

ACTion Teams are short term, issue-focused programs that run between 4 and 12 weeks long.  Participants learn the historical context as well as current legislation relating to specific community issues and the skills needed to create local changes on the topic.

The age range for participants vary per specific ACTion Team.  Community members of all ages, 12-60+ years of age, have participated in former ACTion Teams.  Program Participants meet weekly for 2-hour sessions that cover political education, leadership skill training,and the opportunity to speak directly to local leaders to present policy change recommendations

Former ACTion Teams include:

  • Plan A Action TeamFocused on the implementation of the CA Healthy Youth ACT and Sexual Health Education.  This multi-generational team, presented to multiple school districts in the County to encourage full implementation of comprehensive sexual health education.
  • O.R.A.L.E.Focused on environmental justice policies in Visalia.  This multi-generational team successfully worked with Visalia Unified to remove Glyphosate from local school campuses.
  • Healing TogetherFocused on healing from the wounds of gun violence through cultural practices.  This youth- centered team worked to provide a safe space for young people to engage in a range of discussions and healing practices including utilizing art as a method of healing.

All people that want to build community and take part in creating positive changes are encouraged to follow ACT on social media to stay current with recruitment for new and upcoming ACTion Teams!