Center For Youth and Community Leadership in Education
CYCLE
Who We Are
The Center for Youth and Community Leadership in Education (CYCLE) at Roger Williams University partners with youth, families, educators, and other stakeholders to build collective power and fight for educational justice.
Building the schools our communities deserve requires collective power derived from shared leadership and trusting relationships between youth, families, and educators. Educational justice requires the prioritization of the needs, vision, and influence of those most impacted by the lack of democracy, dollars, and dignity in our current public education system—namely, youth and families of color, low-income communities, and oftentimes frontline educators and school staff.
We envision a future when public schools are centers of strength for the communities they’re in.
What We Do
CYCLE contributes to building collective power and fighting for educational justice by creating spaces for learning, strategy, and leadership development with and for those most impacted by educational injustices; supporting community partners in constructing a shared understanding of and approach to solving the problems we face; and providing tools for community-driven research, advocacy, and organizing.
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CYCLE supports individuals and organizations to enhance skills and knowledge, access tools and resources, and define community challenges and solutions. We center those in the margins and serve as a partner, bridge, and process/content expert.
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CYCLE deepens the practice of shared analysis, develops and sustains community connections among field partners, and influences changes in policy and practice for education justice.
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CYCLE lives into its mission and vision, striving to operate consistently with our values internally and externally. We intentionally develop our work in ways that emphasize transparency, equity, and professional growth.
Organizing Strategy & Training
The Organizing Strategy & Training Team provides essential skills training, coaching, and technical assistance to a diverse array of stakeholders. The tools and support we provide help organizations secure policy solutions designed to bring about greater Democracy, Dollars, and Dignity for public education.
Research & Learning
CYCLE’s Research and Learning Team focuses on research that supports youth and families to fight for more equitable and just schools. The R&L directly conduct research and analysis to inform community organizing campaigns often through Critical Participatory Action Research projects that provide training, tools, and support for youth and their families.
Youth Leadership
The Youth Leadership Team focuses on developing youth leaders engaged in social justice work throughout New England. Our Youth Leadership programming adopts a collaborative approach in partnering with organizations and includes training, coaching, and thought partnership to navigate challenges relevant to youth leadership, development, and organizing.
“imagine while we build, always both”