SMART JUSTICE ORGANIZING SCHOOL

Smart Justice Organizing School is an 8-month paid fellowship program, running September to April. This is for Alabamians interested in utilizing community organizing and legislative advocacy efforts to disrupt the criminal punishment system.  

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.
WE’LL COME BACK IN SUMMER 2024.

Our fellows are changemakers that represent their communities from Dothan to Madison.

We have had 35 fellows graduate and address the problems of police violence, inadequate reentry services, and violence in Alabama prisons, amongst other critical issues.

10 will be selected to learn together.

This year, we’ll select 10 fellows interested in integrating arts and culture in their organizing and advocacy work.

All participants receive a $500 monthly stipend, transportation support and any other necessary accommodations for the duration of the program.

Applications are now closed. We’ll come back in Summer 2024.

Program Schedule

The Smart Justice Organizing School consists of four in-person convenings and weekly zoom meetings. Participants are required to attend each of the following in-person convenings beginning on Friday evening and closing on Sunday afternoon.

  • Friday, Sep. 15 - Sunday, Sep. 17

  • Friday, Dec. 1 - Sunday, Dec. 3

  • Friday, Jan. 19 - Sunday, Jan. 21

  • Friday, Apr. 26 - Sunday, Apr. 28

Note: Participants are expected to attend a Zoom meeting, complete assigned readings and submit a journal reflection each week. Weekly zoom meetings are held on Wednesdays from 6-7pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Applications are due on Monday, July 31 and participants will be notified about interviews on Friday, August 4.

  • Select applicants will be invited to interview for the program. Interviews will be held August 14-18.

  • Please email program coordinator, Stef Bernal-Martinez for more information: sbernal-martinez@aclualabama.org