Do you know a high school journalist who wants to see student press freedom signed into law in your state? Are they ready to take on an increased role in the New Voices movement? 
SPLC is proud to launch the first-ever NEW VOICES STUDENT LEADERS INSTITUTE, a free, four-day program for students to develop their leadership and organizing skills, expand their role as leaders within the new Voices movement, and develop an outreach strategy that could be instrumental in your state’s New Voices efforts. 

Participants in the all-online program will be joined by SPLC staff, New Voices advocates, and special guests to learn their unique capacity as change agents, deepen their understanding of civics, advocacy and press freedom, and expand their ability to act as organizers and messengers for causes that matter to them.  By the end of the Institute, Student Leaders will have a student outreach strategy for the 2020-2021 year, including a completed social media campaign ready for release. Student leaders will also receive a certificate of participation, and ongoing training throughout the year.

The Institute will run from July 6-9, and participants should expect to work (but not necessarily sit in front of a computer) from 1pm-5pm Eastern/10am-2pm Pacific time.
Participation in the Institute is free, but students will commit to serve as student leaders in the New Voices movement during the 2020-2021 advocacy year. Student leaders will:

  • Create and carry out a student outreach and organizing plan within their state;
  • Attend regular (no more than monthly) Zoom strategy sessions with New Voices staff and leaders;
  • Work with other student leaders to conduct one New Voices-related training, either for advocates within their state or nationwide; and
  • Engage with key New Voices advocates in their state on the overall advocacy plan.

To attend, students must be a rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior student journalist (including newspaper, broadcast, and yearbook staff) in a state with an active New Voices campaign, who has demonstrated previous interest in the New Voices movement. Prior participation in organizing, lobby days or testimony is not required, but may be helpful. Attendance is limited, with no more than three students from each state, and recommendation from an adviser or active New Voices advocate is required.

Applications will be accepted until June 5.

Adviser/advocate recommendations can be submitted with this link.

Participant decisions will be made by June 10.

We look forward to seeing all your students this summer! Please contact Hillary with any questions.


Hillary DavisNew Voices Advocacy and Campaign Organizer

Student Press Law Center1608 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Ste. 211

Washington, DC  20036(202) 785-5451splc.org | New Voices | Sign up for the New Voices Newsletter.