Advocacy

Through our major campaigns, we are challenging local and state political institutions and fighting for an equitable society with racial, gender, economic, and LGBTQ+ justice at the core of our work.

 

We’re pushing Milwaukee Public Schools to divest from failure and invest in freedom.

 

We’re organizing young college students to reclaim our economy.

 

We’re protecting and strengthening local democracy.

 

We're calling for an end to the policing and criminalization of BIPOC populations on Wisconsin’s public university and college campuses.

 
LIT youth leaders holding outdoor press conference on Youth Power Agenda

Freedom to Thrive

The systemic criminalization of youth of color and youth with disabilities in schools is one of the most blatant and egregious examples of structural racism and violence. The young people who are most at risk are uniquely situated to lead the dialogue around developing safe, equitable learning environments. We’re pushing Milwaukee Public Schools to divest from failure and invest in freedom. The blueprint for achieving this is our Youth Power Agenda.

 
Key takeaways from LIT’s Youth Power Agenda on how to divest from failure
Key takeaways from LIT’s Youth Power Agenda on how to invest in freedom

Dare to Divest

In solidarity with massive national calls for intersectional justice and liberation for BIPOC communities, Leaders Igniting Transformation and our partners at Vote Mob are calling for immediate and sustained action to end the policing and criminalization of BIPOC populations on Wisconsin’s public university and college campuses in a campaign called Dare to Divest.

 
Graphic including back view of young person’s graduation cap that reads, “Broke AF”; LIT youth leader speaking at a rally; and text that says “Tuition free public universities and technical colleges now!”

Broke AF

Broke AF is a campaign to take back our economy and make sure basic needs are met and opportunities are accessible regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. We are organizing young people on college campuses and building a movement to fight for bold, economic policy changes that mobilize young voters to turn out at the polls.

 
LIT youth leaders registering young people to vote, holding sign that reads, “Voting is LIT. Register here!”

Democracy Done Right

Democracy Done Right is a collaborative campaign to ensure local democracy remains strong and meets the needs of historically and presently disenfranchised communities. The campaign will aim to impact legislation, election administration, and the narrative around progressing our democracy. Our four key focus areas are:

  • Making college campuses polling locations for students

  • Expanding early voting hours and locations

  • Recruiting Spanish & Hmong-speaking poll workers

  • Holding local officials accountable for fair redistricting for communities of color