The ACLU of Wisconsin's Community Engagement Department runs three cornerstone youth programs: Student Alliance, which works directly in schools; Youth Social Justice Forum (YOSO), a one-day student gathering in the fall; and Summer Justice Institute (SJI), a week-long program in the summer.  

All three programs together create a circle of programming for students, giving them opportunities to engage with and grow in their understanding of their civil rights and liberties, learn about the work currently being done in the community, grow their leadership skills, and build connections with their peers and other community members. Students participate in workshops, site visits, artistic endeavors, and more as they dive deep into what civil rights and liberties mean to them.

Student Alliance

Youth programming at the ACLU of Wisconsin returns after a small summer break, and our Youth Partnership Manager, Abby Homuth, will be back in the classroom with members of the Student Alliance programs. 

As the ACLU of Wisconsin works daily to protect our rights, Student Alliance members understand that young people are the next generation of vigilant defenders of civil and human rights. Student Alliance invites impassioned and creative individuals interested in gaining the skills and knowledge needed to become effective advocates and organizers for their community to become involved at their school! If you or someone you know is interested in leading a Student Alliance at their high school or college campus, contact the ACLU staff for more information.

YoSo

The ACLU of Wisconsin's Youth Social Justice Forum (YoSo) is right around the corner! YoSo is a one-day, free event at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center on Saturday, November 16, where students can come together to build leadership skills through various outlets such as advocacy and self-expression. 

This year, YoSo will provide students with Know Your Rights Training to continue building their understanding of how to best advocate for themselves and their peers in school and the community. YoSo is open to all high school students and is entirely free. Food and workshop supplies will be provided. Sign up for YoSo 2024 here.

More about Abby Homuth

Meet our fearless Youth Partnership Manager, Abby Homuth. Abby came to the ACLU with a wide variety of experience working with youth, providing support to those impacted by the juvenile and criminal legal systems, advocating for the best interest of youth and families by supporting their education, personal development, mental health needs, and more.

Abby leads, develops, and facilitates the affiliate’s youth and public education programs, such as the ACLU Student Alliances, Youth Social Justice Forum, and Summer Justice Institute. In her role, Abby leads, organizes, and recruits young people, striving to create youth programming that engages young people through art, activism, education, and community organizing.

This year, Abby is most excited to continue growing our cornerstone programs and building connections with other community organizations – collaborating across southeastern Wisconsin with other social justice. youth-serving organizations to create partnerships with other organizations that are doing important work.

The ACLU-WI youth programs work to provide safe spaces for high school and college-aged students to grow in their leadership skills. Whether running a Student Alliance at their school or participating in YoSo or Summer Justice Institute training, students are engaging with opportunities to expand their comfort with leadership positions and community engagement. With a focus on increasing the accessibility and visibility of the ACLU youth programs, Abby wants to ensure the affiliate sets up young leaders for success!
 

As students head back to school this year, we wanted to highlight Nichole (Nikki) Yunk Todd, a current board member who started her career with us as the Director of Youth Affairs. We had the privilege of sitting down with Nikki to ask her about how her experience as a young civil rights and liberties leader has shaped her life and career.

Can you tell us your ACLU story?

When I began my career at the ACLU of Wisconsin, I had the privilege of working with young people for five years and seeing them develop their passion for civil liberties. In 2005, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. 

Our affiliate’s innovative and inclusive youth engagement work was recognized nationally. The young people instrumental to these collective achievements taught me to be fearless and unapologetic when telling the truth and working for social progress. Together, we created original programs like Youth Government Day, The Other America Tour, and the Milwaukee Teen Tribunal. We organized major events at UW Law School and other university and technical college campuses across the state. We established two seats on the board of directors that were reserved for high school and college students. As a board member for several years, I have been fortunate to come full circle and have the opportunity to support the work of our incredible ACLU of Wisconsin staff.

What message do you have for participants in the ACLU youth education program? What would you encourage them to do as they apply their education to the real world? 

I would tell them, you are already living in the real world because it is real to you. Your unique life experiences have given you a perspective no one else has. Your involvement in anything you do should matter because of you. Don’t be afraid to address larger issues like rules, policies, and processes if you feel they can be improved – these can often be barriers to inclusion. As you identify and work toward your goals, your path might not be linear but try not to let that throw you off your course. Sometimes, taking a detour is exactly what you need.

Aside from your relationship with the ACLU-WI as a board member and your involvement with the youth program, tell us how the ACLU and concepts of civil rights and liberties inspire everyday life.

When I started working for the ACLU of Wisconsin, I recall my first boss, Chris Ahmuty, giving me the seminal book about the ACLU’s history, Defending Everybody. He advised me to read it, and I think I finished it the same day. Fighting for freedom became part of my identity– or maybe it always had been. 

When I was growing up, I had a poster on my bedroom door that said, "Stand Up for What is Right, Even if You’re Standing Alone." I knew engaging in this work would make many people mad, but that’s okay because it leads to positive change. I am grateful to see the world through a civil liberties lens, as it showed me that I have a responsibility to work for racial justice and equity in my personal and professional lives.

As we approach the primary election, what would you like to see from the ACLU Youth Programming and young voters in Wisconsin in general? 

I hope they understand their immense power. Almost every industry profits directly from young people. Their influence on pop culture is unmatched by any other demographic. Young people should demand it if all of this isn’t enough for adults to cede power. Adults often treat young people as subjects instead of asking them to speak for themselves. Young people should not be intimidated about asking questions that adults might think are uncomfortable, especially when it comes to decisions that disproportionately affect them now and in the future. And when they finally have the ability to vote, they celebrate every time they walk into their polling place and participate in democracy.

Role models and mentors are critical to shaping young minds.  Who was it for you that sparked your passion for protecting and expanding civil rights and liberties?

Many people have inspired me, but one clearly stands out. When I was new to my position in 2000, there was a small advisory board in place for the affiliate's youth-focused civil liberties work, and one of the members was City of Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge James A. Gramling, Jr. (now retired). Judge Gramling became a mentor and role model to me – he was always available to provide guidance, took an analytical approach to every situation, and was consistently supportive. This man, who was respected across the state for his storied judicial career, introduced me to so many important people as though I was his peer. I have learned my passion for civil liberties and civil rights and unshakable ethics from Judge Gramling. Years later, I am grateful to also call him my friend.  

As you’ve progressed through your career in the nonprofit and public sector and become a leader in the community, what advice would you like to impart to current and future youth leaders?

We need people in all roles to achieve progress. I have chosen to stay behind the scenes and ensure that the right people have access to opportunities and the support they need as long as they are willing to work hard. We need leaders, but most work gets done outside of the spotlight. Be genuine. Young people have an uncanny ability to read people when they are being fake, and somehow, that changes when people get older. I hope they never lose their authenticity. Lastly, stay humble. Your title and status do not determine your value.

We have been blessed to have Nikki in our organization for over two decades. Her passion and commitment to civil rights and liberties inspire young and seasoned activists alike.

Thank you, Nikki, for your commitment to our communities!