Thriving Together: Stories from CCEJ

In this episode, we feature a thought-provoking discussion from CCEJ’s "Building Bridges in Divided Times" webinar, originally recorded for United Against Hate Week in September 2024. Five dynamic panelists explore what it truly means to build bridges in a divided world. They delve into the unmet needs that often fuel conflict and highlight the power of community and connection as pathways to a world where everyone can live free of oppression and thrive. Listen for an inspiring conversation about fostering understanding, solidarity, and collective action in challenging times.

CCEJ is one of many organizations in California working to prevent hate in our communities. 

Our panelists for this conversation are:

Elissa Barret, Western Justice Center

Maia Ferdman, UCLA Initiative to Study Hate

Reena Hajat Carroll, CCEJ

Aziza Hasan, NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change

Shaphan Roberts, Caruso Law

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/ 

In this episode, CCEJ staff Daniel Solis sits with Jenn Harper, Executive Director of Long Beach Day Nursery to explore Long Beach Day Nursery's ongoing journey to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) into its core mission. Listen to insights on what motivated the organization to undertake this transformation and how incorporating DEIB is shaping its day-to-day operations. We also hear about the challenges faced along the way, the strategies used to overcome them, and the critical role that community engagement plays in this work.

For organizations looking to begin their own journey towards Restorative Justice and equity and inclusion, tune in and be inspired by this candid conversation about the power of transformation and the possibilities for creating a more just and equitable world for future generations! 

For more information about CCEJ’s workplace training services, visit us at https://www.cacej.org/transformation 

To learn more about Long Beach Day Nursery, visit https://www.lbdn.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/ 

In this episode, CCEJ’s Executive leadership Reena Hajat Carroll, Daniel Solis and Jessy Needham talk about how CCEJ’s work to foster inclusion and understanding can prevent prejudice and hate. They share stories about the impact of hate on themselves and their communities, and share their vision for how we can build a world free from hate, together.  Special thanks to CCEJ Youth Mentor Taizin Barnhardt for leading the interviews.

CCEJ is one of many organizations in California working to prevent hate in our communities. To participate in United Against Hate week from Sep. 21 - 27, visit:

https://www.unitedagainsthateweek.org/

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/ 

In this episode, CCEJ's Development and Marketing Manager, Vanessa Rodriguez, sits with Khalil Zeigler, Development Manager at Long Beach Forward, to discuss the importance of collaboration and community building among nonprofits. Brought together by Long Beach Gives, they explore how this annual day of giving fosters deeper connections, resource sharing, and collective impact within Long Beach, CA's nonprofit sector. Join them as they highlight stories of success, challenges in fundraising, and the transformative power of working together for a stronger community.

For more information about Long Beach Forward, visit https://lbforward.org/ 

CCEJ Paws for Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVDoi52no4Y&t=397s

Long Beach Forward Community Pet Zoom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZUzIvBXoWE&list=PLvTXDXs0tr5RxyfeuN4uDJxdDARADgVm6

Help us meet our fundraising goal on September 19, 2024!  You don’t need to be in Long Beach (or even California) to donate and support our missions:

CCEJ: https://www.longbeachgives.org/organization/Ccej

Long Beach Forward: https://www.longbeachgives.org/organization/Long-Beach-Forward

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@movelbforward

Tiktok :https://www.tiktok.com/@movelbforward

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movelbforward/

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/ 

Since the 1950’s CCEJ (previously known as NCCJ) has hosted camps in Southern California for high schoolers to build bridges of understanding across racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identities.  Known through the years as Anytown Camp, Brotherhood Camp, Brotherhood Sisterhood Camp, and now Building Bridges Camp, more than 23,000 youth have participated in these transformative experiences. 

In January 2021, CCEJ staff Kathleah Pagdilao interviewed alumni Louis Knox and Jeff Schaffer about the camp lessons they have carried throughout their lives.  Louis & Jeff shared what keeps them inspired to work for social justice during times of division. 

CCEJ is still operating camp twice a year and training Youth Leaders to carry on the work. Our Fall Camp focuses on Gender Justice and Spring Camp dives into Racial Justice. For more information about attending, volunteering, or donating to Building Bridges Camp, visit us at https://www.cacej.org/building-bridges-camp 

CCEJ hosts annual reunions in-person and online.  Sign up for our Alumni Network mailing list to stay connected and hear about upcoming events! https://www.cacej.org/alumni 

CCEJ’s podcast is partially sponsored by LA vs. Hate – more info at: https://www.lavshate.org/about 

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

In this episode of Thriving Together, CCEJ volunteer and Building Bridges Camp alum, Taizin Barnhardt, sits down with Alisa Orduna, a proud Camp alum from the 80’s. Together, they explore the crucial topics of preventing hate in our communities through the lenses of racial and restorative justice. This episode delves into the power of building meaningful relationships by engaging in tough but necessary conversations. Tune in to hear insightful stories and practical strategies for fostering understanding and unity in our diverse world.

If you are interested in volunteering with CCEJ youth at our Building Bridges Camp, sign up to participate in the Building Bridges Leadership Academy (BBLA), a specialized training for adults to build foundational skills for social justice facilitation rooted in restorative values. Visit www.cacej.org/bbla to sign up!

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/ 

In this special episode of Thriving Together, listen in on our keynote conversation with Dr. Tiffany Brown and Dr. Anthony Ocampo at CCEJ’s annual Roots of Justice Breakfast and Convening.

The morning keynote conversation with Dr. Brown and Dr. Ocampo provided powerful insights about how inclusion of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual +) people can thrive amidst adversity.  Dr. Anthony Ocampo, Ph.D., a Professor of Sociology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the author of Brown and Gay in LA: The Lives of Immigrant Sons and The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race.

To learn more about CCEJ’s mission to educate and empower youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice in our communities, visit our website at www.cacej.org. For more information about Dr. Anthony Ocampo, visit https://anthonyocampo.com/

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ staff Ali Haezart-House interviews former Restorative Youth Diversion participant, Noelia Sanchez. In this episode, their conversation explores how CCEJ’s restorative justice diversion program helps youth face the impact they’ve had on others, start taking accountability, and build systems of support so they can thrive. Noelia shares her experience and the impact of Healing Harms and her life trajectory before and after restorative youth diversion.

To learn more about CCEJ’s restorative youth diversion work, visit our website at www.cacej.org/healing-harms.

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ staff Vanessa Rodriguez interviews our Executive Director, Reena Hajat Carroll and Executive Director of Groundswell, Alison Edwards. In this episode, Reena and Alison discuss the landscape of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in the workplace. They touch on workplace culture, navigating conflict through restorative justice circles, and the importance of community building.

To learn more about CCEJ’s mission to educate and empower youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice in our communities, visit our website at www.cacej.org.

To learn more about Groundswell, formerly OC Human Relations, visit their website at www.wearegroundswell.org/ 

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/ 

CCEJ staff Vanessa Rodriguez talks with Sarah Howlett and Narges Zagub, members of our Institutional Transformation Team. In this episode, we learn the basics of Restorative Justice and how listeners can make changes in their own lives to help build a world where people live free of oppression and thrive.

To learn more about CCEJ’s adult training for Equity and Transformation and Restorative Justice services visit www.cacej.org/transformation. 

Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified about any upcoming trainings (links below)!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/

Sign up for an adult open training at CCEJ’s office: https://www.cacej.org/trainings