Highlights from FEESTs 2024 Organizer Summer Camp
Building Power Through Intersectionality, Disability Justice, and Community
This August, FEEST’s 2024 Summer Camp brought together a passionate group of students eager to dive deeper into the intersections of organizing, political education, and community building. The overarching theme of this year’s camp was intersectionality—students walked away with a powerful understanding that all systems of oppression are connected. Grounded in this knowledge, they also engaged deeply with disability justice, making the intentional choice to practice universal masking throughout camp to keep our community safer from COVID-19.
Throughout the camp, students not only learned but were continually invited to process and reflect on their experiences. They asked important questions, came back with deeper ones, and created space for collective learning through group discussions, free writes, and even skits that embodied the lessons they had absorbed. It was a transformative experience rooted in the belief that organizing starts with understanding and connection.
Workshop Highlights
Processing, Reflection, and Lunchtime Karaoke
Back to School and Beyond
Join the Movement
Workshop Highlights: Exploring Critical Themes
Summer Camp 2024 featured a series of powerful workshops, each one contributing to the student’s growth and understanding of intersectionality, justice, and community.
Who is FEEST & Community Agreements
Facilitated by Mari Shibuya
The camp kicked off with an introduction to FEEST’s history and the work we do. Students played fun movement and get-to-know-you games and then split into groups to brainstorm community norms that would make the space accessible and safe for everyone.
Covid-Safer Activism for Sustainable Organizing
Facilitated by Mei from Maskbloc
This workshop focused on the importance of COVID safety in sustainable organizing. Students explored the connections between COVID safety, disability justice, environmental justice, and social justice, learning how the threat level of COVID-19 has changed in 2024 and gaining actionable strategies for creating safer spaces.
Roots of Oppression
Facilitated by Ammara from FEEST
In this workshop, students delved into the interlocking systems of oppression—colonialism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism. They analyzed their personal relationship to power and explored how their identities are impacted by these systems. The workshop also connected students’ internal worlds to larger global systems, emphasizing the power of scale.
Disability, Ableism, and Disability Justice
Facilitated by Jessie from API Chaya
This session focused on understanding how disability and ableism affect everyone. Students discussed the idea that everyone has an access need and that access is a form of love and care, drawing from Mia Mingus’ writing on access intimacy. The workshop also differentiated between Disability Rights and Disability Justice as distinct political frameworks.
Oakland Community Schools – Imagining Supportive Schools
Facilitated by Jude from FEEST
Students learned about the Oakland Community Schools and how their organizing can inform the work we do today. This workshop encouraged students to imagine more liberatory and supportive schools, using the legacy of Oakland Community Schools as a foundation for reimagining education.
Mental Health Campaign Overview
Facilitated by FEEST Student Organizers
Our returning Student Organizers took the lead at Summer Camp, guiding everyone through an in-depth overview of FEEST’s ongoing Mental Health Campaign. They shared the history of how we developed our campaign goals and provided updates on the current progress. Students discussed the importance of Wellness Rooms on campus and what these dedicated spaces would mean for those seeking support. The workshop was an opportunity for new student organizers to engage with this crucial work and continue building on the efforts to prioritize mental health in our schools.
Practicing Our Accountability Muscles
Facilitated by Robert from API Chaya
This workshop provided students with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and expectations with accountability. They explored different types of accountability and justice-seeking practices, making it one of the most impactful sessions of the camp.
Decision Maker Meeting with Melissa Pointer
Facilitated by FEEST Student Organizers
Our student organizers led an insightful session with Melissa Pointer, Director of Social Emotional Learning at Highline Public Schools. Although Melissa is a leader in the Highline district, she was specifically advising Seattle Public School students, who have encountered challenges in getting Wellness Rooms implemented at their schools. Melissa provided valuable guidance on overcoming resistance from staff, the importance of data collection, and strategies for building support. She also emphasized relationship building and persistence as key elements of advocating for Wellness Rooms. Students left with actionable steps and renewed energy for their campaign, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Embody What Matters
Facilitated by Camille from Have Heart
Students explored the concept of embodiment—what it is, why the body matters, and how to embody their values. Through centering practices and discussions, this workshop emphasized the importance of grounding in our physical selves while engaging in the work of organizing and justice.
Resisting Environmental Racism Locally
Facilitated by Nurhaliza from Rainier Beach Action Coalition
This workshop addressed how racism manifests in the design of infrastructure and how this defines apartheid in our communities. Students discussed how communities can organize and practice sovereignty, using emergent strategies to create change at multiple levels.
Processing, Reflection, and Lunchtime Karaoke
One of the most powerful aspects of Summer Camp 2024 was the continuous invitation for students to process and reflect on what they were learning. Many students came back to camp each day with more questions, eager to deepen their understanding of the complex issues they were engaging with. This reflective practice was supported by group discussions, creative writing exercises, and even games and skits that allowed students to embody their learnings in new and dynamic ways.
Of course, it wouldn’t be summer camp without some fun along the way! Lunchtime karaoke became a camp favorite, where students took turns belting out their favorite tunes. It was a joyful and light-hearted way to unwind, connect, and make memories together.
Back to School and Beyond
As our students head back to school, they carry with them the lessons, connections, and organizing skills they built at Summer Camp 2024. But their journey is just beginning. We invite you to continue supporting FEEST and our incredible students as they embark on their path as organizers, ready to create change in their schools and communities.
Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their power is felt.
Show FEEST some love!
Youth are in the lead at FEEST because we know that change is not effective unless those most impacted by health inequities are the decision makers. Support youth leadership by donating today, OR sign up for our newsletter to get the latest from FEEST!