Bio: These two Social Justice Mentors have been outstanding as returning students to the SJ program. Emma has started a school wide campaign to help our campus do the right thing by no longer ordering apparel from companies who use sweatshops. Martin focuses most of his efforts on the plight of farm animals and looks to help others make a compassionate choice when they sit down to eat. These eleventh graders are bound to raise eyebrows well into their senior year.
In 2006 the UN estimated that more than 250,000 children are actively involved in armed conflict in government armed forces, government militias and in a range of armed opposition groups. The problem is most critical in Africa, where up to 100,000 children, some as young as nine, were estimated to be involved in armed conflict in mid 2004. Children are also used as soldiers in various Asian countries and in parts of Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
About Us:
Imagine students who are prepared and empowered to work in a field that is dedicated to creating a positive and more compassionate world. Envision students who are aware of the many forms of injustice across the globe and are ready to use their abilities and talents to not only make a difference, but to change the course of history.
In order to empower and equip students with the necessary tools to create a more humane world we needed a class that would do just that. Thus Social Justice was born at La Costa Canyon High School.
Students who opt to enroll in this UC approved elective course will develop skills to address complex local and societal problems through rigorous, multi-disciplinary course work. Every aspect of the class is grounded in principles of democracy, equal consideration and social justice. The course enables students to link classroom learning to the larger world through interactions with leaders in the local community, international organizations, social action research projects, marketing, campaigning and other opportunities currently unavailable through classes offered at most high school campuses. This course provides an opportunity for young leaders who demand the best from themselves today and will work together for a brighter tomorrow.
The semester long curriculum centers around three units: Human Rights, Animal Protection and Environmental Ethics and helps students discover how all three are connected. Student learning is primarily achieved through individual inquiry and supported by the adviser who asks and answers questions that arise while students research and put their own plans into action.