ProjectWHAT!

Project WHAT! (We’re Here And Talking!) is a paid leadership and advocacy program for Bay Area youth ages 13-21 who are impacted by mass incarceration. Our focus is on serving young people in San Francisco and Oakland, but are also open to those who live in other parts of Alameda County and Contra Costa County.

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The goal of Project WHAT! is to create a community that encourages youth impacted by mass incarceration to use their voice, pride, and power. PW Youth Advocates are trained as facilitators, and eventually use their experiential expertise and leadership skills to provide training workshops for law enforcement, educators, lawmakers, and other community members on how to interact with, support, and advocate for children with incarcerated parents. Using their public speaking and leadership skills gained through the program, they advocate for themselves and their peers at the local and State level by speaking at legislative hearings, participating in protests, and presenting at conferences.