Date: Wednesdays, 

October 22, 29 & November 5

(3 sessions)

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM (CT) / 8:00 - 9:00 PM (ET)

 

Community-Led Justice: How to Participate in Activism, & Advocacy

with Paul Rothschild

Course Objectives

This 3-part course introduces participants to the theory and practice of grassroots advocacy, with a focus on community-led justice.

Drawing from the work of ENDPP.ORG and seasoned community organizers, participants will explore how power operates in society, how to organize for justice, and how to take meaningful action on issues that matter to them and their communities.

 

Session 1 – Understanding Power & the Roots of Injustice

Date: October 15, 2025

Objectives:

  • Introduce the foundations of community-led justice.

  • Understand different types of power (organized people, organized money, systemic vs. relational).

  • Explore how power is distributed and maintained in systems of punishment.

Topics:

  • Why permanent punishments matter

  • Power mapping: who holds power, and how do we influence them?

  • Real-life case studies from ENDPP.ORG campaigns

Activities:

  • Power analysis activity

  • Personal reflection: “Where do I hold power?”

  • Small group discussion on systemic barriers to justice

 

Session 2 – Organizing 101: Tools for Change

Date: October 22, 2025

Objectives:

  • Learn the core principles of grassroots organizing.

  • Understand how to build a base and move people to action.

  • Explore the differences between service, advocacy, and organizing.

Topics:

  • The organizing cycle: Listen, Plan, Act, Reflect

  • How to build campaigns with directly impacted people at the center

  • The difference between inside game and outside game strategies

Activities:

  • Campaign scenario planning

  • Role play: 1:1 organizing conversation

  • Build your organizing tree (Who do you know? Who can you move?)

 

Session 3 – From Learning to Leading: Take Action

Date: October 29, 2025

Objectives:

  • Apply knowledge to real-world campaigns.

  • Explore multiple pathways to advocacy: legislation, storytelling, civic engagement.

  • Develop a personal or group action plan.

Topics:

  • How to participate in legislative campaigns (e.g., filing witness slips, testifying)

  • Storytelling as a tool for justice

  • Building sustainable advocacy groups

Activities:

  • Write a mini-action plan

  • Practice elevator pitch on an issue of choice

  • Collective debrief and “what’s next” roadmap

 

The Facilitator

Paul Rothschild is a facilitator, organizer, and restorative justice practitioner with lived experience navigating the criminal legal system. Formerly incarcerated, Paul has transformed that experience into a life of advocacy and community building.

He works to dismantle systems of permanent punishment and expand pathways for healing, accountability, and reintegration. Paul has led statewide campaigns for criminal record relief, co-chaired narrative change initiatives, and produced cultural projects centering directly impacted voices.

As a facilitator, he brings a deep commitment to community-led solutions, transformative justice, and building power with those most affected by systemic harm.