Research Guides: NYU Reads: Ways to Get Involved

Ways to Get Involved

"My years of struggling against inequality, abusive power, poverty, oppression, and injustice had finally revealed something to me about myself. Being close to suffering, death, executions, and cruel punishments didn't just illuminate the brokenness of others; in a moment of anguish and heartbreak, it also exposed my own brokenness." Just Mercy, Chapter 15

Just Mercy asks us to realize broken systems, but to also think about what each us can do and what each of us needs to work on to fix these systems. Consider getting involved in the continued conversations around prisons, inequity, and justice taking place at NYU and elsewhere.

Get Involved at NYU

New York University Prison Education Program (NYU PEP)
NYU PEP is a college program that offers an Associate of Arts degree and educational programming to men incarcerated at Wallkill Correctional Facility in Ulster County, New York. By offering transferrable credits, and resources for developing critical skills and relationships, NYU PEP is committed to supporting the academic and professional goals for students both in prison and upon their release.
NYU Solidarity Week
Solidarity Week creates opportunities for students, faculty, and administrators to deepen their understanding of the experiences of others, and raise awareness of the individual and collective injustices that confront many in our society.
Evolving Justice (EJ)
Established by Clinical Assistant Professor Kirk “Jae” James, EJ is an educational initiative for social workers, advocates, and concerned people that aims to build community; co-create brave space; and facilitate various dialogue(s) towards the emancipatory exploration of JUSTICE in theory and action. EJ further believes that central to the aim of JUSTICE is a reimagination of humanity in which no one is their worst action, disposable, or denied an opportunity to fully actualize!

Workshops and Trainings

One Zone Trainings
These interactive trainings provide students with the knowledge and tools to explore concepts related to identity, diversity, and community. The trainings aim to enhance the NYU experience and foster a more inclusive campus environment.
Advocacy Tips and Resources
NYU Law students and alumni working with the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law have put together a set of resources for those interested in attending protests, taking political action, and self-educating.
Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation Trainings
The Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation is committed to bolstering the capacity of NYU community members to impact change—and to creating a more welcoming and inclusive University. Their trainings include facilitating anti-racist and dialogues.

Pen Pal Programs

Black and Pink Penpal Program
Black & Pink coordinates a nationwide penpal program to match incarcerated members with penpals who correspond, build relationships, and participate in harm reduction and affirmation. For an incarcerated LGBTQIA2S+ person, corresponding with someone on a regular basis is itself a harm reduction strategy, giving that person a support network outside of prison.
The Prisoner Correspondence Project
A volunteer-run project dedicated to finding penpals for incarcerated people.

Mental Health and Wellness

Counseling at NYU
Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) can help with any mental health concerns you might experience, offering offer virtual individual counseling, group counseling, wellness workshops, and referrals.
MindfulNYU
MindfulNYU hosts daily yoga classes, group meditation, large scale events, and mindfulness workshops for students, faculty and staff.

Attribution

This research guide was written by NYU Graduate Student Editor Nicholas Caldwell, in partnership with NYU Libraries and the NYU College of Arts and Sciences Office of Academic Affairs.