10/29/2024
Social movements have life cycles, and both endings and new beginnings are a part of that natural process. After a decade of championing youth-led initiatives to desegregate New York City schools, IntegrateNYC’s operations as an independent non-profit organization will conclude by the end of this year.
We are excited to share that we are currently in discussion to merge into our rising ally, The Circle Keepers, (formally known as Circle UP Youth Restorative Justice Arts). If the merger is completed, The Circle Keepers will continue to serve as an organizational plaintiff in our active lawsuits, and maintain a website archive of IntegrateNYC resources.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the hundreds of incredible young people who, over the last decade, have lent their voices, time, and hearts to reinvigorate the city’s school desegregation movement. Their contributions will never be forgotten, and we remain proud of the social justice advocates they have become.
Our awesome organizational partners include: The Peer Defense Project, New York Appleseed, Teens Take Charge NYC, Y Vote, Youth Power Coalition, The Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC), The Ya-Ya Network, Restorative Justice Initiative, Alliance for Quality Education of New York, New Yorkers for Racially Just Public Schools RJPS, Dignity in Schools Campaign, National Coalition on School Diversity, and our hosts for the past several years, Education Justice Research & Organizing Collaborative (EJ-ROC) at NYU Metro Center. All of these organizations all do incredible work, and we are honored to have partnered with them over the past decade.
We also recognize key institutional partners and funders without whom our work would not have been possible. Our generous funders have included: Brooklyn Org, New York Foundation, The New York Community Trust, North Star Fund, William T Grant Foundation INC, Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Echoing Green, The Annenberg Foundation, and Edward W Foundation, and hundreds of generous individual donors. Thank you for all your support for the past 10 years!
We recognize that this news may feel discouraging to so many who have poured their passion, energy, resources and love into this work. It’s hard to consider letting go of something that has meant so much to all of us. But in this moment, we can also feel a deep sense of pride. Together, we have challenged systems, amplified the voices of young leaders, and built a framework for change that will endure. The seeds we have planted will continue to grow, and our collective efforts will remain a source of inspiration for the next generation of activists.
With gratitude and in solidarity,
IntegrateNYC Youth, Staff and Board
