Legislative Advocacy Training
At Broken Crayons Can Still Color, we empower directly impacted individuals, grassroots organizers, and allies with the tools they need to influence meaningful policy change. Our legislative advocacy trainings are designed to demystify the legislative process, strengthen public speaking and storytelling skills, and equip participants with practical strategies to engage lawmakers, draft bills, and build powerful coalitions. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, our workshops center lived experience, community wisdom, and real-world organizing tactics to transform personal pain into collective power.
Pathways to Power
Pathways to Power is a youth-centered prevention and empowerment program by Broken Crayons Can Still Color, designed to uplift and support at-risk youth ages 12 to 21. Through mentorship, civic engagement, leadership development, and trauma-informed care, we equip young people with the tools to break cycles of incarceration, violence, and poverty.
Our program creates safe spaces for self-expression, builds confidence through real-world skill-building, and connects youth with resources in education, employment, and advocacy. We prioritize those impacted by systemic injustice—ensuring that every young person we reach knows their voice matters, their future has value, and they have the power to lead change in their communities.
Policy Change Initiative
Broken Crayons Can Still Color is committed to transforming systems that perpetuate harm by centering the voices of those most impacted. Our Policy Change Initiative works to dismantle unjust laws and practices—particularly within the criminal legal system—through community-driven legislative reform. We identify critical policy gaps, develop strategic campaigns, and collaborate with directly impacted individuals, lawmakers, and advocates to introduce and support legislation that promotes justice, equity, and healing.
From ending solitary confinement to expanding reentry support and protecting incarcerated women, our work ensures that lived experience informs every step of the policymaking process. This initiative is not just about policy—it’s about people, power, and permanent change.
Job Development
The “Pathway to Success” Job Development and Career Empowerment Program is a comprehensive and personalized initiative designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to secure meaningful employment and achieve their career aspirations. Through a combination of tailored coaching, skill-building workshops, and practical job search strategies, this program aims to empower participants to confidently navigate the job market and embark on a successful career journey.
Civic Engagement
Our civic engagement training program is tailored to empower men and women who are returning from incarceration, offering them a unique opportunity to actively participate in the democratic process and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through comprehensive workshops and interactive sessions, participants learn about their rights, the legal system, and the importance of civic responsibilities. We provide education on voting procedures, advocacy skills, and community organizing techniques, fostering their ability to engage with policymakers and advocate for social change. Additionally, our program focuses on leadership development, enhancing self-confidence, and building public speaking skills, enabling these women to become influential voices in their neighborhoods. By instilling a sense of civic duty and providing practical tools for active participation, we not only help these women reintegrate into society but also empower them to become advocates for justice, equality, and positive change in their communities.
Community Organizing
Our community organizing training program is specifically tailored to empower women returning from incarceration by providing them with the skills and knowledge to advocate for their own rights and concerns. Through a combination of workshops, mentoring, and hands-on experiences, participants learn the art of grassroots organizing, from strategic planning and effective communication to mobilizing communities and engaging with policymakers. We focus on building their confidence, honing leadership skills, and fostering a deep understanding of the social and legal issues affecting their lives. By equipping these women with the tools to organize around their own issues, we not only amplify their voices but also nurture a sense of agency and self-determination. Our program serves as a catalyst for change, enabling them to address systemic challenges, advocate for policy reforms, and create a supportive network of allies. Through this training, women emerge not only as advocates for their own rights but also as leaders who can inspire and mobilize others, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Parenting
Our specialized parenting program offers invaluable support and guidance to women returning from incarceration, focusing on empowering them as mothers and caregivers. We recognize the unique challenges these women face and provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet their needs. Through counseling, parenting workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions, we help them develop essential parenting skills, rebuild trust with their children, and strengthen the parent-child bond. Our program also emphasizes emotional healing, addressing the trauma and stress often associated with incarceration, enabling these women to create a nurturing and stable home environment. Additionally, we offer assistance with legal matters, housing, and employment opportunities, ensuring that these mothers have the resources and tools they need to provide a secure future for their families. By fostering a supportive community and offering practical resources, our parenting program equips these women with the confidence and capabilities to become resilient, loving, and effective parents, breaking the cycle of incarceration for future generations.
Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Our Entrepreneur Bootcamp is a transformative opportunity designed specifically for women returning from incarceration, aimed at empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. In our intensive program, participants receive comprehensive business education, covering everything from ideation and market research to financial planning and marketing strategies. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where these women can harness their creativity and ambition, providing mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and business experts. Moreover, our bootcamp offers practical training on how to develop a business plan, access funding, and navigate legal and regulatory aspects. Beyond the technical skills, we focus on building confidence, resilience, and leadership qualities, essential for entrepreneurship. By the end of the program, participants not only have a solid business foundation but also a network of supportive peers and mentors, equipping them to create sustainable businesses and contribute positively to their communities, breaking the cycle of incarceration and fostering economic empowerment.
Community Resources
The “Broken Crayons Can Still Color” initiative is a compassionate community-driven program dedicated to providing essential resources and support to individuals facing challenges in their lives. Inspired by the idea that even when life feels fragmented, everyone still possesses the potential to create beauty and vibrancy, this program seeks to offer a helping hand and a safe space for individuals to find healing, growth, and empowerment.