The California Endowment grants the UCLA Labor Center $500,000

The UCLA Labor Center has received a one-year grant of $500,000 from The California Endowment to build the James Lawson Jr./Dolores Huerta Nonviolence Education Project, an initiative that provides a nonviolence curriculum to educators across California.

The education initiative is a result of California State Senate Resolution 38, authored by Senator María Elena Durazo, which passed unanimously to expand nonviolence education in public schools of California. Transforming the resolution’s call from idea to reality, the project will introduce the history and principles of nonviolence to 11th- and 12th-grade high school students across the state. It adapts lessons from influential leaders and events that shaped the 20th-century civil rights and farmworkers movements, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Delano Grape Boycott and Strike.

So far, the lessons have been piloted with students enrolled in the UCLA labor studies program and Gardena High School.

“This curriculum offers a new lens to teach history through — one that inspires students to build healthier, more resilient communities through a deep understanding of nonviolent advocacy,” said Emely Rauda, program manager. “We’re excited to continue collaborating with educators from across California to ensure the curriculum seamlessly integrates into a variety of classroom settings.”

Over many years, The California Endowment has been a strong partner of the UCLA Labor Center, providing seed funding and essential resources to launch important programs and research that shape a better California for all.

“We are grateful for The California Endowment’s commitment to educating the next generation of social justice leaders,” said Kent Wong, who is serving as the principal investigator on the grant. “Through this curriculum, the powerful teachings of Rev. James Lawson, Jr. and Dolores Huerta will continue to inspire young people to pave a path for justice, peace, and equity in their communities.”

If you are an educator interested in learning more about the curriculum, please contact program manager Emely Rauda at erauda@irle.ucla.edu. For more information on ways to support the UCLA Labor Center, please contact the UCLA Labor Center Development Director Melissa Mooney at mrmooney@irle.ucla.edu.