Know Your Rights

The Know Your Rights Project (KYR) engages youth in conflict with the law on juvenile justice issues by centering young peoples' perspectives and leadership on justice for youth and families. We run workshops that address behavior in the context of rights. Our curriculum is guided by experience and expertise, and our partnerships are grounded in community collaboration toward structural change that benefits both youth and community safety.

KYR staff members have trained a total of 2,600 youth and community members, and currently work with 10 youth advocates who serve as peer educators and spokespeople for our curriculum about juvenile justice reform. 

For more information on being a youth advocate and on KYR, or to book a training, contact us at knowyourrightsproject@gmail.com. 

And don't forget to visit us on Facebook and Twitter! 

For Teens

• Read our graphic novel! 
  In English (pdf), or lea nuestra novela gráfica en español (pdf). 
  Learn about the rights of Illinois youth in the juvenile justice system. Made with the help of the Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Action Network of the Models for Change Initiative. We've distributed 100,000 copies already!

• Watch our video, 10 Street Law Commandments!
  Get a quick and catchy rap lesson on how to deal with the police. 

For Parents

• Read our parent handbook!
  Need a guide through the juvenile justice process for your family? Learn along with The Juvenile Justice System: A Guide for Families in Illinois (pdf).