Innovation Lab Curriculum

Curriculum

The Ending R/ED Innovation Lab curriculum is designed to help jurisdictions develop and implement multi-pronged strategies to address racial and ethnic disparities (R/ED) in youth legal systems through interactive modules in four core topic areas:

  • Foundational understandings of R/ED;
  • Promising strategies for R/ED Coordinators to tackle R/ED;
  • Innovative responses to anti-DEI efforts and ways to continue prioritizing racial equity despite environmental resistance; and
  • Strategic implementation planning and resourcing to support robust implementation.

The curriculum features interactive modules to support different learning styles within the cohort. These include collaborative exercises for small groups, facilitated peer-led reviews of deliverables, and unstructured time for participants to workshop information and strategies they can use in their jurisdictions to tackle R/ED. The curriculum consists of the following modules:

Redefining Progress: Exploring Innovation and Disruptive Change

Sessions and Topics Include:

  • Defining Innovation: What it is and why it matters
  • Understanding Disruptive Innovation: Key principles and characteristics
  • Facilitating panel discussions and Q&A sessions
  • Historical Overview: Disruptive innovations that have transformed industries
Comprehensive Practices for R/ED Coordinators

Sessions and Topics Include:

  • The Mechanics of Disruption
  • Translating Innovation into Practice
  • Creating a Culture of Innovation
Effective Messaging: Crafting Compelling Narratives to Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sessions and Topics Include:

  • The Power of Storytelling in DEI Advocacy
  • Framing and Scaling Messages for Diverse Audiences
  • Facilitating a design thinking workshop for creative solutions
Implementation Planning and Resource Allocation

Sessions and Topics Include:

  • Developing detailed implementation plans in guided sessions
  • Discussing funding opportunities and resource mobilization strategies
  • Presenting implementation plans for peer review and feedback
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

Sessions and Topics Include:

  • Sharing and refining creative ideas in an Innovation Showcase
  • Providing tools for advocating policy changes at various levels
  • Facilitating a design thinking workshop for creative solutions

Prework Reading

Before engaging in the Innovation Lab, participants will complete prework readings and assignments to establish a foundational understanding of racial and ethnic disparities (R/ED) within youth legal systems. These prework materials will include data and research on current disparities, successful case studies, and practical strategies for addressing R/ED. Participants will also be asked to assess their local systems’ operations and capacities, identifying key stakeholders and current challenges. This preparation will ensure that participants come to the Lab with a solid grounding in the issues and a clear sense of their local context, maximizing the effectiveness and usefulness of the experience.