Legal Empowerment

We know that when youth and community members understand their rights, they are better able to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Know your rights

Interactions with law enforcement and the criminal legal system can feel like playing a game in which everyone else knows the rules but you. Knowledge is power, and knowing your rights can offer an important layer of protection interactions with law enforcement. 

Following our signature acronym, we want you to take a STAND for your rights!

Our Know Your Rights curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • STAND – Protecting Your Rights When Interacting with Police
  • Your Rights at a Protest
  • Getting in Trouble for Other People’s Actions (Accomplice Liability)
  • Search & Seizure
  • Expungement
  • School-to-Prison Pipeline
  • Overview of Juvenile Justice System
  • Restorative-Based Alternatives to the Juvenile Justice System
 

If you, a group of friends, or an organization you are part of are interested in scheduling a Know Your Rights presentation with our team, click below to submit our workshop request form. A member of our team will be in touch!c

 

Know your rights camp

Each summer our team hosts Know Your Rights Camp, a 1-week legal empowerment retreat for youth (ages 14-21). This is a great opportunity for a deep dive into our curriculum, designed to grow practical knowledge and skills related to legal empowerment. We cover your rights when interacting with police, your rights in school, your rights at a protest, and more! 

Registration is free, with meals covered and transportation provided as needed. Sign up today to secure your spot in our 2026 Camp cohort!

Spark sessions

Spark Sessions are a monthly third space for youth (ages 18-24) interested in legal empowerment, policy advocacy, and organizing. Events are hosted monthly on the second Wednesday. Interested in plugging in, but not sure where exactly to begin? Join us at an upcoming Spark Session!

www.knowyourrightsmn.org

Do you need to learn more about your rights right now? We’ve got you covered! Visit www.knowyourrightsmn.org for legal empowerment – anytime anywhere.