5 ORGS · 153 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Testimony-Centered Education

By centering first- and second-hand personal narratives—especially survivor testimony—in educational programming, organizations foster deep emotional engagement and ethical understanding, because lived experience creates more authentic, memorable, and morally compelling connections than abstract facts alone. This strategy leverages personal storytelling—particularly from survivors and descendants—as a primary vehicle for teaching about historical trauma, identity, and moral responsibility. It is distinct from general history education or policy advocacy because it prioritizes emotional resonance and intergenerational memory over institutional reform or statistical analysis, using authenticity and intimacy as catalysts for civic and ethical action.

5
orgs running it
153
activities of those orgs
12
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 5

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Advocates against legislation impacting civil rights JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    advocacy
    Engages in policy advocacy by opposing bills such as SB 1301 that threaten civil liberties and community rights.
  • Curates historical exhibits featuring Japanese American artifacts JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Organizes and displays cultural and historical exhibits, such as the Yakyu exhibit, which includes significant artifacts like the home plate from the Gila River concentration camp.
  • Curates historical exhibits featuring Japanese American artifacts JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Displays culturally significant artifacts, such as the home plate from the Gila River concentration camp, in exhibits like Yakyu to preserve and educate about Japanese American history.
  • Curates historical exhibits featuring Japanese American artifacts JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Produces exhibits such as Yakyu, which includes the home plate from the Gila River concentration camp, to preserve and share Japanese American history.
  • Engages in legislative advocacy against specific bills JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    advocacy
    Actively opposes legislation deemed harmful to civil rights, such as SB 1301, as part of its advocacy mission.
  • Engages in legislative advocacy against specific bills JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    advocacy
    Advocates against legislation deemed harmful to civil rights and community interests, such as opposition to Arizona's SB 1301.
  • Exhibiting Japanese American history JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Features artifacts, such as the home plate from the Gila River concentration camp, in exhibits like the Yakyu exhibit, to preserve and share Japanese American history.
  • Legislative advocacy JACL ARIZONA FOUNDATION
    advocacy
    Engages in legislative advocacy by opposing specific bills, such as SB 1301.
  • Administers educational outreach and transportation support programs THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    Offers a bus scholarship program providing up to $150 for student transportation costs and has supported educational initiatives such as PJ Library and The Better Together program connecting elders and teens.
  • Advances LGBTQ+ rights through interfaith coalition advocacy THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    advocacy
    Contributed to the passage of a Tucson City Council resolution reaffirming the rights of transgender individuals as a member of the Multifaith for Pride Coalition.
  • Advocacy for Human Rights THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    advocacy
    Contributes to advocacy efforts, such as supporting the passage of a City Council resolution reaffirming the rights of transgender individuals in Tucson as a member of the Multifaith for Pride Coalition.
  • Advocacy for Human Rights THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    advocacy
    As a member of the Multifaith for Pride Coalition, the museum contributed to the passage of a City Council resolution reaffirming the rights of transgender individuals in Tucson.
  • Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    advocacy
    As a member of the Multifaith for Pride Coalition, the museum contributed to the passage of a City Council resolution reaffirming the rights of transgender individuals in Tucson.
  • Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration events THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    Hosts annual community events to commemorate Yom HaShoah, including observances honoring Holocaust survivors and victims, with public programming and Shabbat services.
  • Book launches and literary events THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    Hosts public book launches and literary events, such as the launch of "The Lives of a Budapest Jew: László Weisz, 1908–1995," to engage the community with historical narratives.
  • Collaborates on digital humanities projects with Holocaust survivors THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    Partnered with the University of Arizona’s Center for Digital Humanities and local Holocaust survivors on the “Intimate Histories in 3D” project, which was announced and hosted as a presentation.
  • Community Engagement and Cultural Events THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    The museum hosts various community events, including book launches for works like "The Lives of a Budapest Jew: László Weisz, 1908-1995," and offers unique programs such as a "Mending as Metaphor" series where participants learn mending techniques.
  • Community Engagement and Workshops THE JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM
    direct service
    The museum hosts book launches, such as for "The Lives of a Budapest Jew: László Weisz, 1908-1995," and offers a "Mending as Metaphor" series where participants learn various mending techniques like patching, darning, and embroidery.