one by one®: Ontario Justice Education Network
The Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) introduces young people to the justice system, helps them understand law and builds their legal capability. Staff and volunteers are dedicated to using practical ways to prepare young people to manage legal problems. Through strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations and professionals, the organization educates the next generation to understand all things legal. Promotional shopping totes equip teachers to join the cause.
Talk, then talk some more 
OJEN serves as a vital link between the education system and the sometimes-intimidating world of justice. Team members bridge the gap by collaborating with teachers, hosting professional events and empowering individuals who work with youth. The efforts create a supportive community where learning and growth thrive.
What sets OJEN apart is the organization’s focus on conversation. Within its workshops, young participants don’t simply sit and listen to a presentation. Rather, they ask questions and engage in discussions. “It’s really rewarding because you can see the direct impact it has on youth. It’s all about dialogue and getting youth to have conversations with the justice sector,” team member Kristy Pagnutti described.
Turning curiosity into careers—and equipping teachers with promotional shopping totes
Last summer, a high school-aged girl interested in a law career volunteered with OJEN. Coincidentally, one of the organization’s biggest events, the Summer Law Institute, was approaching. At the two-day conference, teachers connect with legal professionals to learn about and discuss hot topics they can bring back to the classroom.
This young volunteer was instrumental in helping the event go on without a hitch. She packed countless promotional shopping totes with curriculum and resources for each teacher to take home. The totes, purchased with a one by one grant, allowed more funds to go back into the event.
After volunteering with OJEN, that student’s legal interest deepened. Today, she is a university student pursuing a career in the legal realm. OJEN staff foresee a bright future for her.
A note from Cheryl
OJEN is empowering youth, encouraging meaningful dialogue and making a complex system understandable. 4imprint was thrilled to provide the promotional shopping totes for teachers who attend the Summer Law Institute. To learn more about the one by one grant program, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.