ABOUT CPLI

Founding, Mission, & Vision

CPLI was established in 2012 to reform laws, policies and practices that contribute to the criminalization of children in Indiana. It is one of 60 organizations in 43 states that belong to the National Youth Justice Network (NYJN). The NYJN leads a movement of state-based advocacy groups working toward a fairer youth justice system.

Mission Statement: CPLI advocates for systemic changes for children so that policies, practices, and programs are developmentally-appropriate, equitably-administered and fair, and provide the necessary support for a child’s successful transition to adulthood.

Affiliate of the National Youth Justice Network

National Youth Justice Network unites advocates and organizations at the state and national level to create a transformational shift away from policing and prisons toward a world that prioritizes community-based, trauma-informed and healing-centered responses to youth needs.

Program Staff

Meisha Wide

Executive Director

meisha@cpliofindiana.org

Damica Marshall

Outreach and Strategic Partnerships Associate

damica@cpliofindiana.org

Sandy Runkle

Program Associate

srunkle.cpli@outlook.com

Madelyn Gregory

Communications Consultant

communications@cpliofindiana.org

Board
Members

Calvin Roberson Jr.

(Chair)

IU Director of Operations, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement

Lori Chambers
(Secretary)

United Women in Faith

Shawn Rounds
(Treasurer)

Rolls Royce Asset Controller

RaShawnda Bonds

Community Action Program of Evansville

Ashley Hogue

Purpose for Life Ministries; Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis

Christy Gauss, MSW

Ignite Wellbeing LLC

Jessica Elliott

Kids' Voice of Indiana

Jan Nichols
Retired Educator

Carliss Harrison

Independent Contractor

Founder and Former President

JauNae Hanger, JD

It’s almost here! 📢

Join CPLI for the 2026 Youth Justice Leadership Summit this Saturday, September 19 at Polk Stables!

Hear directly from Indianapolis youth as they share their ideas, recommendations, and vision for creating positive change in their communities. Your voice, support, and feedback will help turn their ideas into action.

There’s still time to join us! Register today!

https://2026YouthJusticeSummit.eventbrite.com

Last year, our YJLP cohort showed up and spoke up about issues related to gun violence, mental health and homelessness. They were also passionate about ending the school-to-prison pipeline. 💙

This year, our new cohort is bringing more attention and solutions to the issues they’re experiencing. The CPLI Youth Summit is bringing young people together to connect and lead real conversations about the issues shaping their lives and communities.

Take a look back at last year’s Summit—then make sure you’re in the room this year.

🎥 @sheshoots317

Registration is NOW OPEN!
🔗 Register today at the link in our bio.

What does your support of CPLI make possible?

It helps us develop youth leaders, equip the adults who support them, elevate community voices and advocate for better systems for young people in Indiana.

On October 11th, we’re bringing our community together at Topgolf to have some fun and invest in the work ahead. ⛳️

Join us as a golfer, sponsor or supporter and help us continue building a better future for Indiana’s youth.

Swipe to see what your support makes possible.

#CPLI #InvestInYouth #YouthLeadership #IndianaYouth Topgolf

Join CPLI for the 2026 Youth Justice Leadership Summit on September 19! 🎉

We are excited to bring together youth from the Indianapolis community and uplift their voices to lead the changes of our future. Come out to empower them, support them, and provide critical feedback as they start their leadership journey! 📢👥

Register here today! https://2026YouthJusticeSummit.eventbrite.com

September is Suicide Prevention Month. 💛

Nearly 1 in 6 Indiana high school students reported attempting suicide.

This month, we’re reminding our community to check in, LISTEN and make sure young people know they have support.

Young people need hope. Young people need us.🧡

If you or someone you know needs support,
call or text 988.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #CPLI #YouthMentalHealth

Last year’s cohort of our Youth Justice Leadership Program had groups focus on many topics for the summit and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline was heavy on the minds of the youth in this group.

Did you know that Indiana is one of the top 5 states with the highest rates of out of school suspension? 💡

Indiana schools suspended more students in the years after the pandemic than at any point in the prior decade, leaving thousands of children missing out on class with little oversight of how discipline is applied.
(IPB News, Apr 2025)

Come hear youth perspectives on community issues and contribute to their thoughts on how we can work towards finding solutions at this year’s summit. 🧡

Saturday, September 19
10:30am-3pm
Polk Stables

Working together to advance youth justice ⚖️

⛳ SAVE THE DATE!

We’re taking fundraising to the tee! Join CPLI for an afternoon of golf, community, friendly competition, and a silent auction to support of our work with young people across Indiana.

📅 Sunday, October 11
⏰ 4–7 PM | Doors open at 3:30 PM
📍 Topgolf Fishers

Gather your team, bring your best swing, and get ready to have some fun for a great cause. 💛

More details + registration coming soon!

#CPLIIndiana #TopgolfFundraiser #GolfForGood #SupportYouth #YouthJustice Indianapolis FishersIndiana

Back to school means more than new schedules, new classrooms, and fresh supplies. It’s a new opportunity to make sure every young person feels seen, supported, safe, and ready to thrive. 💛

At CPLI, we’re committed to working alongside young people, families, educators, and community partners to create schools and systems where students have what they need to succeed.

Here’s to a school year filled with growth, strong relationships and young people using their voices. 📚

#BackToSchool #CPLIIndiana #YouthVoice #YouthJustice EducationEquity YoungPeopleThrive

We had the pleasure of joining @innerbeautymentor for their annual Fall Open House where we shared with families how we are helping young people advocate for policy change that will insure that decisions are developmentally appropriate and give young people the best opportunity to thrive. Lots of great conversations.

Mark your calendars!

Prepare to hear heartfelt stories about youth experiences and solutions to community issues directly from our youth at our Youth Justice Summit on Saturday, September 19th.

RSVP with the QR code.

Our Parent Session at the conference was an intimate conversation with experts in child development, mental health and school discipline to help parents navigate concerns about what teens are experiencing in school and community.

We are thankful for the parents and their vulnerability in the conversation and the insight provided by the panelists. We are fostering spaces that nurture understanding and support for parents.

@drrussellledet
@_hazelowens
@polkstables

We brought together youth, parents, and community leaders for our Peer Conflict Resolution Conference, a day dedicated to building stronger relationships, healthier communication, and safer communities.

Through interactive sessions on conflict resolution, mental health, and youth safety we created space for meaningful conversations and practical solutions.

Thank you to our speakers and every young person who joined us. We’re especially grateful to Glick Philanthropies and Indianapolis Foundation for investing in opportunities that empower youth to lead with confidence and create positive change.

The future is brighter when we invest in young leaders.

#CPLI #YouthJustice #ConflictResolution #YouthVoice #CommunityImpact

Thank you @mirrorindy for coming out to spend time with us at our Summer Civic Education Camp. So glad you were there to hear some of the ideas and help give power to youth voices.

https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-teens-center-policy-law-civic-engagement-camp-summer-2026/

Giving youth space to dream and think bigger than what they see.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Mark Russell, whose leadership and unwavering commitment to creating opportunity left a lasting impact on our community.

At CPLI, we are grateful for his service in social justice through the Indianapolis Urban League and for the example he set through his dedication to equity, empowerment, and community.

May his legacy continue to inspire the work ahead.

This month, our Youth Justice Leadership Program cohort explored how local policymaking shapes our everyday lives and why civic engagement matters.
As we reflected on Juneteenth, we also discussed what freedom, opportunity, and equity look like today.

From city councils to school boards, our young leaders learned that lasting change happens when communities understand how decisions are made and have the confidence to help shape them.

Thank you to Councilor Rena Allen, Board Chairman Calvin Roberson and The Fort Comfort Food for helping make this month’s session meaningful for our youth.

#CPLI #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #Juneteenth #Indianapolis

Juneteenth reminds us that progress happens when communities come together to advocate, educate, and lead.

Today, we celebrate freedom, honor resilience, and recognize the generations of Black leaders, families, and changemakers whose contributions continue to shape our communities.

#Juneteenth #CPLIIndiana #YouthVoice #CommunityImpact #FreedomDay

New this summer: Civic Education Camp!! ✨

Three days of leadership, community, and big ideas. Explore Indianapolis, imagine new possibilities, and build solutions alongside other youth ages 13–18.

Registration is open now. Use the QR code or visit the link here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989220788928?aff=oddtdtcreator

When young people understand how systems work, they gain the power to shape change.

CPLI’s Civic Leadership Camp is a three-day experience designed to build youth voice, leadership, and advocacy skills for Indianapolis teens.

We’re currently seeking sponsors to help provide meals, materials, activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Sponsorships range from $500–$10,000.

Interested in supporting the next generation of civic leaders? Contact [meisha@cpliofindiana.org] or visit cpliofindiana.org.

#YouthVoice #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #Indianapolis #CPLI

Big congratulations to our incredible CPLI intern on earning her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)! 🎓✨

From day one, you showed up with purpose and a deep commitment to young people and community. Your impact on our team and the youth we serve has been real and lasting.

The future of social work is brighter because you’re in it. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the lives you’ll continue to touch. 💙

#CPLI #SocialWork #BSW #FutureLeader #CommunityImpact

Join the YJLP ACT Workshop on Saturday, April 18, 10:30 am- 3 pm at The Spot! Listen to the youth's take on today's issues and work with them as we create change in our community. 💯

Register here or using the QR Code: https://ACTWorkshop2026.eventbrite.com

When young people understand their power, systems begin to change. 📣

The YJLP ACT Workshop is open to all youth ready to grow their voice, leadership, and advocacy skills. Whether you’re already involved or just getting started, this space is for you! ✨

Special thanks to Indianapolis Foundation and Glick Philanthropies for investing in youth leadership and civic empowerment in our city. 💙

April 18 | 9501 E 36th Place | Indianapolis, IN 46235

Scan the QR code to register.

#YouthLeadership #JusticeInAction #CPLI #IndyYouth

✨ 2026 YJLP Kickoff ✨
New cohort. New energy. Shared purpose.

We officially launched our new cohort MLK weekend. When young people are trusted and supported, leadership follows. 🧡

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider donating or sponsoring the Youth Justice Leadership Program. Your support fuels the next generation of changemakers. 💛

🔗 Link in bio.

We are proud to be recognized by Glick Philanthropies as a fall 2025 grant recipient! CPLI’s mission is to advocate for systemic changes for children so that policies, practices, and programs are developmentally-appropriate, equitably-administered.

With grant support from Glick Philanthropies, we will help dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline with policy reform and leadership development opportunities. Will you join Glick Philanthropies in supporting our efforts this legislative session?

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WPG3RPZAHQVL6

There’s nothing more inspiring than watching young people speak with confidence and purpose.

We have been helping youth find their voice and speak up about policies that are impacting youth in our community. Our Youth Justice Leadership Program gives an opportunity to lift their voices and lift each other. 💛🗣️ #CommunityLeaders #YJLP

Save the date! #GivingTuesday is December 2.

This year, CPLI aims to raise $2,025 to uplift youth voices across Indiana. Every dollar fuels leadership, justice, and hope. Join the movement of radical generosity. 💛

#CPLIlead #HoosierYouth #GivingTuesday2025 #YouthJustice

198!! ✨✨ That’s how many canned goods and non perishable items were collected by a Girl Scout troop we hosted today that took the charge to do something about the needs of families in our community. We love supporting youth led initiatives! 🧡💙💛

Drama? Only the good kind! 🎭💅🏽

Our “Am I the Drama?” workshop at the 11th Annual Girl Power Conference had girls learning how to spot issues, speak up, and design advocacy campaigns that make real change! 💖

They showed us what it means to be growing into greatness. Conference recap coming soon. ⭐️

#GirlPower2025 #AmITheDrama #CPLI #YouthVoices #AdvocacyInAction #GirlBossEnergy #YouthJustice #HelloItsMe

🚨 Save the Date! 🚨

CPLI’s Hybrid Public Policy Summit is Thurs. Dec. 4th, 10AM–12PM

Join us in-person at MCCOY or on Zoom to discuss youth justice priorities for 2026 — from school discipline to juvenile court reform. Let’s make sure every young person is seen, heard, and supported. 💛💙

🔗 Register: https://cplipolicysummit2025.eventbrite.com

#YouthJustice #CPLI #PublicPolicy #Advocacy #IndianaYouth

We pause to honor the life of a friend and long time supporter of CPLI. Alicia Collins, a true champion for youth justice, showed kindness and genuine belief in our mission. 💛

May her legacy and unforgettable smile continue to shine through the lives she touched. ✨

💫 We can’t wait to join the 11th Annual Girl Power Conference this Saturday, November 8th! CPLI will be leading a hands-on workshop on advocacy and using your voice for change — plus, we’re definitely ready for the Lunch Glow Party with special guests @themostpreciousjewel and @iamshaesparks ! ✨💖

Registration is still open!!

📍The Spot | 9501 E. 36th Pl.
🕘 Breakfast at 9 AM | Conference 10 AM–3 PM

#GirlPower2025 #CPLI #YouthVoice #AdvocacyInAction

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