The primary movement-building focus in the South is on school discipline reform, as more southern states permit corporal punishment than any other region.

OTL Network members in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana lead efforts to reform harsh local policies as well in the Dignity in Schools Campaign nationally. Other education justice campaigns focus on expanding community schools and increasing public education funding: strategies that push back against privatization efforts while strengthening community voice. OTL Network activity in Mississippi by members Southern Echo and One Voice has focused particularly on Jackson to achieve a statewide impact.

Youth organizing efforts in the South, anchored by Network members like Rethink in New Orleans, have shown promising growth over the past two years.