Advocacy
Students learn that they can use individual or collective assets to navigate and challenge systemic injustices or inequity of opportunities, or to increase pride in cultural identity. Students demonstrate the ability to speak/write/think about real-world problems.
Introduction
As an educator, one of the most powerful lessons I can teach my students is how to use their voice. From getting to know my students' experiences, thoughts, and ideas I have been able to hear their voice; each of which has the power to change their community and the world. Unfortunately, many student voices are not heard. Giving students the opportunity to exercise their power in an effective and efficient manner is important. It is important for adults to make decisions that are student-center but most important students to develop their confidence and self-worth. It was my goal to accomplish this objective by assessing students' needs, providing information, and practicing the ability to speak, write, and think about real-world problems regarding March for Our Lives and school culture.
Conversation-Related
Action-Related
Conclusion
Students internalize their potential from an early age based on their interactions at school. Educators have an incredibly important job to help students tap into their potential. When students engage in discussion, inquire, process new information, reflect and participate in critical thinking skills, they develop the 21st-century skill of being solutions-oriented. My students demonstrated this growth by becoming an advocate through conversation and action. Their collective impact to impart change around gun violence in the community set an example for other students. More influential was their action-related work in the Kindness Campaign that helped alter the school culture at Achievement First Providence Mayoral Middle School. Many students felt empowered by the leadership they developed and the impact they had on their peers' experiences at school. Through our work together, students can develop their own opinions and find agency in their abilities to create the change they strive to see.