We began the year with a focus on Changemakers. We discussed the characteristics that make a changemaker, what they do and the impact that they have in our communities. Our goal during these last few weeks was not only to teach students about changemakers, but to encourage them to become changemakers in their own communities and the world.
We were lucky enough to be joined by local changemakers; we heard their stories and asked our questions. We had conversations on hard topics, like Black Lives Matter and the impact of others’ actions. We talked about making change on a local, national and world wide level. This led us to talk about the election and about real propositions that were on the ballots this year, which they were able to vote on in class. (Students enthusiastically discussed whether 17 years old should be able to vote in primaries.)
Students were encouraged to think about problems or concerns they have noticed around them and to think about ways that they could be solved or improved. Five groups came out of their thinking; Human Rights/LGTBQIA+, Animals, Anti-racism, Homelessness and Food Insecurity.
Below you will find proposals for these changemaking projects. The students will be working on these projects through the end of December. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding these projects and how you can help support these young changemakers.
Join our virtual Project Night on Thursday, November 19th from 5-6 pm here:
A changemaker is a good person that helps to make things go right for other people and the world.
A changemaker is a person who changes the world by finding a thing that they think is wrong and they find a way to fix it. They have passion, believe in themselves, and work hard and help the world be a better place.
After reading up on where Biden and Trump stood on Education Funding and Racial & Social Justice, discussing Proposition 18 and Measure B. We talked about the importance of voting and using your voice and then students had a chance to do a mock vote in class.
We watched video, read books and listened to community members speak about the things that they do for their communities and the world. We used these experiences to find the qualities that make a changemaker. Check out the Ashoka Stories of Young Changemakers videos on YouTube.