Brookline High School Program in Social Justice Leadership Cultivating life-long leaders for social justice

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Brookline High School will again offer an exciting program to train students in social justice leadership.  Social Justice is the idea of making the world a more equitable place, ridding it of abusive power that perpetuates racism, sexism, class inequality and more.  The program cultivates student passion for making social change in the world and is for students interested in becoming involved in, or strengthening their commitment to, working for social justice.  Participants will become familiar with social justice issues and will train as leaders and activists.  Students earn ½-1 credit and a certificate in social justice leadership, as well as valuable skills and ideas to take with them beyond high school.

Accepted participants will commit to these program components:

• Meet once a week in a seminar to discuss readings and film about social justice and leadership, listen to speakers, and work on making social justice. Expect to read one book per semester plus articles.
• Write journal entries about social justice approximately one time per week and write a social justice mission statement.
• Participate in one day-long training per quarter on issues like racism, prison justice, leadership, and the environment.
• Work as an intern in a local social justice organization (1-2 days per week for 1/3 of school year) and evaluate how a social justice organization works.

Participants who are active in social justice groups at Brookline High School receive 1 credit, otherwise participants earn ½ credit.

To learn more, come to a short informational session:

Tuesday, March 2, T Block, room 300

Wednesday, March 3, after school, room 300

Thursday, March 4, X Block, room 300

To Apply:

Submit a typed application (see other side) to Mr. Grande (BHS Social Studies teacher and program Director) by Friday, March 27, 4 pm.  Applications may be dropped off in Mr. Grande's mailbox in the Social Studies office in room 393 or sent by email: roger_grande@brookline.k12.ma.us.  The application is available at: bhssocialjustice.bhsweblab.net and in the Social Studies office (room 393).  It is recommended that you download the application and type into it.  Please save a copy of the application on your home computer or flash drive.  All applicants will be notified by email within a couple of weeks of the status of their application.  You may be asked to interview briefly to demonstrate availability to do the program.

A limited number of applicants will be accepted to the program.  Applicants will be accepted based on your typed application.  Serious applicants must strongly and effectively demonstrate:

• Availability: 1-2 afternoons per week, 1/3 of school year for internship plus one class block.

•  Proven ability to fulfill a commitment.

• Passion for becoming an advocate for social justice during and beyond high school.

• Intent to participate and complete program requirements.

Also:  Signatures of parent/guardian and a BHS staff person (in writing or by email).

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