Leveraging Student Voice for Prosocial Change

Creating a culture of dignity in a school can’t be limited to slogans and philosophies that have limited real-life applications in school. This school year gives us an opportunity to raise up and integrate young people’s voices and leadership in a school as never before. How can student leaders be a part of that? How can they most effectively advocate and work with the adults at school?

Young people are taking leadership roles in our communities in ways we have never seen before. From climate action to educational reforms, how do student leaders lead in this new and changing landscape? How do they support other students?

This interactive workshop will discuss the common challenges student leaders face and strategies to effect positive change within school communities. Participants will leave with concrete skills to meet the common obstacles student leaders experience and the unique challenges we see in the upcoming year.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the various roles young people play in a school;
• Identify the reasons young people can disengage from leadership positions;
• Develop tools to increase student buy-in of diverse positions of leadership in a school community.

Essential Question

How do we engage young people in taking powerful and appropriate leadership positions in our school communities?