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Intern Simone Ryan, rising WHS 10th grader, contributed to this article.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, the Network for Social Justice (NFSJ) celebrated a successful summer internship with a gathering on the patio of the Griffin Museum that included spring and summer interns, parents, NFSJ Board leadership and friends.
Summer may be slow in some places, but not at NFSJ, thanks to the energy of the 13 interns and a recent Winchester High School graduate who continued to contribute over the summer.
Over six weeks, the students — all from Winchester High School — worked on community initiatives and participated in meaningful meetings aimed at promoting dialogue and inclusion. Early on, they were introduced to the Network’s community agreements, and selected activities to delve into youth mental health and social and racial justice.
In reflecting on summer highlights, youth cited a session at Shift Studios, where owner Kris Fabbri inspired students with a personal story about the connection between physical and mental health. Students each shared a takeaway they planned to implement in their everyday lives.
Another valuable experience related to mental health was the three-day teen Mental Health First Aid training (a program that was introduced at WHS last spring thanks to the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community). Students leaned into the challenging yet necessary work of understanding mental health, breaking down stigma, and equipping themselves with tools to support peers in moments of crisis.
As one intern described, “We learned critical skills and how to listen and act with compassion.”
On the community and advocacy fronts, students interacted with community members, local and state-level leaders throughout the summer. They brought Winchester's Human Rights Statement to the Farmers Market on two Saturdays and engaged in conversations about what the Statement means to them.
Two students were present on the Town Common on July 31 when Gov. Maura Healey announced funding for affordable housing projects across the state, including Waterfield Commons in Winchester.
The culminating event of the summer was a commuter-rail trip into Boston for a day filled with civic engagement and history. Interns met with Rep. Michael Day in the House Chamber at the State House, where they learned in depth about the legislative process and priorities.
NFSJ interns attended many events and participated in activities during their session this summer. COURTESY PHOTOS/NETWORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
A visit to the nearby Museum of African-American History broadened their view of community leaders and activists who have contributed to Massachusetts historically and today.
Overall, the summer provided opportunities for growth, dialogue, and deepened understanding of topics that affect students, from mental health to equity and inclusion. They are looking forward to continuing to learn and add their voices and perspectives at school and in the larger community.
Mark your calendars for upcoming NFSJ events, including PRIDEtoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Griffin Museum of Photography and Winchester’s 5th annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 13, at Wright-Locke Farm.
