Leaders of Tomorrow, Leaders of Today
Written by Cheryl Chen
Edited by Daisy Hong
Cover Image by Linda Xu
We will not be silenced. Voices – young voices – chant in unison. In a world where the social and political landscape is seemingly dominated by adults, many underestimate the significant impact that youth voices can have on social issues. According to a 2019 survey by the Youth and Participatory Politics Research Network, 56% of young people claimed to be engaged in a form of political activism (Youth and Participatory Politics Research Network). Given the amount of socio-political turmoil that exists today, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many youth are concerned for their present and future wellbeing. This anxiety is a critical motivating factor, but how do schools – specifically, Havergal – nurture the passion and momentum that results from youth concern?
The Havergal education emphasizes the qualities of leadership and good citizenship. The emphasis on student voice and initiative creates an enriching and opportune leadership environment within the school. Options are diverse, with students jumping at the opportunity to lead or start a club, join a school council, and host fundraising events. That being said, it is important to acknowledge the unique edge that Havergal’s rigorous environment gives the student body. Oftentimes, there can certainly be a sense of competition when it comes to vying for these leadership roles. I’m sure that many students, including myself, stress over the process of applying for – and possibly not receiving – a leadership position. However, at HC, students navigate this stress by supporting and respecting each other and being driven by passion rather than competition. Hence, student voice is not only abundant, but the culture surrounding voice and leadership at HC is respectful and empowering.
Some examples of student voice and leadership at HC include:
Affinity/Alliance Groups
Affinity/Alliance Groups are student-led and act as safe spaces to discuss issues, personal stories, and even plan events relevant to marginalized identities. These communities give students the opportunity to voice their concerns and struggles that may come with identifying as a member of a minority group. Brave spaces like these Affinity/Alliance Groups are crucial, as feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable and share your genuine thoughts is an important first step.
Forum for Change
Forum for Change is the core of community partnership, leadership, and innovation at HC. It is a faucet for student innovation that facilitates credentials and incubates organizations such as the Global Learning and Leading Diploma, Round Square, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program. The Forum for Change is closely engaged with far-reaching community programs such as UNESCO and ISEEN. Due to its rich network of community partners, Forum for Change introduces students to diverse cultural and social perspectives. Forum for Change also encourages students to lead as global citizens and advocate for change.
School Council
Havergal’s many councils include Student Council, Social Council, Prayers Council, and Art Council. These councils give students an opportunity to lead their school community, instigate positive change, and advocate for the ideas of their peers. School councils offer great preparation for leading a community of voices in society.
Knowing the vast amount of leadership opportunities Havergal offers, how do students’ engagement in these opportunities strengthen youth activism? First, the leadership environment at HC allows students to voice their opinions and actively shape the trajectory of school events, clubs, and initiatives, allowing students to develop a sense of urgency and directly influence issues that they are passionate about. Such agency and confidence is demonstrated through many recent protests and social movements. Examples include the climate strikes led by youth such as Greta Thunberg in 2019-2020; the 2019 Hong Kong protests, when many youth took to the streets and demanded greater political freedom; and the recent youth protest against gun violence in Tennessee. These examples are only a small portion of the existing youth movements.
Keep caring, keep leading, and keep fighting for the issues you care about!