LEAPS: Highlights

Highlights

• Over 20 teens from across Eastern Massachusetts participated in LEAPS- including teams from Lowell, New Bedford, Somerville, Chelsea, Allston, and Boston,
• Over 10 adult advisors were present throughout the length of the academy to support the teams as well as engage in their own workshops,
• Dr. Ulric Johnson, dean of Springfield College's School of Human Services presented a wonderful workshop to the adult advisors on supporting youth,
• Stephanie Trilling and Ms. Peggy Barrett of Boston Area Rape Crisis Center gave amazing workshops on sexual harassment prevention in the workplace for the participants and adult advisors,
• Representatives from MassCOSH, BYOP, mytown, AGO, DPH all came to offer advice and suggestions for the participants through a round-robin panel,

• The participants and adult advisors engaged in an intense but rewarding discussion/debate regarding organizing, lobbying, advocacy, and education in terms of bringing about change -with a little help and support from Tyrek Lee of SEIU 1199,
• There was a lot of fun and enthusiasm throughout the entire academy,
• The teens engaged in brainstorms and discussions about leadership and their roles as leaders in their communities,
• All took part in a Boston Scavenger Hunt as part of the after-academy activities to learn about the history of activism in Boston,
• LEAPS had the most wonderful volunteers any event could ask for,

• The different teams designed their community projects and presented them to the group...and there were some ingenious ideas!,
• Everyone who came to LEAPS received a Certificate of Completion and are well on their way to making their communities and workplaces a safer and healthier place!