CYC teaches advocacy and service

Two students at CYC-Crown work on the WE curriculum with a CYC intern.

Throughout the year, CYC Centers participate in WE Schools, a year-long service learning program that works to teach compassion and civic engagement to students. Last year, youth helped provide clean water for families in Tanzania, raised money for a local homeless shelter, and more. Students in the program are required to pick a local and global issue to focus on.

 This year’s WE Schools curriculum has already kicked off at CYC-Rebecca K. Crown Youth Center in South Shore. Takara Rose, an intern at the Center who is studying social work, is helping to guide the student-led program.

 “WE is about service learning and teaching kids about being more aware of the world outside of yourself, and why it is important to be aware of more than just your immediate circle,” Takara said.

 Angel, 9, said she learned a new word in this process: “Advocacy.”

 “Advocacy is about speaking up for people,” Angel said. “You can help out the community, and you can help out people who do not have the same things as you.”

 We are so excited to see where the WE programs take CYC kids this year and what projects they come up with!