Greetings!
Welcome to the May edition of TeenLife Boston Connections. TeenLife Boston is committed to providing middle and high school students access to rewarding and enriching opportunities beyond school, right here in Greater Boston. This month's edition features a cover article by our high school intern, Natalie, on how students can get involved in political campaigns, a number of unique individual and group volunteer opportunities in May and June, and opportunities for students aged 14 and older to apply for Governor Deval Patrick's new Governor's Youth Council orserve as a volunteer tour guide at the State House this summer. We are also featuring announcements from four summer programs -- the BB&N Critical Languages, Global Politics and Diplomacy Summer Institute, Creative Arts at Park and Wentworth Institute's STEM Discovery Program and SCORE!.
We hope that you find this issue to be informative. Please send your feedback and suggestions to info@teenlifeboston.com.
Sincerely,
Marie Schwartz
TeenLife Boston |
| 2008 Elections: How YOU Can Get Involved |
Today's generation of teens is often labeled as politically apathetic in contrast to the impassioned young Americans whose protests stirred up Washington in the 1960's. However, this stereotype can be disproved. Teens nationwide are finding ways to support candidates and their campaigns for the 2008 election. This summer, why not gain political experience in Boston and become part of one of the most exciting elections in U.S. history?
BB&N high school senior Luke Vargas did just that. "I spent the majority of last summer working in New Hampshire as both a campaign photographer and as a volunteer for Senator Chris Dodd's Presidential Campaign in Manchester, NH."
He continues, "After following the election for months on television and covering the events on the ground from a very privileged position-that of the media-it was very eye-opening to be a part of a campaign's ground organization."
"I didn't have the responsibility of making policy decisions or writing speeches, but I connected with voters face-to-face as I canvassed the streets of Hookset, called over 1,000 New Hampshire residents to remind them of upcoming events, and put in a bunch of hours in the office ordering pizzas, signing for packages, and speaking with whoever came by to visit," he explains.
One way of gaining much insight into the political process is to find an internship. For example, if you support Barack Obama, you could intern in Cambridge and Boston for Obama for America.
If you would like to contribute to the presidential campaign but do not have the time to work as an intern, you can frequent the main candidates' websites for short-term opportunities. For instance, if you visit the website www.hillaryclinton.com or www.johnmccain.com, you can search for all of the events coming to the Boston area and sign up to volunteer for what interests you. Perhaps you would prefer to make phone calls in support of your candidate. All of this information can be found on their easy to navigate websites.
There are also many opportunities to support local politicians and gain a deeper and more personal knowledge of a candidate and his/her policies. If you are more interested in working on a local campaign, state senate and representative elections will also be held this November.
Community activist Sonia Chang-Diaz is a politician running for state senate this year. A former high school teacher, she strongly advocates for the involvement of young adults.
"Young people can bring energy, freshness, and idealism in abundance and it keeps everyone on the campaign motivated. Young people have an ability to remind others what we aspire to as a community."
"Students can get a more in-depth experience volunteering and interning on local campaigns. On local races, students are often working in close proximity with the senior campaign staff and sometimes the candidate, and usually out of the main campaign headquarters."
She adds, "And if they show a lot of dedication and talent, they're more likely to get scooped by a senior staff member to help with bigger projects and take on more responsibility." Showing dedication pays off. Luke adds, "Because there will always be an election going on somewhere that needs young, energetic, and intelligent volunteers, making connections with others on the campaign trail has opened up a number of opportunities for me to become involved with other volunteer and paid positions in campaign work."
Ms. Chang-Diaz is looking for volunteers and interns this spring and summer to make phone calls, go door to door, and provide headquarters help. "Any interns can get a wide array of experience. "In 2006 I had a rising eighth grader as an intern who worked a few days a week during the summer."
So whether you make phone calls this summer, work alongside a campaign staff, or find a great internship, you should know that you're never too young to participate in politics.
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If you would like to get involved with Sonia Chang-Diaz's campaign for state senate, send a resume and cover letter to her campaign manager: schah.deborah@gmail.com.
Ms. Chang-Diaz recommends two organizations to contact for more information. The organization MassAlliance (visit www.massalliance.com) can connect you with different campaigns over the summer. Popular work includes voter outreach, i.e, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and other ways of funneling support for that candidate.
Another way to get involved is to promote voting in communities where the voting percentages are low. Massvote is a nonpartisan organization that encourages local communities that their vote counts.
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| Governor's Youth Council -
Application due by: May 30, 2008 |
The Governor's Statewide Youth Council will be comprised of 28 young people ages 14-20 representing the 14 counties of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Members will serve for two years. Applications to the Council will be reviewed by the Governor's Office.
The Governor's Statewide Youth Council is one part of Governor Patrick's commitment to engaging all citizens of the Commonwealth in their communities and their government. The Youth Council initiative will encourage and motivate young people to be involved in their communities and to participate in problem solving through assuming leadership and planning roles. Once established, the Youth Council will focus on the Governor's priorities of education, economic development, civic engagement, and community outreach, advising the Governor as representatives of all Massachusetts young people.
The purpose of the Youth Council:
- To give young people access to the Governor
- To increase youth participation in government
- To give young people a significant voice in the decision making process
- For young people to develop leadership skills and become active citizens
- To create relationships between youth and adult leaders throughout the state
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Governor's Office of Community Affairs, will oversee council meetings and activities. In addition to quarterly meetings, youth council members are expected to meet on a regular basis. Meetings may last up to 2 hours and may be photographed, videotaped or recorded. There will be a few full day meetings.
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| Statehouse Tours |
Become A State House Tour Guide!
The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and The State House Tours Division invite high school students to become State House volunteers and welcome visitors to the Massachusetts State House! Every summer for the past 20 years, high school students are selected and trained to give tours of the State house. To find out more about the program, request an application, and be added to the waiting list, call Mary Rinehart, Director at (617) 727-3676. You can also go to the statehouse website for more details.
Ideal volunteers are students who are interested in history, architecture, and in the legislative process, enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world, are fourteen years of age or older, and can volunteer six or more hours per week on a regular basis. In return, they gain the chance to show a beautiful and interesting building to eager visitors, study material to add to their knowledge of architecture, state history and government, work with an interesting group of people, and improve public speaking skills! |
| ArtCycle Community Art Event |
ArtSpan is organizing a community art event for Saturday, May 17th called ArtCycle. ArtCycle is an art parade of modified and decorated bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs, wagons, shopping carts--anything and everything non-motorized and on wheels. ArtCycle celebrates creativity, health and environmental awareness and is a featured event of Lexington's Art Walk 2008.
Participants may start assembling with their wheels at the Visitors Center lawn in Lexington at 1875 Mass. Ave around noon. The parade will kick off at 1pm and travel east along Mass. Ave. through downtown Lexington to Munroe Center for the Arts at 1403 Mass. Ave.
For more information, visit www.munroecenter.org/Artwalk_Artcycle.html
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| Habitat for Humanity "Take a Hike for Humanity" Hike-A-Thon
June 7-8 |
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual "Take a Hike for Humanity" hike-a-thon, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston. This year's hike takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, at Blue Hill Reserve in Milton, MA. Register as an individual or as part of a team ($25 per hiker) for either day, then set a goal and start collecting pledges from friends, family members, neighbors, etc. Walkers of all ages and ability levels - and their dogs - are welcome! Registration forms are available on-line at www.habitatboston.org/events.html, or call 617-423-2223 to request one.
Don't feel like taking a hike? Volunteers are also needed to work the registration tables at Blue Hills Reserve on both days of the event. To volunteer, please contact fghome@aol.com.
All proceeds benefit the Newton Habitat project (www.habitatboston.org). When you register, make sure to specify that you are raising money for Habitat Greater Boston, as there are many other Habitat affiliates participating.
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| Social Capital Inc. - WorldFest Woburn! |
On Saturday, June 21st, Woburn is holding the second annual WorldFest Woburn! Last year, over 500 residents engaged in an exciting day of culturally educating activities. More than 20 diverse vendors hosted tables with food and information from Bulgaria, Argentina, Native America and Sri Lanka. Several bands entertained the crowd with various native sounds from Ireland, Brazil and the Caribbean. In addition to the enchanting music, dancers performed for the crowd. Our goal for WorldFest Woburn! 2008 is to continue the legacy of diversity in Woburn. The Woburn community is a reflection of our diverse nation. In the past, Woburn residents from various cultural backgrounds have displayed art, jewelry, and clothing, many of whom will return this year and look forward to learning about our cultural traditions. This year we hope to increase participation in WorldFest Woburn!, and are looking for volunteers to help run the event. If you are interested in participating in this year's event, please contact Andrew Gibson at 781-935-2244 or andrew@sciwoburn.orgfor more information.
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Summer Program Spotlight
Creative Arts at Park |
CREATIVE SUMMER FUN IN BROOKLINE
Creative Arts at Park, a multi-arts program for students aged 8 to 15, has spaces available for its 5-week summer session that starts June 23 and ends July 25, 2008. Participants choose their own schedule from over 130 courses in the performing and visual arts, writing, video, photography, as well as from a wide range of sports classes, although it is first and foremost an arts camp. As one former camper phrased it "This is not your typical camp. It doesn't value sports over the arts. It treats everything with equal respect." For more information call 617-232-1175 or 617-274-6066 and ask for Kippy Dewey or go to www.parkschool.org/caap. Creative Arts at Park is a program of the Park School.
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| SCORE! |
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The more you learn, the more you save
Just in time for summer, SCORE! is offering special early enrollment pricing on our summer programs. Now's the time to take advantage of these great savings!
Sign up now and save up to $500 on our customized tutoring programs. Click here to learn more. SCORE! tutors use proven instructional methods to help children pre-kindergarten through 10th grade succeed in reading, writing, math and more. Our motivational goal-setting and reward system helps SCORE! kids stay focused on their progress while improving self-confidence.
Academic Progress In A Fun Environment
That's what SCORE! Educational Centers provides children, pre-kindergarten through 10th grade. Your child will receive our academic assessment and a customized learning plan based on the assessment results. Then SCORE! Tutors use proven instructional methods to help your child excel in reading, writing, math and more. Our motivational goal setting and reward system helps SCORE! kids stay focused on their progress while improving self-confidence.
Call 1-866-65SCORE, log onto www.scorelearning.com or stop by today to take advantage of our big May savings. |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology STEM Discovery Program |
Summer 2008 STEM Discovery Program for High School Students
The 2008 STEM Discovery Program is a motivational and fun 3-week course of study available to rising high school juniors and seniors that will introduce students to engineering fields including Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Each 3-week program will meet Monday through Friday, 9:15 am - 3:40 pm. This is a non-residential program; therefore, daily transportation to and from the Wentworth campus is the responsibility of each participant. The cost for the program including daily lunch and all required supplies is $1,000. Session one will run June 23 to July 18 and session two is scheduled for July 21 to August 8. For more information and to apply online visit www.wit.edu/em/summer.
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| Sponsor of the Month
See our announcement in the
Summer Programs section
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Park Serve Day
May 17th |
The following information is available on the Park Serve Day website: www.parkserveday.org
Governor Deval Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan invite you to join us on May 17th for Park Serve Day 2008. This year's event features more than 50 parks, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, giving you a wide range of volunteer opportunities to choose from. Last year, more than 1,300 volunteers participated in Park Serve Day. This year, we are hoping to break that record with the help of people like you.
During this statewide day of volunteer service, we will work together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer by cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables, and more.
So please, take a moment to check your calendar and sign up to volunteer. We look forward to seeing you out there! You can sign up for Park Serve Day on the Park Serve Day website or call 617-626-4980.
Also, Park Serve Day this year is part of our six-week Saturday series of family games and activities in parks across the Commonwealth, called the Great Park Pursuit. To learn more, go to www.greatparkpursuit.
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Special Olympics Track and Field Event
May 18th |
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Special Olympics Track and Field Assessment Event Milton Academy 170 Centre Street Milton, MA Sunday, May 18th 8am - 3:30pm
Volunteers are needed for scorekeeping, measuring, timing, lunch distribution, and registration.
Contact: Diane Agganis at diane.agganis@specialolympicsma.org or 781-599-5815. |
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Boston Ballet School
May 28 - June 1 |
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Are you organized and cool under pressure? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of staging a performance? If so, then this volunteer leadership opportunity is perfect for you.
The BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL is looking for volunteer leaders to work backstage and manage a team of volunteers during each performance of the school's 2008 Spring Showcase which features young dancers from all three of the ballet school's locations. Performances are on Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1 and take place at the BCA's Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street, Boston. There are performances throughout the weekend and rehearsals are in the evening on Wednesday, May 28 & Thursday, May 29. The leaders' responsibilities include gathering volunteer contact information, assigning volunteers to rehearsals and performances, directing volunteers before and during a performance, and serving as the communications liaison between the Boston Ballet School and all volunteers. Volunteer Leaders should understand what it takes to plan an event and be willing to assist with 2-3 performances and/or rehearsals. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Marissa Krolewski at mkrolewski@bostonballet.comor (617) 456-6264. |
| ARC of the South Shore 21st Annual Golf Outing
Monday, June 16 |
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Volunteer at the 21st Annual Golf Outing!!
Monday, June 16th 2008
12:30 pm to 8:00 pm
South Shore Country Club
Hingham, MA
The Arc of the South Shore depends on volunteers to help make our events a success. Whether you're a student who needs volunteer hours or a kind-hearted citizen who enjoys special events, we have something for you!
We need volunteers for our Golf Outing on June 16th at the South Shore Country Club at 10am.
We would need help in the following areas:
Event Setup
Selling Mulligans
Selling Casino tries
Selling Raffle Tickets
Greeters
Silent Auction Runners
Event breakdown
To volunteer, contact Claudia Cuscianna, Development Coordinator, ARC of the South Shore at 781-413-2230 or ccuscianna@arcsouthshore.org |
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| Social Capital Inc - WorldFest Woburn!
June 21 |
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On Saturday, June 21st, Woburn is holding the second annual WorldFest Woburn! Last year, over 500 residents engaged in an exciting day of culturally educating activities. More than 20 diverse vendors hosted tables with food and information from Bulgaria, Argentina, Native America and Sri Lanka. Several bands entertained the crowd with various native sounds from Ireland, Brazil and the Caribbean. In addition to the enchanting music, dancers performed for the crowd. Our goal for WorldFest Woburn! 2008 is to continue the legacy of diversity in Woburn. The Woburn community is a reflection of our diverse nation. In the past, Woburn residents from various cultural backgrounds have displayed art, jewelry, and clothing, many of whom will return this year and look forward to learning about our cultural traditions. This year we hope to increase participation in WorldFest Woburn!, and are looking for volunteers to help run the event. If you are interested in participating in this year's event, please contact Andrew Gibson at 781-935-2244 or andrew@sciwoburn.org for more information.
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Habitat for Humanity Needs Volunteers in July |
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Customers who shop at Whole Foods of Newton in July will have the opportunity to purchase $2 and $5 coupons at check-out as a convenient way to contribute to Habitat for Humanity. To increase awareness of the Habitat Newton building project and encourage donations, Habitat will set up information tables at both Newton Whole Foods stores on Saturdays during July. Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts to hand out brochures and remind customers to purchase a coupon as a way to support affordable housing in Newton. To volunteer, please contact young_janet91@hotmail.com
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| Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Council |
We are looking for middle and high school students who share our vision of helping children in need in Massachusetts receive the items they need most. Through our Teen Leadership Council students will join together to make an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of other kids. For more information contact Lindsay Jensen at lindsay@cradlestocrayons.org.
Click below to apply or to learn about our two TLC Crews.
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| Boston Cannons Lacrosse
2008 Season |
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The Boston Cannons are accepting applications for Game Day positions for the 2008 season. All interested parties should send an e-mail to Paula Hunt at phunt@bostoncannons.com
Please include:
NAME:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
AGE:
SCHOOL ATTENDING:
POSITION (S) INTERESTED IN [please list the job(s) in the title section of your e-mail]
College students should include a resume. High school students should include a listing of jobs/activities participated in.
All positions require participating in all 7 Cannons home events, plus Championship Weekend, are on a volunteer basis, and are unpaid.
Home Schedule
May 17 7:00 PM New Jersey Pride
May 23 7:00 PM Rochester Rattlers
June 19 7:30 PM Wash. Bayhawks
July 3 7:30 PM Phil. Barrage
July 12 7:00 PM Long Island Lizards
Aug. 2 7:00 PM Phil. Barrage
Aug. 9 7:00 PM Denver Outlaws
A formal application to be filled out will be sent upon receipt of your e-mail. Proof of identity will be required upon acceptance of your application to volunteer.
Available to College and High School Students: The Cannons cannot accept applications from individuals younger than 15 yrs of age. All students not 18 yrs of age by May 1, 2008 must have a parent/guardian sign a participation form provided by the Cannons:
Gate Greeters- (greet incoming fans and hand out programs/giveaways until halftime)
Video Game- (video tape entire game from press box)
Field Spotter Stats- (assist on-field stats with spotting from field level)
Birthday Bash Assistants- (assist staff with management of pre-game event)
BOOMER mascot- (wear Cannons mascot costume and interact with fans)
Those interested in singing the National Anthem at Cannons Games this season should send a sound piece to phunt@bostoncannons.com.
You can also mail a CD to:
Boston Cannons Attention: Anthem Singer 214 Lincoln Street, Suite 320 Allston, MA 02134 |
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Get the Definitive Guides to Summer & Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Place your order now for the 2008 editions of the Teenlife Boston: Guide to Summer Programs and the first Guide to Community Service.
 
These two guides list hundreds of interesting summer programs and non-profits in the Greater Boston area that welcome students in middle and/or high school.
Order Guides Now
About TeenLife Boston
TeenLife Boston connects middle and high school students in Greater Boston with "opportunities beyond school" such as summer programs, community service, internships, and others that they never knew existed. We publish printed guides, manage online discussion groups, offer presentations for parents and students, help schools to implement internship programs, and organize face-to-face events that make it easier to find the right opportunities for teens.
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