Power to Empowerment Clubs

By Emi Yamashiro-Hergert (Staff Writer)

When you think of the term "empowerment," what comes to mind? A group of people on a stage, giving a speech about their cause? A gathering sequestered in a room, providing quiet support for issues they face? Empowerment takes these forms and more among Samo's clubs. While providing a safe space to discuss problems is a key part of empowerment clubs, their focus for this year should be on developing the student voice by supporting mental well-being. 

The COVID-19 pandemic may be a reason for students' reluctance to speak publicly. Even as pandemic restrictions lift, the impacts on anxiety and depression in teenagers remain just as profound. Regaining the confidence to speak out is a difficult feat for those who might suffer from heightened anxiety or depression.

School psychologists Madison Braverman, Erica Greer and Susana Ponce-Jauregui highlight the difference in how each student readjusts to a relative sense of normalcy.

"Every student has different needs and wants, so each student's advocacy skills will be different. We hope students are able to advocate more after the pandemic personally and publicly," Braverman said.

The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) has long been a club focused inwards, according to club president Stella Faas ('23). It gives LGBTQ+ students a social space to share experiences and use preferred names and pronouns in a private setting away from potential abuse or bullying. While the GSA could work on finding safe and anonymous opportunities to help their students advocate if they want to, other clubs should follow its lead in providing connections between like-minded students in order to develop self confidence.

Faas describes the integral first step toward effective assertion.

"To make a big impact, you have to be stable and have a good idea of yourself before you try to put yourself out there. If not, then it's not sustainable, it's not healthy,” Faas said.

Letters to our Leaders is a club oriented more toward outreach, advocating for the causes of each members' choice via letters sent out to political representatives. As club president Finlay Ross ('25) puts it, we as students in America should take advantage of our fundamental right to free speech whenever we can. Combining this mission with opportunities to build members' confidence may ensure Letters to our Leaders' efficacy in promoting their messages.

The club Dear Asian Youth provides a social space for AAPI students, encouraging political activism and community engagement. President Sierra Yee ('23) gives insight on the importance of advocacy.

"As students, a lot of the time it's hard to feel like you have a voice. Acting as a group of people, we can really try to change something," Yee said. 

As society heals from the pandemic, we must also begin to move forward. Activist clubs should regularly check in with the mental health of their members and take any opportunities to provide interpersonal connections. Clubs that focus on empowering their students should keep a tight hold on their value of safe spaces and open conversation; they should also work toward building their members' confidence, if those members decide to advocate for a cause in the public eye. 

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