Haverhill High School VIP
Listening to students’ voices is more important now than ever, as decision makers at all levels contemplate plans for the rest of the remote learning period and the transition back to campus.
Throughout Winter 2021, students from the Haverhill High School Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) program engaged in weekly conversations to identify the most pressing concerns related to remote and hybrid learning and identify proposed solutions. They authored a report documenting their ideas titled “Students’ Priorities for Recovery and Beyond.” They then submitted their report to and met with local education decision makers. Going forward, they plan to use this work as a foundation for launching a new student voice coalition in their school and for partnering with school administrators to apply for a state-funded grant to make their school safer and more supportive for all students.
Chelsea and Gabby discuss why the Haverhill High School VIP Report: “Student Priorities for Recovery and Beyond” was created.
After meeting with administrators, VIP students convened a Zoom meeting with their three state representatives. They advocated for their priorities and learned from the legislators about federal funds that would be coming to their district as part of the COVID relief packages. Their representatives encouraged them to raise their voices in discussion about how those funds would be spent.
VIP students requested time on their School Committee’s meeting agenda and were invited to make a public presentation. They submitted their written report to the committee, verbally summarized their priorities and solutions, and requested an opportunity to participate in budget conversations about allocating federal COVID relief funds.
VIP student leaders launched a new coalition in their school – Student Voice Advocates (SVA) – to partner with educators in applying for a Safe and Supportive Schools Grant. A group of 6 student leaders will represent a larger group of 37 students who will deliberate on priorities to bring forth to the administration.
Violence Intervention and Prevention—VIP—was started at Haverhill High School in 2005 as a one-time, peer-led youth anti-violence conference. The effort has grown into a well-established leadership program involving both high school and middle school students dedicated to promoting peace and respect throughout the schools and community. From the original high school initiative, the program expanded to include Jr. VIP teams at all four middle schools. The Haverhill High School VIP Team was fortunate to have an evaluation partner from Boston University, funded through the Charles E. Shannon Grant. We are proud to have received recognition as a model program for other communities seeking to help youth develop alternatives to prevent violence. This strength-based model provides support, leadership training and opportunities for young people to become involved and connected with caring adults and positive youth leaders. The ongoing connection empowers youth to become active, engaged members of their communities serving as role models and peer mentors. As many VIP members claim, “VIP is not a program- it’s a lifestyle!”