MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Manchester-Essex School Superintendent Pam Beaudoin’s office has announced that Manchester Essex Regional Middle School students recently attended the Anti-Defamation League’s 27th annual Youth Congress.
Twenty-six MERMS students attended ADL’s Youth Congress on Monday, April 10 at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston. The theme of this year’s conference was “Courageous Conversations,” a message that aims to provide participants with a framework for discussing issues of bias, prejudice, and discrimination and empower them with the knowledge and skills to model similar discussions in their schools.
Students listened to guest speakers give presentations on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of speaking up, taking action, and participating in courageous conversations against hate. Students also participated in anti-bias activities, where groups worked together to facilitate conversations with each other.
Students were accompanied by MERMS Health Teacher Janda Ricci-Munn and a team of chaperones.
“During the small group break-out sessions, ME students did a fantastic job of engaging in meaningful discussions and whole-group activities that focused upon addressing bias, stereotypes, and prejudice that occur in schools,” said Ricci-Munn. “This program is designed to help foster peer leadership and to empower students with the skillsets needed to bring about positive change within their school communities and society as a whole.”
The Youth Congress is a one-day event that brings together more than 1,400 middle and high school students, teachers, and community leaders from over 65 schools across New England. Students are given the opportunity to explore what it is like for people of different national origins, ethnicities, races, and religions to live in the United States, and to develop action steps to foster schools and communities where everyone is welcome, respected, and valued.
“Discussing and becoming aware of biases and prejudice is crucial to creating a school environment that is equitable, welcoming, and inclusive for all,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “The ADL’s Youth Congress provided our students with a safe environment to learn how to facilitate those important conversations with others, which will surely be used to benefit the MERMS community.”
About the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
ADL is one of the world’s leading anti-hate organizations. Founded in 1913, its mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
