Building Better Schools Together
Inside FEEST’s Campaign Kick-Offs
This October, FEEST Student Organizers hosted Campaign Kick-Offs at Chief Sealth, Rainier Beach, Tyee, Evergreen, and Franklin High Schools. These vibrant events empowered students to take on leadership roles, share their campaigns, and connect with peers in meaningful and transformative ways. By combining creativity, dedication, and teamwork, they used Kick-Offs to highlight critical issues in their schools and lay the foundation for positive change.
Goals of the Kick-Offs
🌟 Building Leadership: Student Organizers practiced organizing, gaining confidence and refining essential leadership skills. They learned to manage events effectively and inspire their peers to take action.
📢 Promoting Campaigns: The events showcased FEEST’s impactful projects, such as advocating for wellness rooms, expanding mental health resources, and improving access to culturally relevant meals. Student Organizers passionately shared their visions for schools to rally support.
🤝 Fostering Connections: Student Organizers met new peers and deepened existing relationships, fostering unity and shared purpose within their schools.
🛠️ Honing Skills: Public speaking, event planning, and teamwork were central focuses. Student Organizers tackled real-time challenges like adapting to unexpected changes and managing large crowds.
A Bright Future Ahead
Campaign Kick-Offs were more than just events—they were celebrations of youth creativity, determination, and teamwork. Each school brought its unique energy and perspective, making every kick-off a reflection of its community’s values and aspirations. By stepping into leadership roles, Student Organizers showcased their ability to drive meaningful change and laid the groundwork for a transformative year ahead. Together, they showed that young people have the passion and skills to build a better future for their schools and communities.
Key Highlights
Chief Sealth High School
🫂 Student Organizers at Chief Sealth set the stage with a welcoming tone, starting the event with group huddles to build energy and focus. ✏️ The wellness room activity, where students got to get creative and imagine what a wellness room should have, and stood out as a key moment, providing participants an opportunity to share detailed feedback while fostering peer-to-peer connections. 🎨 Despite outreach challenges, Student Organizers’ creativity and enthusiasm ensured the event’s success, leaving a lasting impression.
Rainier Beach High School
⚡ Rainier Beach’s Kick-Off was packed with energy and engagement. 📝 Student Organizers used tools like sticky notes and QR codes to involve peers in discussions about improving mental health supports in schools. 💡 They showcased adaptability by navigating logistical hurdles, ensuring the event was rewarding for attendees. 🗣️ These efforts highlighted the importance of creating spaces for open dialogue.
Tyee High School
💪 At Tyee, Student Organizers demonstrated resilience and ingenuity. 🍩 They turned unexpected changes, such as a shift to the cafeteria setting, into opportunities for creativity. 🎯 Using churros as a survey incentive was a hit, driving meaningful engagement. 🤝 Their collaboration and adaptability ensured the event’s success. These surveys were designed to get feedback from their peers on what students need most on campus.
Evergreen High School
🌱 Evergreen’s Kick-Off reflected the strength of returning Student Organizers who stepped up as leaders. 📋 They guided their peers, ensuring structured activities and efficient surveys. 🏫 Their thoughtful planning fostered an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging participation. 🔗 Their teamwork made the event seamless and inspiring.
Franklin High School
💬 Franklin’s Campaign Kick-Off focused on clear communication and community building. 🏥 Student Organizers effectively presented their vision for wellness rooms and improved mental health resources. 🔍 hey forged meaningful connections and gathered valuable feedback to inform future efforts.
Lessons Learned
💡 Adaptability is Key: Student Organizers learned to think on their feet, adjusting plans in real-time and building resilience.
📣 The Power of Communication: Practicing clear messaging improved confidence and engagement.
👥 Collaboration Strengthens Impact: Teamwork between Student Organizers and staff fostered smooth events and stronger outcomes.
Overcoming Challenges
Student Organizers worked creatively to adapt, such as using churros at Tyee to boost survey participation.
Interactive tools like QR codes enhanced virtual engagement.
Improved timelines and clearer deadlines streamlined event execution.
Reflection: Community Organizing as a Muscle
Community organizing is like a muscle—it grows stronger with consistent use. Campaign Kick-Offs allowed Student Organizers to train and flex their skills, learning from each experience. By adapting to challenges and celebrating successes, they’ve built a foundation of resilience and leadership that will serve them well as they continue to build on our campaigns for improved mental health supports and food justice in schools.
The Impact on School Communities
The Campaign Kick-Offs left lasting impacts on their broader school communities. They sparked conversations about wellness, mental health, and food justice, encouraging students and staff to reimagine their schools.
🌈 Increased Awareness: Attendees gained deeper understanding of FEEST’s work, influencing school conversations.
🏫 Stronger Connections: The Kick-Offs fostered collaboration between students, teachers, and staff.
🌱 Empowering Change: Engaging activities inspired peers to take an active role in shaping their schools.
These ripple effects are already inspiring more students to join FEEST efforts and school staff to support these initiatives. The events showcased the power of collective action to build stronger, unified school communities.
Looking Ahead:
Future Goals and Next Steps
As FEEST builds on this momentum, we are focused on ambitious goals:
🚀 Expanding Campaigns: Deepening efforts for wellness rooms, improved mental health supports, and fresh, free, culturally relevant meals.
💡 Leadership Development: Providing workshops, mentorship, and opportunities for Student Organizers to develop and refine their skills.
🤝 Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, families, and community organizations to drive systemic change.
The determination and passion seen during Kick-Offs set the stage for an impactful future. Together, FEEST and our Student Organizers are not just imagining better schools—we’re building them, one campaign at a time.
Help Us Reach 75 Gifts Before December 31st!
As we reflect on 16 years of building youth power, we know our work is far from done. To keep creating spaces where youth can lead and drive meaningful change, we need your support. This year, our goal is to reach 75 gifts by December 31st. Will you help us get there? Together, we can ensure that FEEST continues to be a place where youth-led organizing thrives, systemic change is possible, and the next generation of leaders is nurtured.
Make your gift today and be a part of this incredible movement for youth power and community transformation.