Hello Changemakers - from all of us here at United Way Youth Venture (UWYV), and Changemaking.

Welcome to the Changemakers Monthly Newsletter, June Edition!

As we bid farewell to another remarkable school year, we can't help but feel a sense of joy and accomplishment. In this month's newsletter, we bring you exciting updates and stories from our vibrant Changemaker community. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible achievements of our students!

🌱 Introducing Our Newest Launched Youth Venture Team:

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Guaribono Nakan team! Discover how this passionate group of young changemakers is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Taino people. Their enthusiasm and determination will leave you inspired.

🚌 Crocker Elementary's Alternative Field Trip Venture Results:

Find out about the unforgettable day Crocker Elementary students embarked on through their innovative alternative field trip Venture. Explore the outcomes, unforgettable experiences, and valuable lessons learned from this unique educational journey.

💪 Gear Up Venture Team- Making Sports Accessible:

The Gear Up team of Gardner High has been on a mission to ensure that every Gardner High student has the necessary sports equipment. Learn how their fundraising efforts are making a difference and empowering young athletes in our community.

🎓 Youth Changemakers of Winchendon and Gardner:

Attention Winchendon and Gardner residents! In partnership with HEAL, we hosted an orientation for the Youth Changemaker Leaders/Interns where 18 youth from Winchendon and Gardner became situated to their roles this summer. Discover how this youth-led program will equip these Changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to transform their ideas into impactful systematic change in the community.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Changemaker Monthly Newsletter, filled with stories of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of youth. Together, let's celebrate the end of a successful school year and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!

Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy the inspiring contents of this newsletter!

~Lauren, Rachel, Rohanji - the United Way Youth Venture Team!



Launch Alert! Introducing the Guaribono Nakan (direct translation: Warriors of Balance). This team of passionate 8th graders from Memorial Middle School, Fitchburg, launched on June 15th after sharing their devoted plan to a panel of community members.

The Guaribono Nakan Venture Team is dedicated to safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of the Taino people, aka the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. Their mission is clear: to preserve, protect, and promote Taino artifacts, traditions, and customs for future generations.

The Guaribono Nakan have two main areas of focus:

1. Stop the Selling of Taino Ancient Artifacts

In their research, they found native artifacts of the Taino's are being auctioned in overseas auction houses. They firmly believe that the sale of these ancient Taino artifacts threatens the cultural integrity of their people. The Guaribono Nakan are determined to end this practice by raising awareness and garnering public support. Through a petition, they intend to advocate for a ban on the sale of Taino artifacts and establish direct communication with relevant authorities and auction houses. Together, they hope to protect these invaluable treasures and ensure their rightful place of origin.

2. Educate and Advocate in Fitchburg

As Fitchburg is predominantly Latin in its demographic makeup, the boys of Guaribono Nakan realized many residents of Fitchburg are likely of Taino descent without realizing it. Therefore, their second and more immediate goal is to enlighten and inspire them. They plan to collaborate with the Fitchburg Cultural Council to host an annual Areito, which is a traditional vibrant celebration of Taino culture, featuring music, dance, food, and engaging activities. By fostering pride and connection within the local Taino community, they hope to encourage others to appreciate and learn about Taino culture and heritage.

Be on the lookout! The Guaribono Nakan will also conduct educational workshops and presentations in schools, community centers, and local organizations. Through these initiatives, they aim to kindle a sense of identity and belonging among the community, emphasizing the urgency of preserving Taino artifacts and traditions.

Stay tuned for ways to get involved and learn more. Join the Guaribono Nakan Team as they raise awareness, organize engaging events, and collaborate with passionate partners, ensuring the legacy of the Taino people for generations to come. Together, let's embrace cultural pride and celebrate Fitchburg's vibrant heritage!

Fresh off the panel, the 5th Grade Takeover Day Team of Crocker Elementary School in Fitchburg launched their Venture, then completed their project this month.

These students have been sorely reminded throughout the school year that they have missed out on a field trip through what is their last year of elementary school.

However, towards the end of this school year, these brilliant students and their peers received thrilling news. They were informed that as a class, they would have a unique opportunity to attend a WooSox game as a field trip.

And following this announcement, they were made aware that not all students could join them on this adventure.

Determined to make sure that everyone had an incredible day filled with excitement regardless of if they were going to see the WooSox or not, the “Crocker Kid Takeover Day” Team got to work. Through research (and experience), they understood the importance of alternative school activities in breaking the monotony of daily routines and improving mental well-being. So, with their creative minds at play, they devised an amazing itinerary for the field trip day of June 7th. The day was packed with three main activities that would guarantee a day of fun and engagement for everyone. Then they presented this plan to a panel and officially launched their Venture!

Here is a glimpse into the day these students planned:

1. First up, they came up with "Game Time" – a chance for everyone to bond and have a blast! 🎮🎲 Starting with a get-to-know-you bingo, they then arranged a variety of board games and school-friendly computer games. There was friendly competition and loads of laughter in this gaming extravaganza. 🕹️
2. Next on the list is "Creativity Corner" – a hub for imagination and self-expression. ✨ Students had the opportunity to choose from three rounds of creative activities, including drawing, rock painting, bracelet making, or the optional extra: showing off their moves with some music and dancing. This was their chance to let their artistic abilities shine! 🎨🎶
3. Last but not least, the exhilarating "Scavenger Hunt and Sherbet" finale! 🏆🍨 The members of the planning group that were still leaving on the field trip designed a thrilling classroom scavenger hunt, in secret, for their peers staying at the school. Teams competed against each other, solving riddles and completing challenges, all in pursuit of victory and an incredible prize. And to cap it all off, a sweet treat of sherbet awaited everyone! 🎁

So, there you have it – a day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. This team of remarkable students planned to create an experience that ensured every student had an amazing day, even if they can't go on the field trip.

We applaud their creativity and inclusivity.

Let's celebrate the power of friendship, fun, and breaking free from the routine!

Be on the lookout! Gardner High School's Gear Up Venture Team has been selling raffle tickets in efforts to raise funds for sports equipment for GHS student athletes.

In their mission to make school sports for accessible to all students, these ambitious Venturers have been hard at work, offering up their evenings and weekends- even free periods during school- to market their mission and sell raffle tickets.

Gear Up is raffling off a grand prize of four tickets to see the WooSox this July, and will be pulling the lucky winner in 10 short days in July 10th!

Pictured above (left) is the Gear Up team tabling at Gardner High's annual student vs. teacher basketball game. Most recently, the team tabled at a state track meet at Gardner Middle School. In the four weeks they have been selling tickets, the team has managed to raise over $350 so far for fall sports equipment.

Support a good cause and enter for a chance to win tickets for the whole family to have a fun night out at a sports game! Reach out for how to enter.

The Youth Changemakers of Gardner and Winchendon have begun their mission to create positive change in their communities after attending HEAL and UWYV led orientations on 6/22 and 6/26.

This summer, they will collaborate with HEAL Winchendon/Gardner and UWYV to design and lead their own projects.

HEAL is a community movement focused on improving the health, quality of life, and addressing the needs of Winchendon and Gardner residents through programs that build social, financial, and community assets.

HEAL's areas of focus include promoting healthy food access, empowering the local economy, and fostering social inclusion by developing relevant, sustainable community impact programs and opportunities, embracing diversity and unique life experiences. HEAL focuses on the voice of the individuals in each community to co-create these changes. One avenue of this is through the Youth Changemaker program- charging youth to step up and be an active leader in this initiative.

On 6/29, the Youth Changemakers engaged in training and service at the Waterford Street School in Gardner, which will soon become a hub for community support programs. They kicked off the day by exploring their passions, skills, causes they care about, and communities they want to positively impact to begin planning for their youth-led initiatives this summer. Following this, the Youth Changemakers, with help from the UWYV and HEAL team, got to work on revitalizing the Waterford Street School building by cleaning, organizing, and hauling furniture, making it an inspiring and educational day for these young Changemakers.

These students will not only develop their plans to impact their communities this summer, but also partake in weekly Leadership trainings hosted at MWCC, and weekly service projects with the Gardner Senior Center, the House of Peace and Education, the Sunshine Cafe in Winchendon, hosting community events and movie nights in Winchendon, and more!

Stay tuned this summer as they develop their innovative plans to make a lasting impact on their communities!