Learwood News - You Belong Club Members Attend Leadership Field Trip in Oberlin
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Students who join the extraordinary You Belong Club at Learwood have a fantastic opportunity to connect with their peers and find support as they navigate the middle school years together. This student-led club gives its participants the chance to take on leadership roles and work together to cultivate a welcoming, caring environment in the school community. On Tuesday, October 7th, You Belong Club members met with Alex Sheen, founder of “because I said I would” during a leadership field trip to New Russia Township Hall in Oberlin. They listened to an inspiring message about keeping promises and the impact that one person can have on his or her surroundings. Learwood Middle School students were joined by other schools from Lorain County that participate in the You Belong initiative.
The nonprofit “because I said I would” is dedicated to empowering others with skills of resilience and positive mental health habits, helping them face adversities and trials. During the visit, students were handed crisp white cards emblazoned with the thought-provoking name of the nonprofit. Inspired by Alex Sheen’s remarks, they thoughtfully filled out the cards with promises they would make and keep about being a positive presence in school and in the lives of their family and friends.
Ten student representatives attended this empowering leadership field trip and as many as 50 students participate in the You Belong Club each year at Learwood. This inviting club is open to all students and welcomes new members throughout the school year. Meetings are held once a month during lunch periods. Some past examples of student-planned initiatives which have spread kindness and a sense of belonging throughout the school building include: leaving positive notes on lockers, painting encouragement rocks with uplifting messages, distributing Valentine affirmation cards, hosting “No One Eats Alone Day” to help foster new friendships, and creating encouragement posters for Special Olympics athletes.
You Belong Club was founded during the 2019-20 school year and is funded through the MHARS Board of Lorain County. Students interested may contact Ms. Acton or their assigned school counselor. By strengthening friendships, building new peer connections, and reducing feelings of social isolation, You Belong Club helps ensure that every student understands that they are a vital part of the Learwood family. Thank you to Ms. Acton and the school administrators for their support in making this club a success and empowering students to foster a positive, caring school community.
