A student's guide to community engagement.

This blog post features a finalist entry from the Peaceful Health program. The ideas and reflections shared here belong entirely to the student author. In some cases, minor edits have been made at the editor’s discretion to protect the privacy and well-being of the individual. We are honored to share this thoughtful and meaningful work with our community.

The Problem

I feel that in this area, and in many communities, not everyone feels happy or included. There are many groups that can be negative, not only in communities but also in schools. From my secondary school experience, I have felt a lot of loneliness due to problems within my school and community. I didn’t really fit into any group or community around me because many groups were made up of people who had things in common, such as being from the same country, having similar wealth, or similar personalities.

I have also observed different communities and often notice that there is someone who feels alone and is going through what I went through. I think this is very unfair.

How am I going to solve it?

My plan is to create or start my own community or group where we can meet from time to time to help people come out of their comfort zones, socialize, and stop feeling lonely so often. Anyone would be allowed to join.

Once people come together, I would first place them into small groups so it does not feel too overwhelming. Some people may not feel ready to share their feelings with a lot of people at first. Over time, I would slowly make the groups bigger until we could come together as one large group.

During these sessions, I could host game nights, create scenarios, and discuss them together. I would also create rules to make sure people do not feel picked on or shamed. This would help people get to know each other better and become more confident and open about how they feel.

What major difference would this make and why would it be successful?

This would help build a positive community and improve communication. I would demonstrate what respectful communication looks like and create community guidelines that are easy to follow. I would model healthy behavior such as calm conflict resolution, admitting mistakes, and being welcoming.

I would use encouragement during sessions to make sure no one feels left out and to help build trust in the group. I would acknowledge effort, not just results, and assume good intentions to help keep everything positive and relaxed. This would reduce conflict and help keep conversations open.

This would also strengthen a sense of belonging and reduce negativity through clear boundaries. I would make sure everyone has a voice by taking turns to speak and using anonymous tools if needed. I would also rotate opportunities so quieter members have time to contribute safely. Different experiences would be respected so no one feels excluded.

I would make it clear through the guidelines that harassment is not allowed. The consequences would be clear, and action would be taken quickly and fairly when rules are broken. I would also allow private reports so people feel safe raising concerns. I would use calming strategies such as taking breaks and teaching people how to step away from negative situations.

Why am I well placed to do it?

Because I am in the same age group as the people this group would support, they may find it easier to relate to me and trust me. I have also experienced many of these problems myself, which would help me understand how to support others with similar challenges.

I want to help people’s voices be heard and help them become more confident and independent. I want to support people who feel intimidated or left out and help them feel like they belong. I believe that in every community, everyone has a place.

Nana, William Morris Sixth Form