High School Leadership Shabbaton participants getting to know each other at the Friday afternoon icebreaker; photo by Judah Gavant
Yachad held its 15th annual High School Leadership Shabbaton from October 27 to 29, 2017, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stamford, CT.
The weekend retreat empowered students to bring Yachad’s message of inclusion back to their schools and communities. The motivating educational sessions included:
- An inspirational session with someone who is paralyzed
- An explanation of key leadership qualities and what type of leader you are
- A sibling of someone with a disability talked about the importance of person-first language (saying “a person with a disability” rather than a “disabled person”)
- Why teamwork is important
A total of 157 9th and 10th grade students attended, representing schools in the NY/NJ area and Yachad chapters across the country. “I still haven’t stopped smiling!” one student said about the weekend. “It was so fun and I met so many new people. I’m so happy to be part of the Yachad family!”
Each chapter has a board of high school students, and at the shabbaton, those leaders met in person so that they can work together throughout the year to bring ideas and programs to their schools and chapters. They brainstormed PR ideas, how to run meetings, and how to ensure events are successful.
Yachad High School Leadership Shabbaton participants on motzei shabbos; photo by Judah Gavant
Also, 55 Yachad members age 16 to 27 from the NY Senior Yachad chapter and various chapters throughout the country attended the shabbaton. Reflecting Yachad’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, every single program was designed for people with and without disabilities. Both groups had a meaningful leadership and learning experience.
In one of the highlights of the Shabbaton, Scott Chesney inspired the group to live every day to the fullest after his session titled “Dream, Believe and Work to Achieve.” Scott shared how he turned the challenges he faced after becoming paralyzed into the opportunity of a lifetime as he adjusted his attitude and how he chooses to spend his time.
This article was written by Amy Lerner, Yachad Content Writer