Youth
The Meetinghouse is dedicated to working with leaders of all ages. We offer three programs for Middle and High School students to support them as they discover their strengths, identify their passions, and cultivate leadership skills that will guide their decisions:
- Youth Leadership Initiative (funded by the State of Connecticut)
The Youth Leadership Initiative is a 9-month program for Middle Schoolers from Danbury and Ridgefield, taking place over the academic school year. This program is designed for students passionate about making a difference in both local and global communities. Drawing from the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, the program emphasizes leadership across three dimensions: individual, group, and societal. At the conclusion of the program, participants host a Community Summit or design and execute a Social Action Project where they get to demonstrate their leadership skills. Students develop skills in civic engagement and social change. To learn more, contact Fanta Waterman. - High School Senior Internships
Each spring, we welcome interns to work on projects related to the arts, communication, environment, and campus preservation. - Special Projects
Our special projects empower students to lead meaningful community initiatives. Current efforts include:- Club Sandwich: led by a Ridgefield High School student, Club Sandwich provides monthly meals to the Dorothy Day House
- Restoring the Wetlands Paths: an ongoing project that expands our native plantings and provides trail maintenance
- Cookie Day: We all love when the Girl Scouts come to sell their cookies!
We focus on these key programs, but are always open to new opportunities to support emerging leaders. We also encourage partnerships with school clubs, scout troops, and community-led initiatives.
Upcoming Youth Events
YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Program Overview
The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is a 9-month immersive program for Middle Schoolers from Danbury and Ridgefield, taking place over the academic school year (September – May). This program is designed for students passionate about making a difference in both local and global communities. Drawing from the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, YLI initiative emphasizes leadership across three dimensions: individual, group, and societal. At the conclusion of the program, participants host a Community Summit or design and execute a Social Action Project where they get to demonstrate their leadership skills. Students develop skills in civic engagement and social change.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on skills and foundational knowledge for sustainable, justice-oriented citizenship
- Direct opportunities to engage with local community government, organizations, and purpose-driven businesses
- Inspiration and preparation to bring change and be active, engaged civic leaders
- Host a Community Summit or lead a social action project to address a pressing social issue
- Leadership development and networking opportunities
- Families are invited to build community in a community of peers who value civic engagement and community leadership
Program Outcomes
Students will learn:
- How to engage in leadership development networking opportunities and apply these skills to their daily lives
- How to develop and implement a community summit meant to address a pressing issue they identify
- Practice transfers of learning during field trips
Program Design
Module 1: Understanding and Leadership of Self
September – November
(Consciousness of Self, Congruence, Commitment)
Students will explore how they define themselves and their environments, and consider the perspectives of various members of their ecosystem (individual, group, society/community)
Examples of activities/workshops: Gallup’s Strength Explorer, Interpersonal Communication, Digital Wellness
Module 2: Exploring Collective Leadership
December – February
(Collaboration, Common Purpose, Controversy with Civility)
Students will be introduced to tools that support activities to broaden and leverage perspectives, collaborate on familiar and unfamiliar teams and navigate conflict successfully. An offsite activity could take place in Ridgefield, Danbury or a bordering town.
Module 3: Helping Our Communities Thrive with Leadership
March – May
(Citizenship)
In addition to workshops and activities that support engagement with community organizations, students will design and execute either a community summit or social action project. An offsite activity focused on the Cs in this module could take place.
Application Process
Applications open August 2025! In the meantime, questions can be directed to Fanta Waterman.
