SpeakUp! helps kids talk about things that they may not be comfortable talking about with their parents, teachers, and their friends. On March 19th, Malvern, Notre Dame, and St. Pat’s participated in a SpeakUp! event. I interviewed Mrs. Trainor about the event. 

When asked, “Why do we do participate in SpeakUp?” Mrs Trainor responded, “SpeakUp! is dedicated to helping teens develop supportive relationships with adults in their lives, whether that be their parents, teachers, counselors, or even coaches.” She explained that at Malvern, we are aware that our students are faced with challenges and struggles – depression, anxiety, relationships, and social media, just to name a few. SpeakUp! provides students with the space to talk openly, honestly and without judgment about difficult topics, while also teaching them how to reach out for support within their homes and schools. 

When asked what the event looked like, Mrs. Trainor explained, “During registration, students selected three topics that they were most interested in discussing. On the night of the main event, students, school adults, and parenting adults were assigned to breakout rooms (led by trained facilitators as well as members of the Student Leadership Team) based on their topic choices, and engaged in open and honest facilitated conversations about their topic.” Mrs. Trainor shared that to ensure that everyone was comfortable speaking up, no family members were in the same breakout session. However, everyone gained perspective and skills that they can use in continuing the conversation with their own families and at school. 

The Student Leadership Team (made up of volunteers from Malvern Prep, St. Pat’s and Notre Dame) prepared for SpeakUp! by meeting multiple times prior to the main event to create topics and talking points, and to also hold mock breakout groups to give students a better idea of how the main event was going to flow and to prepare them to support their peers during the conversation. Mrs. Trainor commented, “The topics chosen by the student leadership team are often things that middle school students are challenged by and struggle with, so it is important that the Student Leadership Team knows how to create a safe space for their peers, family members and friends where they feel comfortable to speak up and ask questions or even ask for help.” 

I participated in SpeakUp! myself and I found this event very fun and interesting. I’m looking forward to attending SpeakUp! events in the future.