College Health & Safety
Emerson is providing this information based on its current plans and in accordance with health and safety information currently available. Emerson may, in its discretion, or under direction of government or health authorities, change plans regarding modalities of courses or activities, and physical access to any facilities.
The on-campus Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute (PAL) is for high school students who wish to understand how communication is at the heart of politics, activism and leadership in a democratic society. The Institute is focused on a number of important issues, including, community activism, social justice, civic engagement, public service, scandal/crisis management, speechwriting, grassroots organizing, and communicating with the media. Within these issues, additional topics will be explored including the role of law in advocacy, implicit and explicit bias, storytelling around the globe, focus group research, intercultural politics, political journalism, personal branding, message campaign approaches, among many others.
Discussions and projects related to the influence of social media platforms, including TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, will also be threaded throughout the three weeks. All participants will be encouraged to “find their voice” as we journey through the various activities, seminars, guest speakers, and field trips. Field trips, both virtual and in person, to the USS Constitution, Black Heritage Trail, and the Freedom Trail, will also find PAL participants in the throes of history.
Throughout the three weeks, PAL participants will learn and talk about advocacy and communication as these are central for young people in both developed and developing nations. Unpacking and respecting complex real-life situations will be front and center throughout the PAL experience. Whether you’re interested in what takes place behind the scenes or in front of an audience, the Institute rests upon the belief that young people can be active agents within your communities both today and in the future, and serve as ambassadors and advocates for various causes and issues.
Each week, staff will allocate time to participants as they prepare a “Speech of Advocacy” to be delivered on the last day of the Institute in front of family, friends, staff, and guests. Speeches will be adjudicated by staff members and a final tape of performances will be available to all participants.
The Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute is offered as a noncredit or college credit program option.
