MASC September 2023 Bulletin |
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September 19th is National Voter Registration Day and MASC is celebrating with a month-long informational social media series on all things voting! |
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MASC 2023-2024 Membership Now Open Student voice, leadership skills, networking, resources, recognition representation, friendships, and fun – are just a few of the reasons why your school's student council should join the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). Membership applications are now open. The process is exclusively online and only a school advisor or administrator may complete the application. Click on the picture to the left for information and the application. |
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Did you miss the August Workshop Presenter Certification? Don't worry, there is another opportunity! Read the information below.... |
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Workshop Presenter CertificationSeptember 23, 2023Registration: Now – Sept. 20Digital Harbor High School Workshop Presenter Certification Day is a day of learning to certify secondary-school students to be MASC workshop presenters and to re-certify previously certified presenters. MASC feels peer teaching is a successful and effective method of training potential and current student leaders. MASC's extensive training yields student-led, high-quality workshops. Students may register themselves for this event. Click on the picture to the right for Details and Registration. |
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councils? If so, apply to AIMS! This committee is the perfect opportunity to plan events, meet new people, and work with the 2nd-VP to create resources and opportunities! (Watch the AIMS promotional video!) Civic Engagement Committee (CEC): Are you a secondary school student trying to make a difference in your community? Are you interested in debating legislation and drafting testimony to legislators? Are you looking to get connected to other like-minded student leaders? If you answered yes to any of these questions, apply to the CEC! Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC): If you’re a Maryland student passionate about environmental advocacy, apply to the EAC! We’re excited to work with students from all over the state on some exciting new projects this year, from workshops increasing accessibility to environmental work to boosting sustainability through legislation. Whether you’re an experienced environmental advocate or someone looking to learn more, apply now! Finance Committee - assists the MASC |
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MASC Committee Opportunities(Most closing on Sept. 30) Applications for the MASC Finance Committee, three Special Issues Committees (Civic Engagement, Environmental Affairs, and Mental Health), and Divisional Committees are currently open and will close on September 30th. Middle and high schoolers – join to work directly in your geographic area (Division), plan fundraisers and research grants, or energize your year with new projects fulfilling causes you’re passionate about or looking to get involved with and become a bigger part of MASC! Action in Middle School (AIMS): Action In Middle School Committee (AIMS): Are you a middle school student interested in working collaboratively with peers to encourage outreach and involvement within student |
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Treasurer in completing MASC financial goals. Members will research grant opportunities, plan fundraisers, and work on other finance initiatives, including workshops and outreach. Mental Health Committee (MHC): Apply to the MHC to join a motivated community enthusiastically supporting youth mental health! We will be working on tools, education, and outreach in subcommittees while advancing the committee’s personal knowledge of mental health affairs in Maryland. We’re ready to build a tight-knit group of seasoned and rookie mental health advocates! Click on the committee picture above for full descriptions and applications. |
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Hosts Needed for MASC 2023-2024 Events Throughout the year, there are major conferences and several smaller events for which MASC needs hosts. Click on the link below for application information. Heads up on the NEW Convention and Spring Leadership Conference. Reach out to the MASC executive directors with any questions! Click on the picture to the right for details. |
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State Student Member on the Board of Education (SMOB):Webinar and Application Information Virtual SMOB Informational Webinar 7:00 p.m. Oct. 12Registration: Open now through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10
School SMOB Nomination Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Nov. 20
Each public high school in Maryland is invited to nominate one student for the position of 2024-2025 student member on the state Board of Education. In an effort to inform and educate interested qualified students about this position (responsibilities, time commitments, etc.), MASC is offering a virtual SMOB webinar facilitated by the current and past state SMOBs. Read about the position and register for the webinar by clicking on the picture to the left. |
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September Service Spotlight Honoring our Local Heroes
In the month of September, MASC proudly encourages school and regional student councils and individuals to extend their gratitude towards our local heroes. Local heroes are those dedicated individuals who serve our communities, often going above and beyond their regular duties. This group includes healthcare professionals, teachers, neighbors who go out of their way to help anyone in need, social workers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces, among others. Their commitment to our well-being and safety deserves our appreciation. Discover how to pay tribute to our local heroes by clicking on the link to the right.
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Attention Middle School Students! Keep in touch with all things middle school and MASC. The MASC's 2nd Vice President distributes a series of quarterly newsletters that offer information about opportunities, events, goals, and ideas and serves as a new beginning for middle schoolers in MASC. | | |
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Voter Registration Information Webinar7:00-8:30 p.m., Oct. 19, 2023Registration Coming Soon Want to learn more about the impact of youth voting and learn how to set up your OWN voter registration drive? Join the MASC Student Legislative Affairs Coordinators in partnership with the MD Civic Education Coalition and the Maryland League of Women Voters for our “Falling for Civics: A How-To Guide for Voter Registration” webinar. |
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September Green Goals Welcome back to school, MASC! Incorporating environmentally sustainable practices into the school environment provides valuable opportunities for students and educators to learn about real-world environmental challenges and solutions. To learn more about sustainability in school and how to engage in these processes, check out the September Green Goals! |
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Introducing "GreenCrabs," MASC's environmental newsletter. Each month, this newsletter will have four to six well-researched and relevant environmental news pieces to keep you informed, as well as other interesting features, like upcoming environmental service opportunities, scholarships, and more. Check out the September issue and click here to subscribe, so you get all future GreenCrabs editions sent straight to your mailbox. Happy reading! |
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2023-2024 MASC Calendar Please look at the MASC calendar as you are planning your activities for the new year. | | |
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Support MASC Donate Your Old Electronics and also Buy Something for Yourself or a Friend Need to get rid of those old electronics lying around in your house? Need to find that perfect gift card for a special occasion? MASC has two ongoing fundraisers where you can donate your old electronics and also shop gift cards from over 750+ brands while supporting MASC in the process! MASC appreciates each and every single contribution. Click on the picture for detailed information. |
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It’s been more than two decades since 9/11/01. Honor and commemorate the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom. On 9/11 Day of Service, Americans of all ages and backgrounds are again invited to join and lead community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11. See the link below for ideas. https://ysa.org/campaigns/911day/ |
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GLOBAL YOUTH JUSTICE's
3rd Annual 9/11 Day Flag of Honor Across America Memorials
Monday, September 11th, 2023
Sponsored by AmeriCorps 9/11 Day Unite with 100 communities by applying to be one of 100, high-profile 2.5-hour public memorials as they join together for the 3rd Annual 9/11 Day Flag of Honor Across America Memorials on September 11, 2023. |
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This new annual September 11th Memorial launched on the 20th Anniversary of September 11 in 2021, in the middle of a Global Pandemic and become one of the largest ever 9/11 Day Events or Memorials. It has become one of America's Largest National Multi-Site 9/11 Day Projects. |
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Youth Collab Citizen University The priority deadline was Sept. 1st, but all applications will close on September 17th at 11:59 p.m. PT |
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The Youth Collaboratory is a fully funded program for high school sophomores and juniors. Youth Collab members want to learn how to build civic power, share power in their community, and create a stronger civic culture for everyone. |
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Civic Opportunity for Middle School StudentsDeadline: Monday, September 18 Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland's Senator Nathaniel Exum Youth Day provides an opportunity for middle school students to learn about the legislative process, power of civic engagement, and participate in practical exercises regarding how the Maryland General Assembly operates. Students will experience being a legislator, sponsoring legislation, voting on bills, electing Committee Chairs, and choosing a House Speaker Pro Tem and Speaker. In the past, students have really become engaged in these exercises. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. |
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Students Helping StudentsHow Your School Can Help Maui(click on the picture to the right to go to the NASSP page with information) The Maui school communities are deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity toward their recovery.
They have partnered with the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation to accept monetary donations in support of the school communities impacted by the devastating wildfires. Donations can be made at pshf.org/donations-page and all gifts made through Oct. 1, 2023, will be dedicated solely to help the Maui students, staff, and schools recover from this unimaginable tragedy. |
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In-kind offers of support may be made through the Department’s Maui donation form. The information will be made available to schools and donors will be contacted at a later time if and when schools need the goods or services.
Monetary donations are encouraged over non-financial donations from outside of Maui because funds can be used immediately to purchase what is needed and do not require additional labor for |
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sorting, shipping, transporting, warehousing, and distributing donated goods. For more information, email HawaiiEMA@hawaii.gov. For other general Maui disaster relief support information, please see the list on this website.
Mahalo* for your support of our school communities on all islands. (*Hawaiian word used to express gratitude) |
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Foundations for Advisors forNew and Mostly New Advisors!Registration Deadline: Sept. 30Cost $25 The National Association for Student Activities (NA4SA) is proud to once again offer its Foundations for Advisors program for 2023-2024. This program is specifically designed for new activity advisors in their first or second year of advising, and is designed to help them be successful in their positions of helping guide student leaders. |
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Each month, participants will have the opportunity to log in to the NA4SA LMS and learn from experienced activity advisors from across the US. They will also have the opportunity to network and interact with their cohort members, and will also be able to attend several live sessions as well. Each participant will also be assigned a mentor |
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they can reach out to for support and advice as needed this year. Please click on the picture above for details and a promotional flyer. In addition, Advisor may contact NA4SA Education and Engagement Coordinator Felix Yerace at fyerace@na4sa.org for more information |
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NatStuCo LEAD Conferences Nov. 10-12, 2023 or Jan. 26-28, 2024 Hyatt Regency (Arlington, Virginia) Early Bird Date: Sept 5-29 NHS, NJHS, & NatStuCo
Members: $255 Non-members: $285 LEAD provides opportunities for peer learning, expertise-sharing, and networking with some of the most incredible student leaders across the globe. You’ll walk away with the resources, skills, and inspiration to make an even greater impact in your school, community, and beyond. School or regional advisors may register groups of students. Schools book their own hotel rooms. The MASC Leadership Team is attending the January 26-28, 2024 date. (MASC-appointed staff and regional MASC executive board members that want to attend and whose school is not attending should click on the link about MASC's delegation in January.) |
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Maryland CorpsService Year Option The Service Year Option is an opportunity for those who recently completed high school, received their high school completion certificate, or earned their GED in Maryland. Members will serve across the state of Maryland in organizations that will provide job training, mentorship, and other resources to be successful all while earning $15 an hour plus focused professional development time each week. The priority deadline was September 1st, but applications will still be accepted on a rolling basis. Also of note that current high school seniors will not be eligible for this year's cohort, as a high school diploma or equivalent is a requirement for the program, but they are still welcome to apply now to be considered for next year. Click on the graphic to the right for more information or scan the QR code to email your questions. |
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The 62nd annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned to be held in person in Washington, D.C. March 2–9, 2024 |
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Deadline: 5:00 p.m., October 9, 2023 Qualifications: current junior or senior high students, actively serving in high-level elected or elevated appointed leadership positions interested in pursuing careers in public service. |
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The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. It is an intensive week-long educational experience in Washington, D.C., and an undergraduate college scholarship ($10,000) sponsored by the United States Senate. Two student leaders from each state will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Click on the picture above for details. |
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Maryland Page Program
(various deadlines in October and Early November) During the 2024 Legislative Session, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) will host student pages. Since 1970, Maryland's high school seniors have had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process by serving as student pages during the annual session of the Maryland General Assembly. Click on the picture to the right for more information including the Page Coordinator in your County/Baltimore City. |
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Share with Principals and other School Administrators or Aspiring Administrators! MASSP members enjoy access to members-only online research, liability coverage, reduced rates for the national principals' conference, and more! |
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Administrators - Click on the Picture below to Register! (Nov. 2-4 MAESP/MASSP Conference)MASC will be facilitating a workshop you don't want to miss!! |
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#ICANHELP - Free Monthly Download - Get fresh ideas HERE for activities that will keep your students engaged and focused on their well-being as the school year kicks off. #ICANHELP - Students4Good: Be Nice, Be An Ally Come join us to discuss how awareness can be done through several outlets. Student speakers will be able to talk about how they show awareness through global diversity, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and bullying prevention. This is our time to show how we are all capable of doing something nice! 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 1 Register HERE for Free! One More Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Walk - 6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23rd. The annual One More Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Walk will be held on the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail in Chesapeake Beach. Last year's walk had over 100 people and has been hailed as an important tool for bringing healing to the thousands of people in our community who are struggling with this difficult issue, and to remember those we have lost. Register for free here. The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) invites students to apply for the 2023-2024 student focus group, Students Advocating for Safety (SAS). Joining SAS will empower students to play a vital role in shaping student-centered recommendations for the Advisory Board and influence the Subcabinet's decision-making process. Becoming a member will also allow students to learn more about the diversity of the current school and students' safety-related issues, develop government relations and leadership skills, and grant them first-hand exposure to the inner workings of state agencies and boards. Applications are open year-round. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Are you looking for a way to build on your leadership skills, network, and help your community all while supporting cancer patients? The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is looking for student leaders to participate in the "Student Visionaries of the Year" campaign. This 7-week philanthropic leadership program is a great way to give back and provide you with lifelong skills. Recruitment is happening NOW and spots are limited, email Andrew.Steckel@lls.org if you are interested in hearing more. Check out this short video! |
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ADVISORS - SAVE THE DATENational Advisor Conference ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE on STUDENT ACTIVITIES (NCSA) Burlingame (San Francisco), California - Dec. 1 to 3, 2023 Advisors registering to attend this conference, please use code KC23MD. MASC will receive a rebate after the conference. Read the information below and if you have never attended, apply for the Barrie Finnemeyer Scholarship! |
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NCSA is a unique conference that brings together the advocates, advisors, administrators, and allies of student activities for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun! After NCSA 2023, you'll be inspired - and equipped - to make the most significant difference possible in the lives of your students, colleagues, and members of your school community! Airfare looks pretty reasonable right now, so talk with your administration as soon as possible. Click HERE for a letter about NCSA that you can share. Click on pictures to go to the NA4SA website for details and registration. |
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Remember - Advisors registering to attend this conference, please use code KC23MD. MASC will receive a rebate after the conference. |
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NA4SA Barrie E. Finnemeyer Newcomer Advisor ScholarshipDeadline: October 31 Once again, the NA4SA Board of Directors will offer scholarships available to first-time conference attendees. There will be ONE $500 scholarship awarded, to cover registration for the 2023 conference with the remainder to assist with travel expenses. Click on the picture and scroll to the bottom of the page for details |
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FREEBIE: Social Media Emergency Plan (#ICANHELP) - It’s finally here! When campus threats, cyberbullying, or other dangerous online behaviors arise, school leaders need a plan to take action and keep students and staff safe. #ICANHELP Social Media Emergency Plan equips schools with the tools and resources to handle social media incidents quickly, safely, and efficiently. Download our newest resource for free HERE! SPECIAL OFFER: Social Media Engagement Course ($29.99) - Learn what and how to post on social media for your school or clubs. Our student marketing team teaches you the best practices, how to use analytics to grow your social media accounts, and the impact a good social media account can have on your campus! NA4SA Resources: The National Association for Student Activities (NA4SA) is a GREAT advisor-focused organization offering free webinars, free resources, and conferences. Also, check out the 2022-2023 recorded free Seminar Series! Documentary Trailer & Resources: Hiding in Plain Sight: Ken Burns presents this youth mental illness documentary film by Erik and Christopher Ewers. Work2BeWell is creating 24+ lessons to go with the film that will be released this fall. It’s free to watch on PBS with a school email or a few bucks on Amazon Prime. Work2BeWell: is a digital wellness program focused on positively impacting the emotional well-being of teens and promoting mental health. Check out a ton of free resources! Questions? support@work2bewell.org https://work2bewell.org/ Emerging Student Leaders Recognition (middle school) and Distinguished Student Leader Recognition (high school), sponsored by the National Association of Student Principals (NASSP) is open year-round. a program allowing high school students to build a personal leadership portfolio, leading to an earned designation that is highly prized for inclusion with college and scholarship applications. (Opening in early September.) CharacterStrong is passionate about creating resources that help educators put leadership into practice and ultimately put time and energy into building relationships. They are offering two free gifts from us that help put that focus on relationships in the classroom and in your school...the Back to School Playbooks and the Tier 1 Checklist. The Back to School Playbook is packed with 5 different relational strategies to connect with staff, families, and students to start the school year focused on the right things. The Tier 1 Checklist is an amazingly intentional tool that helps you as an educator self-evaluate 20 different relational practices and school-wide strategies to promote belonging and connection. |
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Educator Tips for Back to School Here are some cool and useful tips to make this new school year a more seamless, successful, and fulfilling one! (CoolSpeak) Create a welcoming atmosphere in your classroom. Consider writing short and sweet notes to your students.
Build a conducive, inclusive learning environment. Learn as much as you can about your learners beforehand, so you can adjust the lessons accordingly.
Prepare initial lesson plans with lots of interactivity. Focus on letting your students get to know each other and work together.
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Connect/Reconnect with fellow teachers and staff and build better relationships. Resolve to participate more in school activities and staff functions.
Build up your parent community. Get in touch with parents within the initial week to gain their trust and get them involved.
Begin the new school year with positivity. Maintain a growth mindset and always reconnect to your purpose.
Follow self-care practices and keep yourself inspired, energized, and revitalized. (Coolspeak is a Youth Engagement Company for Students, Parents, and Teachers - MASC has contracted in the past with Coolspeak motivational speakers.) |
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If this Bulletin was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly, please sign up with the link on this page. If you are a student who has graduated, please email Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils to be moved to a MASC alumni list. If you are no longer an Advisor, thank you so much for your past work with our student leaders in Maryland. Please email Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils and send the name and email of your replacement. |
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Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
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