Change the World

Lizzie Anderson-Krengel, Project Coordinator

Change the World (CTW) is a student-led group within the Schuler Scholar Program at GWCP. While other Schuler high schools refer to a similar group as Social Action and Awareness (SAA), the Scholars have given themselves a name they feel best represents the group’s values and interests. CTW’s goal is to get involved in the community outside of Westinghouse in Chicago, nationally, and internationally. In the midst of a tumultuous political climate, natural disasters, and various issues in our own city, the Scholars have been motivated to get involved in their communities and lend a hand to those in need. Lizzie Anderson-Krengel is the facilitator of the group; however, the Scholars choose and design their own outreach projects. The Scholars have discussed issues that they feel passionate about, and strive to help these communities. Examples include helping the homeless, helping teens gain access to education, helping victims of recent natural disasters like Hurricane Maria, and they have even made it a goal to reach out internationally to help children in other countries.

Scholars were selected for CTW based on a presentation about the goal of the group, led by Lizzie. The Scholars were asked to email Lizzie with a paragraph about why they would be interested in joining CTW. Lizzie invited 7 Scholars to participate; however, because of more interest, the group now includes 11 Scholars.

CTW officially began in October. The group had a working brunch at a local favorite, Inspiration Kitchens, discussed what issues the Scholars cared about, and made outlines of what organizations the group would like to get involved in this year. Our first project was in November. CTW used part of the budget to buy supplies for the homeless for winter. They collected gloves, socks, hats, and scarves as well as toiletries like baby wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, feminine products, band-aids, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and chapstick. Blankets were also donated to this cause by Scholars and families. CTW assembled these kits, packed up the Schuler Mobile, and delivered the supplies to a homeless shelter right on Franklin Blvd called The Boulevard.

Currently, CTW is planning a movie screening and discussion of “Hidden Figures” which will be held on December 1^st. The group is also planning to get involved in the toy drive at GWCP. Their goal is to raise money to buy toys to donate.

Next semester, CTW is planning to get more involved in the Chicago community. All suggestions and collaborations are welcome. Our meetings are Fridays 3:30-4pm in room 285. All are welcome to observe a meeting.