Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE is Accepting Applications

“Children are one-third of our population and all of our future.”

— Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981

Join Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE!

Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE, which stands for Teens Choosing Action and Reaching their Generation, is a student leadership program that empowers teens to promote positive messaging surrounding mental health, substance use, and self-esteem, and healthy relationships. This group, comprised of middle school and high school students from all over the Greater Grand Rapids area, is now accepting applications for new members!

Members attend meetings twice a month to work on projects, like video and social media campaigns, and prepare for upcoming events, such as Maranda’s Beautiful U, Wedgwood’s State of the Child Panel Discussion, Teen CHARGE’s Student Leadership Conference, and Coalition on Adolescent Health and Choices (COACH) Panel.

Teen CHARGE members act as representatives of their generation by providing insight on issues and challenges that teens face for the community-based Positive Youth Development programs at Wedgwood. They help create content – from blog entries to videos – that address these challenges and encourage other teens to make healthy decisions. They also attend community events and help promote Teen CHARGE

“Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE gives teens a voice, and an opportunity to speak about important topics that impact teens, from mental health to substance abuse to healthy relationships,” said Gina Boscarino, Teen CHARGE Lead, and Group Specialist in Wedgwood’s Positive Youth Development Department. “This group is a great way for teens to connect with peers and have an active role in making a difference in our community. It gives an opportunity for teens to get involved with an established, professional organization, like Wedgwood, and develop leadership skills – that not only set themselves up for success but also gives them the confidence to empower others.

“I decided to join Teen CHARGE because I liked the idea that I could make a difference in the community, said Dorris, former Teen CHARGER. “Not only could I do that, but I could work with a group of students who have the same visions as I did. When you have a group of so many people who have the same mindset, a lot of things are possible in terms of the solutions we can develop. And I really like that in Teen CHARGE no topic is off the discussion. It’s a safe environment where teens can see what’s happening in our community and say, ‘Okay, this is what I’d like to see different or what I would like to change.’”

Those interested in being a part of Wedgwood’s Teen CHARGE can apply now and can do so by emailing teencharge@wedgwood.org.

The group is currently preparing for the Maranda’s Beautiful U Fashion Show, to participate in this event; applications need to be sent by 12/20 – as weekly rehearsals begin in January.

For more information about Teen CHARGE, visit www.teencharge.org

ABOUT WEDGWOOD | Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing children and families through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of children, adults, and families in our community.