Voices of the Vikings
Voices of the Vikings is a youth advocacy and leadership group serving middle school students from Salisbury, Rowley, and Newbury. Through a partnership between Salisbury Parks & Recreation Youth Empowerment and Triton Regional School District, and funded through Essex County Asset Builders, the program creates a supportive space where young people can share their ideas, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.
About the Program: Voices of the Vikings provides students with a dedicated space to express what matters most to them. The program encourages open conversation, creative thinking, and problem-solving, while giving adults the opportunity to truly listen and respond to youth needs.
Students meet regularly to discuss concerns, explore interests, and design projects that improve their school and community environments. Each student’s voice plays a central role in shaping the group’s priorities and initiatives.
Program Goals
Why It Matters: Voices of the Vikings empowers middle school students to help improve their schools and community. By sharing ideas and leading projects, students build pride, connection, and a sense of ownership, while fostering strong relationships with peers and caring adults. These experiences not only strengthen the community but also support positive decision-making, confidence, and resilience in youth.
About the Program: Voices of the Vikings provides students with a dedicated space to express what matters most to them. The program encourages open conversation, creative thinking, and problem-solving, while giving adults the opportunity to truly listen and respond to youth needs.
Students meet regularly to discuss concerns, explore interests, and design projects that improve their school and community environments. Each student’s voice plays a central role in shaping the group’s priorities and initiatives.
Program Goals
- Elevate Youth Voice: Ensure students have a platform to share their experiences, ideas, and concerns.
- Build Leadership Skills: Strengthen communication, confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking.
- Promote Community Engagement: Connect youth with meaningful opportunities to contribute locally.
- Support Well-Being: Foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and empowerment.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Bring students, families, schools, and community organizations together.
Why It Matters: Voices of the Vikings empowers middle school students to help improve their schools and community. By sharing ideas and leading projects, students build pride, connection, and a sense of ownership, while fostering strong relationships with peers and caring adults. These experiences not only strengthen the community but also support positive decision-making, confidence, and resilience in youth.