Benedict College Student to Participate in National Advocacy Conference | News

 

Benedict College student Aaron Charleston will be among a delegation of college students from across South Carolina who will travel to Washington, D.C., September 27 – October 1 to participate in the 12th annual Advocates for Youth Urban Retreat where they will receive comprehensive training on ways to improve sexual health education and programs in our state.Aaron is a member of the 10-member delegation representing SWARM, South Carolina’s Youth Council for Policy Change, a team of college students working on their campuses and in the field to advocate on behalf of reproductive health issues. The Council was established two years ago in partnership with Tell Them, a South Carolina-based organization dedicated to building an online coalition of advocates to support these issues.Current Council members are:• Darian Ames, South Carolina State University• Nadia Anderson, Columbia College• Aaron Charleston, Benedict College• Jordan Craven, University of South Carolina• Ashley LeConte, South Carolina State University• Brittany Prince, University of South Carolina• Emily Rogers, College of Charleston• Jasmine Stewart, Winthrop University• Alexus Truluck, Claflin University• Melanie Waddell, Converse College“We are thrilled our Council members have been chosen to attend this retreat,” said Emma Davidson, Tell Them Program Manager. “They will learn important leadership skills that will ultimately shape health policies in South Carolina.”The four-day event includes 120 students from 20 states and 5 countries who will receive specialized training on grassroots and campus organizing, online advocacy, media outreach and public speaking. Activists will also conduct policymaker education visits on Capitol Hill.“This is an incredible opportunity to learn first-hand how to be a strong advocate,” said Emily Rogers, a senior at the College of Charleston and Council Member currently serving her second year. “We can take that knowledge back to our own communities to impact our efforts with university officials, peer groups, and even legislators.”