Rising Weston High School senior Aubrey Hankin is passionate about social justice, political science, sociology and helping others.
She has been an activist. But she is frustrated by interference from school administrators, or “adults not caring enough.”
She wants the chance to talk about important issues, with people her own age — and “actual change.”
Aubrey Hankin
“Gen Z is a powerful generation that is deeply motivated to address important issues,” she says of her cohort.
But she’s noticed an inability by some to follow through with plans. Others simply repost activist stories on social media, without any action.
“This needs to change,” Aubrey says.
So — like any good activist — she has created an organization to address that issue.
And many other issues too.
The EmpowerHer Collective is a way for members to educate themselves by reading the works of respected writers. Members will then plan events that “truly make change in our community.”
All high school students in the area — whatever their political leanings or gender — are invited to join.
The format is intriguing. Every week, one member will choose a reading, or excerpt from a piece by a well-respected author or academic, related to the work the group is focused on. Topics could include feminism, mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, and others.
The next week, they’ll spend 30 to 45 minutes discussing what they’ve read (“debriefing and educating ourselves,” Aubrey says).
EmpowerHer Collective logo
She aims for college-level readings. “We will fully dissect them in meetings, so it’s okay if not everyone gets every single part” of an essay, she notes.
“But I hope they push us to think critically, and truly analyze the deep impacts and meanings behind social issues.”
They’ll also plan activism: creating events, working with non-profits, raising money or trying to affect legislation.
The readings and discussions will ensure that the decisions the Empowerment Collective makes are “well informed, and have the perspectives of many people with different backgrounds,” Aubrey says.
She has asked the Westport Library for meeting space.
To learn more about the EmpowerHer Collective, click here.
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