Memphis Student Group Retreat
Last August, 27 students from the Facing History and Ourselves 
convened for their annual Kick-off Retreat. The Memphis Student Group began in 1997 with students from White Station High School-at the request of parents who wanted Facing History to be active beyond the classroom and spread to the community at large. Two groups from Ridgeway and Wooddale High Schools started in the 2002- 2003 school year.
The Facing History and Ourselves Student Group model allows for deeper exploration, discussion, and reflection on Facing History content and themes. The Student Group serves to not only build on the conversations originated in classes, but also to introduce content beyond the subject area curriculum. The Student Group becomes a haven for fostering leadership skills among students. The hope is to develop a critical mass of students with the tools and the courage to carry the Group's mission to the school at-large. Past activities of the group have included a Human Rights symposium and a study tour of sites of the American civil rights movement.
At this past summer's retreat, program staff introduced the theme for the year: "Upstanders for Change." In addition to some great community building sessions, staff introduced "Stitching Truth: Women's Protest Art in Pinochet's Chile", a resource that students will explore more deeply during the academic year. Joining the group were two Israeli Scouts, whose perspectives further enhanced some already rich discussions. The retreat was also just a lot of fun as this remarkably diverse group of students found ways to overcome their differences and create an inclusive experience for everyone.
The Student Groups are made possible through generous funding from the Plough Foundation.
