Meet a few of the Minors
Molly Schneider '11
I'm from Princeton, N.J. I'm majoring in sociology and double minoring in the Social Justice and Social Policy Program and African and Afro-American studies. I have worked with Community Change Inc., a non-profit in Boston and the only organization in Massachusetts to focus specifically on combating structural racism and creating awareness of white privilege.
At CCI, I have been given the opportunity to conduct anti-racism workshops. I have also been working on helping get the new CORI reform legislation passed, which I do partly by giving presentations to members of specific Boston suburbs. Through my work, I have started to look at racism through a different lens, have learned the importance of picking and choosing your battles and above all, have learned to have patience when dealing with people who view life differently than I do.
Feel free to contact me at mschneid@brandeis.edu.
Becky Sniderman '10
I am from Barrington, R.I. I'm a senior majoring in sociology and philosophy, and I am also minoring in the Health: Science, Society, and Policy Program and the Social Justice and Social Policy Program. During the summer of 2008, I was able to experience the beneficial opportunity of working as a development and communications intern at Alternatives for Community and Environment. ACE is located in Roxbury, Mass. and is a nonprofit organization focused on environmental justice within both the local Boston area and Massachusetts at large. ACE is a community-oriented organization that seeks to empower local residents to demand environmental justice based on everyone’s right to a healthy, clean and productive environment.
There are three prongs to the organization, the Roxbury Environmental Empowerment Program (REEP), the T-Riders Union (TRU) and the Services Program. Since ACE is such a small, tight knit community I was able to work closely with leading members of each of these programs, and in the process became deeply connected with much of ACE’s current work.
Some of my work during the summer included securing funds for the organization, writing blogs for ACE’s Web site, writing articles for the monthly newsletters and updates, interviewing staff and members, assisting in preparation for large events including Jammin' for Justice and Environmental Justice in the Hood, attending local meetings and participating in an eviction blockade.
I am glad I had this opportunity to broaden my perspective while developing meaningful skills including my writing and oral abilities. I believe that being an intern at ACE allows students to be exposed to some really great opportunities, particularly getting involved in the local community and environmental efforts within the greater Boston area. I therefore would strongly encourage interested students to consider pursuing an internship at ACE.
Feel free to contact me at rsnider@brandeis.edu.
Liz Macedo '10
I am a proud member of the midyear Class of 2010 majoring in IGS with a double minor in legal studies and the Social Justice and Social Policy Program. I'm currently interning at the Disability Law Center, the federally mandated protection and advocacy agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My responsibilities mostly include legal research, but the most valuable part of my experience has been being involved in the day-to-day running of a big law office — going to case review, staff meetings and being able to ask questions of some incredibly talented staff attorneys who are so grateful for my help and so willing to answer. There is simply no replacement for the hands-on experience I'm getting and the extreme sense of satisfaction I receive from knowing that the people I help to advocate for depend on me and my colleagues to assist them in navigating a very scary system at a time in their lives when they need an incredible amount of specialized help.
Feel free to contact me at elizabeth.a.macedo@gmail.com
Annalyce Shufelt '11
I am one of the Undergraduate Departmental Representatives for the 2009-10 school year. I am double-majoring in politics and history, and of course minoring in the Social Justice and Social Policy Program. Since May of 2008, I have been a legislative intern in Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray's constituent services office. My main responsibility is to correspond with constituents, whether it be in person, over the phone, or through written mail. I also take notes at hearings and briefings, and then summarize them in memos to Murray. Most recently, though, my time has been spent mainly working on Murray's active role in her district (Plymouth and Barnstable), from trying to revamp her Web site and creating a paper version of her newsletter, to sending welcome letters to families who move into the district.
Please don't hesitate to contact me at annalyce@brandeis.edu for any information about SJSP or about being an intern at the State House.
Sahar Massachi '11
Most friends of Sahar Massachi would be taken unaware by the fact that he's a Computer Science major, but the SJSP minor wouldn't surprise any of them. The founder and editor of campus publication InnermostParts.org, a gentleman, and a scholar, he spent the summer working for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, recruiting support for a "Next Generation of Talent" initiative and plotting advocacy campaigns. Coming out of this internship, he has decided to seek a more holistic approach to organizing, a more balanced approach to life, and a more inspiring vision for the future.
To contact Sahar about his internship or the SJSP program, email him at sahar@brandeis.edu.