If you want to see a change in your school or community, where do you go? Do you love lending a helping hand to those in need? Then SHOUT is the place for you!
SHOUT is an acronym that stands for Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment.
Although the club has been active at Beaver Area High School since April 2021, some students may not know all that SHOUT does.
Sponsored by English teachers Mrs. Heather Bixler and Ms. Aimee Firmani, SHOUT is an all-inclusive group that strives to lift up events, people, and causes.
The idea came from nearby South Fayette School District, and Beaver Area adopted the ideas, becoming the 11th chapter in Pennsylvania.
Just like people leave behind a carbon footprint or online footprint, your actions and words can leave footprints on the lives of others. The purpose of SHOUT is to lend a hand and patch over those footprints.
Mrs. Bixler described the group as a safe space: “The preformative part of our group is raising awareness of the footprints we leave behind that might be hurtful. We also want to help others, which is why we do Day of Giving.”
The students in the club are currently gathering information and planning this year’s Day of Giving event for November 22.
This year especially the group is eager to call new members into the conversation and make the school a better place for everyone.
Ms. Firmani is looking forward to student participation: “We want to hear your ideas! Where are there footprints that we can give handprints to? One of the primary functions of this organization is to foster student involvement and leadership. We’re open to all sorts of ideas . . . to make this place better.”
If you’d like to share your ideas with SHOUT to improve Day of Giving this year, scan any of the QR codes posted in the halls or the cover picture of this article! Please send any feedback (positive or constructive criticism) to help ensure that the club does the best they can.
Ms. Firmani described a project done last year for the no place for hate day: “We did the handprint wall showing you are an ally to all, especially those who face hatred.”
Mrs. Bixler also cleared up some confusion about the premise of the group, that some people may think.
“I think it’s important to clarify that even though one of the marginalized groups we stand up for is the LGBTQ community, we do so much more. We work with other groups like the Best Buddies program, and NHS this year has signed on to partner with Day of Giving.”
Although Day of Giving is a massive part of what SHOUT does for the school and surrounding community, members are excited for new ideas this year. Hosting smaller awareness days through social media and events, the group hopes to highlight many topics every month.
President of the club, junior Quinn O’Leary, shared, “The best part about SHOUT is how inclusive the group is and everyone in the group gets to bring their ideas. We get to work together to bring them to life.”
O’Leary first heard of ideas for SHOUT as a middle schooler on a Zoom call, watching a presentation given by South Fayette students. During the era of virtual meetings, many different political interests were going around as well as racial issues.
O’Leary explained, “I saw SHOUT as a kindness and inclusivity to all. Even though people claimed SHOUT club and [Beaver Area High School’s] Society Club went against each other in terms of political interest, that's not what this is. It doesn’t matter what side you may be on. You can still be kind to everyone.”
When asked why students should join SHOUT, Ms. Firmani said, “I think that it's an opportunity to be the change you want to see in the school and your local community. It’s also an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, compassionate community of peers.”
Mrs. Bixler echoed this sentiment: “It's an opportunity to practice leadership skills but also being part of a larger community, learning to be a contributing member of your community, and being an agent of change.”
SHOUT also is planning mini-awareness campaigns throughout November rather than solely focusing on Day of Giving. Some topics have been shared through their stories on Instagram, which you should definitely follow: @basd_shout.
A few dates they have already spotlighted are Day of the Girl, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Women’s Center coin drive.
If SHOUT seems like the place for you, everyone is encouraged to attend a meeting and see what it’s all about. Visit Ms. Firmani’s room (407) after school Tuesday until about 3:15 p.m. for snacks and changing your community for the better!