The Activist Lab is a vehicle to practice real-world activism. There are a variety of opportunities for you to dive into the public health issues that matter to you.
The Activist Lab sponsors the Activist Fellowship Program, an opportunity for students to engage in advocacy-related activities on a public health topic for the duration of an academic year.
Knowing how to create a healthier world is not enough: that knowledge has to be turned into action. We are proud to provide a micro-grant program (formerly known as “Activist Bucks”) to support student projects that create change through action. Learn more about how you can create the change you wish to see in the world starting now.
Advocacy takes many shapes. Explore these additional opportunities to expand your public health practice.
Ways to Take Action
The Activist Lab champions smart, enduring policies that improve public health. We work with community stakeholders to identify and understand public health problems and possible solutions, then effect change through program and policy development and implementation.
Call your representatives: Not sure who represents your voice in the government? Look up your U.S. Senators and Representative, as well as your local legislators. Not sure what to say? Here is a basic script you can use when informing your representatives of your commitment to a cause: “Hello, my name is ________. I’m a constituent from [City], zip code [4 digit zip code]. I don’t need a response. I support/I am opposed to [Name of bill or act] and I am calling to strongly encourage [name of representative] to please [action you want your representative to take]. Thank you for your hard work!”
Campus Climate Lab: An opportunity for student-faculty teams to submit their best ideas for research projects designed to make Boston University’s campus and operations more sustainable. The most promising ideas will be selected for funding and implementation. We are soliciting requests for research proposals from students and faculty to generate new knowledge on the impacts, adaptation, and/or mitigation of climate change that can be implemented at BU. Learn more.
BU Community Service Center: The CSC is a welcoming space that provides direct service, education, and reflection initiated by students in solidarity with our neighbors and community partners. CSC aims to provide the Boston University community with opportunities to address and improve the critical concerns of Greater Boston, encourage students to be active and responsible citizens in neighboring communities, and serve Greater Boston in a meaningful and mutually beneficial way.
Narcan Training: Since 2007, more than 9,500 individuals in Boston have received training on how to administer Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and thousands more people have been educated on overdose prevention techniques. Narcan has been credited with reversing nearly 1,124 overdoses in Boston from October 2016 to May 2017. BPHC offers education and training to opioid users, their families and community partners that work with people at risk of overdosing. Participants learn about the importance of calling 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose, how to perform rescue breathing and administer nasal Narcan, and treatment options for opioid users.
StAMP: The SPH Student-Alumni Mentoring Program (StAMP) seeks to connect MPH students with SPH alumni and create successful mentoring relationships. We invite you to join StAMP and become an Advocacy Mentor to MPH students, sharing how your professional and personal experiences have informed your work as a public health advocate.
For more information contact Mahogany Price.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless: The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is to eradicate homelessness from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As an action-driven organization, they actively advocate for people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness in areas of public policy, including but not limited to: the availability of decent, accessible, affordable housing; adequate income maintenance programs; medical care; mental health services; social services; job training and employment.
Community Engagement
The Activist Lab works with community stakeholders to develop innovative programs and services that address challenging public health issues. These activities fill service gaps in the community; provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to integrate into the community in a meaningful and productive way; and serve as a model for future program or policy development.
Rosie’s Place: Founded in 1974 as the first women’s shelter in the United States, the mission of Rosie’s Place is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. We are proud to coordinate volunteer efforts that meet the growing and evolving needs of this critical service.
Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB): The GBFB was founded with a bold and compassionate vision to end hunger here, creating a hunger-free Eastern Massachusetts within its 190 cities and towns. We are proud to coordinate volunteer efforts that meet the growing and evolving needs of this critical service. To learn more and get involved, check out their Individual Volunteering Opportunities.
Help Distribute Rescued Produce to the East Boston Community: The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is looking for individuals and groups who would like to join us as we sort and pack bags of fresh, rescued produce to be distributed members of the community. You can volunteer for just one distribution or sign on to become a regular volunteer! Great opportunity for individuals and groups of up to 15 people. All volunteers go home with a bag of produce! Distributions are the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month and volunteers are needed between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm although there is some flexibility based on your particular availability. Tolearn more and get involved, email Eileen, call 617-568-4865 or visit their webpage.]