BERRY INSTITUTE OF POLITICS Spring 2022 Newsletter A Message from the Executive Director As this academic year comes to a close it is important to reflect on the role the Berry Institute of Politics (IOP) plays at this crucial moment in our nation’s democracy. As a nonpartisan institute of politics, we aim to engage and inspire a diverse community of learners to explore, discuss, and address public issues and learn the skills necessary to actively participate in civic life. It is with this responsibility that the Berry IOP launched a variety of new initiatives this spring that align with our mission and will be foundational to our work in years to come. As you read this newsletter you will notice that the IOP has become a dynamic and relevant part of the Salem State community and this success would not have been possible without the leadership of our coordinator, Samantha Giffen. I would like to congratulate Sam for her recent graduation from Salem State with an M.Ed. in Higher Education in Student Affairs. During her tenure as coordinator, Sam had a vision for what the Berry IOP could become, and she has continued to work hard to make it happen. I am excited to announce that Sam has officially become the assistant director of the Berry IOP where she will continue to build on the foundation she developed. While the Berry IOP is still in its early stages, I am proud of all that our small team has accomplished and grateful for the support I have received from our IOP Advisory Board and the Salem State administration. Warmly, Cynthia Lynch, Executive Director
Inaugural Berry IOP Fellows In January 2022, the IOP launched a fellowship program to bring prominent public servants to campus each semester to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students who are exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service. We were honored to welcome Mayor Kim Janey, the former Mayor of Boston, and Jennifer Levi, the Transgender Rights Project Director for the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) as our inaugural Berry IOP Fellows. Both Fellows actively engaged with our students and our campus including: • • • • •
Speaking with over 120 students through 10 class visits. Engaging with close to 100 students through small meals or meetings. Mentoring students through one-on-one meetings. Meeting with campus administrators and faculty. Hosting four special events attended by over 150 students, faculty, and community members.
Jennifer Levi
Mayor Kim Janey
• Fulfilling Family Equality through the Massachusetts Parentage Act. (Panel discussion) • Mass Incarceration: Advocating for LGBTQI+ People. (Panel discussion) • Lunches discussing the Equality Act and Anti-LGBTQ Legislation. • Meeting with the LGBTQ+ Student Alliance.
• Womxn’s History 365: A robust conversation with Denella Clark. • Meet the Mayors Meeting the Moment: Mayor Kim Janey and Mayor Kim Driscoll. • Lunch with Politics, Policy and International Relations Department. • Meeting with the Multicultural Student Association.
Program highlights include:
Program highlights include:
Running for Office Workshop Series This semester-long program empowered and equipped eight undergraduate and graduate students with the skills and knowledge necessary to run for elected office or work on an election campaign at any level. It was facilitated by Errin Douglas ‘18 and Anthony Davis, political consultants from The Davis System, LLC. Upon completion, several students secured summer internships and jobs with local political candidates, and one student is even running for office in their hometown. Berry Institute of Politics Spring 2022 Newsletter
“Nothing About Us Without Us” A History of Disability Policy and Activism
Pizza and Politics: Abortion Access Facilitated by our student program assistant Jessie Wilson and interdisciplinary studies professor Kim Poitevin, this informal dialogue focused on recent events regarding abortion access, Roe v. Wade, and the ever-evolving political climate. The event was attended by over 20 students who discussed this timely topic in a safe space while enjoying pizza.
What It Means to Be a Conservative Today and the Future of the Republican Party: Featuring Steve Schmidt and Moderated by Jane Swift The IOP hosted a virtual conversation on modern conservatism and the future of the Republican Party with Steve Schmidt, renowned political strategist and co-founder of the political action committee, The Lincoln Project. This political discussion was moderated by Jane Swift, former Massachusetts Governor and current President and Executive Director of LearnLaunch, a nonprofit education innovation organization. This signature event was attended by over 85 students, faculty, and community members.
Berry Institute of Politics Spring 2022 Newsletter
Dr. Elspeth Slayter, a member of the disability community and social work professor, discussed the history of the U.S. disability community’s movement to overcome significant ableism and oppression through disability activism which led to the development of disability civil rights policy. This virtual event was attended by over 100 students, faculty, and community members.
Public Engagement Internship Scholarships Part of the IOP’s mission is to create entry points and break down barriers for all students interested in pursuing careers in politics and public service. One way we fulfill this is by offering competitive scholarships for students completing internships in these fields. Students’ internships include work in courthouses, on political campaigns, writing for newspapers, researching climate change, and more. Spring 2022: five students awarded a scholarship of $2,500 Summer 2022: seven students awarded a scholarship of $3,500