BERRY INSTITUTE OF POLITICS
Spring 2023 Newsletter
As the academic year comes to a close, Salem State University is looking to the future. With the recent launch of a transformational $75 million comprehensive campaign and the approval of a new strategic plan , SSU is focused on how our campus can best Meet the Moment to make a positive, tangible impact on student success. In this newsletter, the Berry IOP highlights the ways that we are “meeting the moment” at this critical time on our campus, within our communities, and in our democracy.
The Berry IOP plays a crucial role on campus and in the Commonwealth as the only institute of politics at a public university. Our programs focus on fulfilling our mission of engaging and inspiring students to be active in our democracy and to pursue careers in politics and public service. As one of the largest and most diverse state universities in Massachusetts, many of the students we serve are first generation, low-income, and/or students of color. The opportunities we provide to engage with public leaders, develop critical skills, and participate in experiential programs have a major impact on students and their futures. Attending SSU is often the first time our students learn how to and are encouraged to participate in politics and civic engagement. These experiences and connections provide students with the tools and inspiration to successfully become trailblazers as they pursue careers in public service and become engaged members of their communities.
With this focus and commitment we’ve built on our signature programs, created connections, and launched new initiatives. We expanded our IOP Fellowship with former Governor Jane Swift and climate policy expert Eugenia Gibbons by integrating more workshops and mentor meetings that build students’ practical skills and professional network. We built connections among students through our Pizza & Politics dialogues and cohort programs like our Running for Office Workshops. We also brought students to the Massachusetts State House for our first annual Alternative Spring Break Trip where they engaged in immersive simulations, policy talks, and networking opportunities to better understand the Massachusetts legislative process and how the Commonwealth is tackling our most pressing social issues.
We are proud of all that our small team has accomplished and grateful for the support from our IOP Advisory Board, generous donors, and the Salem State community!
Samantha Giffen, Assistant Director
Berry IOP Fellows
Every Spring, the Berry IOP hosts their annual IOP Fellows program that invites two prominent public servants to campus to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students who are exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service. Berry IOP Fellows visit campus multiple times throughout the semester to visit classes, host meals with students, and coordinate speaker and workshop events. This year we welcomed Eugenia Gibbons, a climate policy expert, and Jane Swift, the former Governor of Massachusetts. Both fellows actively engaged with students and campus by:
• Leading class discussions on public policy, justice in education, equity in community organizing, and more.
• Individually supporting students through one-on-one mentor meetings.
• Engaging with close to 85 students through small meals or meetings.
• Hosting six special events attended by over 265 students, faculty, and community members.
Eugenia Gibbons
Climate Policy Expert Program highlights include:
• Land Use in the Clean Energy Transition featuring Chéri Smith, Founder and CEO of Indigenous Energy Initiative
• Messaging for Change Workshop featuring Emily Dahl, climate and communications strategist
• Climate & Health Converge: The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Mitigating the Effects of the Climate Crisis featuring Dr. Amy Collins and Shanda Demorest of Health Care Without Harm
• Lunch & Learn: Environmental Injustice on the North Shore featuring María Belén Power, Massachusetts’s Inaugural Undersecretary for Environmental Justice and Equity
• Breakfast with Student Sustainability Leaders
Governor Jane Swift
Former Governor of Massachusetts Program highlights include:
• So You Want To Work In Politics Panel featuring Jenny Armini, Massachusetts State Representative (8th Essex District); Kate Donaghey, Undersecretary of Education & Chief of Staff of the Executive Office of Education; and Cathy Judd-Stein, Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission
• Launch Your Internship and Job Search Workshop
• Women in Leadership Luncheon
• Celebrating with the Running for Office Workshop graduates
• Visit to the State House with students for Governors’ portrait unveilings
Running for Office Workshop Series
This semester-long program empowered and equipped 10 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 consultants from The Davis System, LLC including SSU alumni Errin Davis ‘18 and Ajah Joseph ‘18. Upon completion, several students secured summer internships and jobs with local political candidates and elected officials at the Massachusetts State House.
Salem Preliminary Mayoral Forum
The city of Salem recently elected a new Mayor to succeed now-Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. The Berry IOP partnered with local organizations to host a mayoral forum on campus ahead of the preliminary election with candidates Steve Dibble, Neil Harrington, Stacia Kraft, Bob McCarthy, and Dominick Pangallo. The forum was moderated by Karen Andreas, president and CEO of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. With 300 in-person attendees and over 2,000 livestream views, this event provided the community a platform to learn about and directly interact with the candidates. This event was co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters of Salem, The Salem Partnership, the Historic Derby Street Neighborhood Association, and the Point Neighborhood Association.
Public Service 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 elected officials’ offices, criminal justice, political campaigns, social work, local community organizations, and more.
Spring 2023: 5 students awarded a scholarship of $2,500
Summer 2023: 8 students awarded a scholarship of $3,500
These scholarships are made possible, in part, through our generous donors. If you are interested in making a donation to support future public service internships, you can make a gift here:
Alternative Spring Break at the Massachusetts State House
After a competitive application process, 15 students were selected to join the Berry IOP on their first annual Alternative Spring Break. During this three-day trip, students stayed in Boston and engaged with policy makers, lobbyists, and activists to better understand the Massachusetts legislative process and how the Commonwealth is tackling our most pressing social issues. Students participated in a variety of programs including: immersive simulations in the Senate Chambers with Senate Clerk Michael Hurley; policy talks about current higher education and criminal justice legislation; and panels about careers in the state house and lobbying. Special thanks to our advisory board members who supported the planning of the trip or participated in a panel: Colleen McGlynn-Moody,
Pizza & Politics
These events are hosted each semester to provide a space for students of all ideologies to engage in informal dialogue about current events and political issues. Topics are selected based on student interests and dialogues are facilitated by IOP student Program Assistants. This semester, Jessie Wilson organized a dialogue about guns in the United States including the Second Amendment, mass shootings, and proposed policies. The second dialogue was facilitated by Miah Reyes about LGBTQ+ rights including recent legislation regarding education, gender affirming care, and drag queens.
