Running for Office Book Project
Student speeches that will envision the Boston of the future.
The November 2021 Boston mayoral election is shaping up to be a competitive race with a field of candidates who are more racially and ethnically diverse than ever before. 826 Boston aims to produce a book composed of student speeches from across the city that captures the priorities and spirit of this current generation of K-12 students.
Students will write their own inauguration speeches as Boston’s mayor-elect. They will introduce themselves as Boston’s new mayor and lay out their vision for the future of the city. What issues would they focus their campaign on? What changes do they intend to make after they are sworn in? Who will they thank?
826 Boston will publish these speeches in a book slated for release ahead of Boston’s mayoral election this coming November. You can also find supporting materials, the submission form, and more information about our summer student editorial board using the tabs on this page.
Update:
We are running a free workshop from August 30-September 3 for 3rd-6th grade students to draft, revise, and polish their own speeches with direct one-on-one support from 826 Boston tutors. Workshop dates are as follows:
3rd-4th Grade: August 30 – September 3, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
5th-6th Grade: August 30 – September 3, from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Over April Break, 826 Boston ran a three-day “When I’m Mayor: Writing the Winning Speech” workshop for middle schoolers. We have made the materials available for educators to use or adapt.
Click here for slide decks, lesson plans, handouts, and example speeches from real BPS students.
Lesson 1: What would you do if you were mayor? In this lesson, 826 Boston voted and your students won! Now it’s time to write the winning speeches. After a brief overview of the upcoming mayoral election, students will create their own candidate profiles and brainstorm the beginning of their speeches.
Lesson 2: Writing can be tough—but we’ve broken down the barriers with group activities, educational videos, discussion questions, and worksheets. Students will choose an important issue and write about the steps they will take to accomplish their big goals while in office.
Lesson 3: Ready for a mic drop? Students will learn how to write memorable endings to their speeches. Using the speech checklist, students will determine if their speeches are ready to wow the crowd! Prepare for inauguration day with mayor playlists, candidate selfies, and student editorial board applications. See you on Election Day!
Students who have completed their speeches should complete this submission form by September 3.
Please note that you will be asked to log in to Google when you click the submission link. Email Shannon if you encounter any technical problems.
For a submission flyer to circulate please click here.
826 Boston’s Book Project Paid Student Editorial Board
The November 2021 Boston mayoral election is shaping up to be a competitive race with a field of candidates who are more racially and ethnically diverse than ever before. 826 Boston aims to produce a book of student speeches from across the city that captures the priorities and spirit of this current generation of K-12 students.
The Student Editorial Board, made up of 10-15 students, plays a key role in shaping every 826 Boston book project. Members will…
The Student Editorial Board will meet six times (twice per week) over the weeks of 7/19, 7/26, and 8/2. Exact days and times will be based on Student Editorial Board member availability.
Students who attend all sessions and complete their editorial board responsibilities will receive a $150 stipend. Student Editorial Board members will also receive two complimentary copies of the book and an invitation to plan and attend the book release party in late October.
Apply to join the 826 Boston Mayor Book Project Student Editorial Board today!
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance to the Student Editorial Board. An 826 Boston team member will confirm participation in the Student Editorial Board by Thursday, June 17. Interested in becoming a published author? Submit your speech today! Visit our When I’m Mayor Book Project page for all the details.
