The "Connector"
Derek Price is what's known as a "connector," someone whose gift is bringing people together in meaningful ways. For example, in the past four years at UNH, he has been a member of more than 30 organizations. Currently he's an active member of the Committee on Rights and Justice (CORAJ) and Friends of Forest Park. He's also a facilitator for Bringing in the Bystander training which aims to empower people to intervene safely to end sexual violence and sexism in the community.
This spring, Price, an honors-level social work major, received the 2009 Undergraduate Award for Social Justice. The National Association of Social Work, New Hampshire chapter, also named him Student of the Year.
"Derek epitomizes the spirit of social work practice," wrote Martha Byam, clinical assistant professor of social work, in her nomination letter. "He has consistently brought the values of service and of his chosen major into the community at large."
As an intern at the Somersworth Youth Connection program, Price runs an after school program for middle school children. As usual he brings his creative interests into play, conducting songwriting workshops in addition to the usual help with homework. Price also worked at Crossroads House in Portsmouth, providing direct care to the homeless population. He volunteered coordinating food basket drives in conjunction with Waysmeet and UNH Campus Ministry, working at a Salvation Army soup kitchen in Portsmouth, and assisting with research for Seacoast AIDS Response.
Price's activism and work are intertwined. This past February in the New Hampshire, the student paper, Price said, "We live in a very individualist society. I don’t extricate myself from the community. I see the activism work as a community endeavor." As regards the social work award, Price noted: "I hope that this award shines a light on some of the work that needs to be done in our Seacoast community and inspires us all to work even harder for social justice on both the local and worldwide scale."
Price, who graduated this spring, is pragmatic about looking for a job even though by now, his social network is unusually extensive. "I've put my résumé out there, and I'm very open about what populations I can work with," said Price. "I'm especially interested in immigrants and refugee populations, but also families in crisis, children with developmental disabilities, and survivors of sexual assault." Price does plan to go to graduate school, but for now, it's clear, he wants to get out there and work with people to make a difference.
--Beth Potier and Carrie Sherman
Link:
Department of Social Work http://www.chhs.unh.edu/sw/