Co-directed by seniors Jules Jaffe, Nell Ranalli, and Alexis Van Buskirk, Community Ink is a program for students striving to find ways to give back to the Newton community through volunteer opportunities. 

According to Jaffe, Ranalli, and Van Buskirk, students interested in joining can do so simply by showing up to a meeting. Community Ink is extremely flexible, with no required events or meetings for any of the members.

The three co-directors stated that the program’s main values are giving back, reinforcing and building relationships, and being grateful for their community.

Community Ink’s values can be seen through the events they organize such as the reading to Plowshares event they held Wednesday, Feb. 5.

“It reinforces our standing relationship with Plowshares, and allows us to give back to the community by helping the younger generation,” said Jaffe. 

Community Ink’s results in trying to build a better community can be sensed through the kids of Plowshares. Throughout their latest reading to Plowshares, the preschoolers who participated attentively listened to the Community Ink members as some of the high schoolers’ favorite childhood stories were read to them.

According to Plowshares site director Lorelle Rosenbaum, Community Ink allows preschoolers to be exposed to a diverse group of people of different ages and backgrounds. 

 “I think being part of this community, they can meet all different types of people,” said Rosenbaum. “They love to get to know these high school friends.” 

Other events Community Ink has held in the past include charity drives for Cradles to Crayons and Welcome Home, as well as singing at senior homes. 

Ranalli said the program is completely student-driven and is independent of North and Theatre Ink. 

All three captains stated that students will often carpool or drive to events on the weekend to serve the Newton community that does so much for them. 

“Our goal is to make the lives of the community members we help better and brighter,” said Van Birshirk.

According to Jaffe, the direct nature of Community Ink adds a personal layer to events such as reading to Plowshares. 

“It really made me feel like I was actively doing something for my community,” said Jaffe.