GREENFIELD — Greenfield High School junior Nate Woodard has been elected to serve as vice chair of the Human Rights Commission.

Woodard, a 17-year-old who co-founded the high school’s Students of Color Group and serves as a youth leader for the Communities That Care Coalition, said he considers it an honor to serve not only his school, but his community overall. He said his passion for racial justice activism was propelled by his family’s move to Greenfield from Bloomfield, Connecticut, eight years ago.

“I moved here eight years ago from a town in Connecticut where it’s mostly Black people,” Woodard said. “When we moved here, it was kind of good, but at the same time you’re the only Black student in a white classroom, so you kind of think about that as, well, ‘What do I do to make sure that other students like me feel protected and safe in classrooms and schools as well?’”

While Woodard is leading an effort to educate middle school students on the use of racial slurs through his role with the Students of Color Group, he said in his new city role, he hopes to focus on issues such as protecting abortion rights as well as providing resources and opportunities to the city’s homeless and immigrant populations.

Noting that the inauguration of President Donald Trump raises concerns that his presidency will roll back abortion rights, Woodard said he hopes to provide resources and opportunities to protect reproductive freedoms.

“I was homeless for two years, living in a shelter with my family, and it was already difficult being 8 years old and taking care of my father, who had a stroke,” Woodard said. “When I was sitting at the City Council meeting not too long ago thinking about what our city government is trying to take away from them, like the bench where they sit and feel comfortable being where they are, it’s disrespectful.”

Although Woodard has a passion and dedication to human rights, he said he is unsure whether he wants to pursue a career in politics after graduation. Woodard, who has performed as drum major with his school marching band, is also considering a career in music education.

Adjustment Counselor Deborah Potee, who serves as an advisor to the Students of Color Group, described Woodard as an “important leader” at his school with energy, ambition and a strong moral compass.

“Nate keeps us moving forward. He’s full of energy, very kind, certainly willing to step in when he sees a wrong and I think that almost everybody in this school ... is a fan of Nate,” Potee said. “It is a great pleasure spending time with him.”

Woodard was appointed to the Greenfield Human Rights Commission in the fall alongside members Kathleen Kenny and Paki Wieland, and the commission reorganized, giving Woodard his vice chair title, earlier this month. The nine-member board is currently occupied by four members including its chair, Mpress Bennu.

Wieland, in an interview Thursday, also referenced Trump’s inauguration as a call for the Human Rights Commission to be on high alert for potential civil rights rollbacks. She said she hopes to ensure a warm place to stay for the city’s homeless population, as well as protections for immigrants and minorities.

“My big issue right now, particularly given the circumstances in our country, is the support of marginalized groups of people, whether it’s people of color, whether it’s immigrants, refugees, the LGBTQ community and whoever else is having their human rights either challenged or violated,” Wieland said. “I’m hopeful that we can help the city be a beacon of justice and human rights.”

Bennu and Kenny could not be reached immediately for comment.

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.