2020 Bridge Conference: Full Schedule

School’s Out Washington’s annual Bridge Conference is a multi-day regional convening focused on exploring, celebrating, and influencing our collective field(s) through the act of solidarity and unified learning. Expanded learning professionals, community organizers, school district representatives, funders, policymakers, and systems leaders gather to engage with a diverse range of knowledge, people, and perspectives; identify the ways that racial inequities impact youth, expanded learning opportunities, and educational outcomes; experience a sense of belonging to nourish social connection and professional networking; learn how to implement tangible practices that promote an equitable expanded learning opportunity ecosystem; and strive to recognize power dynamics throughout programs and systems and begin to strategize how to co-create stronger partnerships across sectors. Join us at the 2020 Bridge Conference from Tuesday, October 27 – Friday, October 30, 2020.

2020 Bridge Conference— The Seeds We Sow, emphasizes intention in the act of reimagination. Only together, as a collective, will we solidify a new foundation that intertwines our cultures, values, and leadership to nourish all our young people’s excellence and right to thrive.

Bridge Conference Registrants: Within 12 hours of registering, participants will receive an email from Sched inviting you to create and/or log into your Sched account so you can create your personalized schedule and prepare to attend the event. Check out our Attendee Guidance Checklist for more info on "how" to show up to this virtual event.

This schedule was updated most recently on 10/20/20.

11:00am PDT

Rebuilding After a Year of Racial Unrest and a Pandemic: Lessons for Building Sustainable Systems

The pandemic has brought to surface and magnified disparities and inequities that have long existed. It has also highlighted the need for creating systems that are sustainable and can withstand turbulent times. Local, national, and neighboring state leaders will surface lessons learned and strategies for rebuilding with equity and sustainability at the core.

This session is part of the Systems Leader Cohort pathway.

Speakers

Wokie Weah

President, Youthprise

As President of Youthprise, Wokie Weah provides executive leadership and vision, works in partnership with the board of directors and brokers relationships to reduce disparities with and for Minnesota youth. In 2016, Wokie was recognized as one of the “(Real) Power 50” by Minnesota... Read More →

Karen Pitman

President & CEO, Forum for Youth Investment

Michael Funk

Director of Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education

Maria Flores

Executive Director for the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT

Level Intermediate
Age NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:00am PDT

Building Community and Equity with Practical Trauma-Responsive Tools

Relationships and community are foundational for removing barriers, healing and learning. Learn the why and how of practical tools for co-creating community with the youth you work with online or in-person. (And these tools work with your adult team too!) This workshop will be led experientially (and safely) so come with an open mind, heart and a willingness to move.

Participants will:

Practice 3 tools for connecting and building community
Engage their body, heart and mind in exploring how equity and trauma-responsive practices are so intertwined

Speakers

Aaron Norikane

Facilitator, Sound Discipline

Aaron Norikane (he/him) has been working to support quality youth programs in the Seattle area for over 30 years. He has been a tireless advocate for creating strong connections and supportive systems for all young people. Working as an after school provider, program director, substitute... Read More →

Reid Kuennen

Facilitator, Sound Discipline

Reid Kuennen (they/them) strives to make professional development for adults as relevant, engaging, and fun as the educational spaces we aim to create for students. They believe educators deserve to feel seen, heard, and honored for their strengths as they do one of the most challenging... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Youth Development Programming, Emerging Issues
Level Intermediate, Beginner
Age NA, All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:00am PDT

Expeditionary Learning- Cultivating Brilliant Minds

In this workshop participants will explore the expeditionary learning approach with a social justice lens; this approach cultivates brilliant minds. The expeditionary learning approach is a way to provide opportunities for young people to experience learning in an adventurous way! A learning expedition is a journey, and at the end of the journey, youth are enlightened and more likely to contribute to a better world. Expeditionary learning cultivates critical thinkers. Participates will complete the workshop with an expedition learning toolkit that they can use for youth programming.

Speakers

Theresa Hardy

Founder and CEO, BRAVE- Building Resilience Awareness & Variations of Excellence

Theresa is an example of how someone can turn tragedies into triumphs. Through hard work and grit, Theresa found and navigated her own path to success, which has included multiple college degrees and a fulfilling career journeying with people who experience similar struggles. Her... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Host Organization School's Out Washington
Strand Emerging Issues, Youth Development Programming
Level Beginner, Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, NA, Middle School, High School
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:00am PDT

Leading with SEL in Mind

Leading with SEL in Mind is part of a newly developed training suite by the Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality that provides out-of-school-time youth program directors and administrators with tools to oversee staff implementation of quality SEL practices. Leading with SEL in Mind will provide an opportunity for participants to create clarity and alignment in how to support and guide their teams by:

recognizing how they can model SEL Skills for their team;
identifying their SEL Focused Core Values as a leader; and
creating their SEL Leadership Personal Mission and Mission Statements.

Speakers

Adrienne Bard

Portfolio Manager, The Forum for Youth Investment's David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality

Adrienne joined the Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality in 2014. She works with leaders in out-of-school time programs across the country and UK on city, state, and national quality improvement systems. Adrienne brings passion for both youth development... Read More →

Amanda Ruud

Training Product & Process Design Specialist, The Forum for Youth Investment's David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality

Amanda serves as the Training Product & Process Design Specialist for The Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. Fifteen years of experience in out-of-school time settings--in roles ranging from volunteer to site director to board chairperson--informs... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:00am PDT

More Than Being Calm: Exploring Mindfulness for Implicit Bias

"Change begins with reflection, not deflection." - Dr. Chandra Gill

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity, and a step towards a shift in our hearts. Research shows that mindful awareness practices help us uncover our implicit bias and unconscious ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. Drawing on the work of Ruth King, author of Mindful of Race, as well as other teachers, we will explore mindfulness practices to uncover our unconscious biases and thoughts as a stepping-stone toward change and growth. How can we care for ourselves in this process, which may be difficult, with love and compassion? This session will include safe spaces, caucuses, for people who identify as people of color and people who identify as white.

Speakers

Tai Mattox (she/her)

Tai practices mindfulness in order to better manage her emotions and find equanimity amidst the highs and lows of life. Her favorite mindfulness quote is “trees will do that; make you stop and breathe.” by Mariah Carey. Tai has a BS from Cornell University and is a Certified Meditation... Read More →

Kim Armstrong (she/her)

Co-Director, Space Between

Kim is a co-founder and the Co-Director of Space Between. She is passionate about how mindful and healing-centered practices can help young people and adults develop a healthy foundation for well-being.Kim has worked with teachers, student, and schools for about 15 years, 1st as the... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:00am PDT

“Who Taught You That?” - Understanding Gender, Creating Affirming Spaces

Does your organization serve transgender and gender non-conforming youth? Statistically, yes! Want to learn how to support all young people by creating welcoming and affirming environments for trans and gender non-conforming youth? If you’re open to a paradigm shift and a generous helping of introspection, join us!

This activity-based workshop will explore where ideas about manhood and womanhood come from, the relationship between the “rules” of gender and colonialism, and what’s at stake for trans and gender non-conforming youth. All participants, from direct-service staff to organizational leaders, will have the opportunity to identify tangible strategies to change program environments to support us all.

Speakers

Lex Gavin

Best Start for Kids Program Quality Manager, School's Out Washington

Lex Gavin has spent the last decade designing and facilitating social justice content in the youth development field. They cut their teeth in youth organizing while on Stonewall Youth's Speaker's Bureau and as a board member of Queer Youth Space. Lex has worked in homeless youth services... Read More →

Tuesday October 27, 2020 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

1:30pm PDT

Washington Youth Academy - 10/27 Exhibitor Open House

The Washington Youth Academy is a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. Established under authority of both federal and state law, the WYA is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention for youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. The Washington Youth Academy is a quasi-military training and mentoring program for at-risk youth. The goal of the program is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential. The program incorporates a highly structured format, with an emphasis on student discipline and personal responsibility to provide a positive, safe and secure learning environment. Program graduates can recover up to 8.0 credits (approximately 1.3 years of high school credits). Credits are approved by OSPI and taught by certificated teachers. The goal is to return graduates to their home high school to graduate on time with their peers.

Exhibitors

Washington Youth Academy

Coordinator, Washington Youth Academy

Tuesday October 27, 2020 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
See Video Stream

EXHIBITOR OPEN HOUSE HOURS

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Dismantling Dual Pandemics: How Intermediaries Center Racial Equity in their Responses to COVID

In this session, we will explore how four afterschool intermediary organizations in the Every Hour Counts coalition — Youthprise in Minnesota, Collective for Youth in Omaha, NE, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation in Washington, and Youth Development Executives of King County in Washington— are centering racial equity in their system-building efforts and working towards more racially equitable responses to the virus by empowering youth through advocacy, leading advocacy campaigns, and convening community stakeholders.

Participants — expanded learning professionals, school district representatives, funders, policymakers, and systems leaders and staff— will walk away with strategies organizations can take to mobilize shared ideas into action-oriented solutions in order to fight the impacts of COVID-19 and structural racism.

Note: Automated captioning will not be provided for this session.

Speakers

LaRon Henderson

Program Quality Director, Collective for Youth

Fahren Johnson

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Senior Program Officer

As the Senior Program Officer for Expanded Learning Opportunities, Fahren is leading the coordination of Expanded Learning Opportunities for 12 elementary sites that are a part of the Tacoma Social & Emotional Learning Initiative.Fahren joined GTCF in September of 2017. Before that... Read More →

Allyson Margolis

Director of Every Hour Counts National Learning Community, Policy & Communications Manager, Every Hour Counts

Ally Margolis is Every Hour Counts’ Policy & Communications Manager. Ally manages the organization’s communications strategy and the peer learning opportunities of our National Learning Community, our coalition’s group of more than ten expanded learning systems from cities... Read More →

Marcus Pope

Wokie Weah

President, Youthprise

Jessica Paul Werner

Nonprofit Leadership Consultant, Moon Snail Consulting

Jessica Paul Werner led Youth Development Executives of King County (YDEKC) since its inception in 2011 until fall 2022, building the coalition of more than 100 executive leaders of youth serving organizations and establishing YDEKC as a thought leader in the fields of youth development... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm PDT
Zoom- Webinar

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, NA
Platform Interactive Workshop, Panel Presentation

12:30pm PDT

Exploring How White Supremacy Culture Impacts Learning and Leading

Culture establishes the context and values for how people communicate, engage and work together. Culture is powerful because it is simultaneously ever-present and difficult to identify. Despite best intentions, even equity-driven leaders and organizations can find themselves perpetuating the exploitative White Supremacy norms that seek conformity and control rather than authenticity and critical thinking. Join us for a brave exploration of what White dominant culture looks like, sounds like, and feels like, how it impacts our capacity to learn and lead, and strategies, practices and mindsets that put us on a path back to honoring our shared humanity, interdependence and, ultimately, liberation.

Speakers

Zakir McKenzie Parpia

Director of Programs, California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC)

Zakir McKenzie Parpia (Zak) found his way to youth development via youth athletics. He is passionate about supporting and developing high quality youth development professionals and programs. As the Director of Programs at CalSAC, Zak works on Leadership programming, the CalSAC Trainer... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate, Beginner
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Race & Equity: Transforming Organizations for the Long Haul

There is an unwavering sense of urgency felt more deeply and by many more as the country reckons with systemic oppression. OST leaders are vocalizing their alliance against racism and to doing more to address inequities. Many are asking themselves where to start and how to go deeper. Dismantling systems of oppression requires a commitment to the long haul - to a sustainable organization-wide way of being. This is typically not comfortable, especially as we look honestly at the ways we consciously and unconsciously create and uphold barriers as the individuals that make-up these systems. This session offers a space to explore concrete policies and practices that hinder and foster equity-driven organizations and systems change. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on existing practices and policies within your organization and will identify a road map toward sustainable transformation.

Speakers

Ruth Obel-Jorgensen

Senior Partner, Thrive Paradigm

With 20+ years of experience and education in the nonprofit social justice sector, Ruth Obel-Jorgensen has worked to create systems change through values-driven leadership and practices that advance equity. As the former executive director of the California School-Age Consortium... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Designing Decolonized Tech Curriculum

Participants will learn about the Geeking Out Kids of Color youth program, its decolonized tech curriculum, our curriculum design process, and a case study of one of our curricula. The group will then get the opportunity to apply what they have learned about how we center our tech curriculum on building understanding and agency around a social issue. There’s no need for technical expertise, only imagination! The groups will come back together to share and discuss key takeaways about designing decolonized tech curriculum. Since this is about program curriculum design, the intended audience is direct service staff, but this session will be engaging and useful for all who are interested.

Speakers

Samantha Gil-Vargas

Project Manager and Lead Curriculum Developer, Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC)

I have an undergraduate degree in Human Centered Design and engineering from UW-Seattle. Throughout my undergraduate I participated in research studies, internships with start-up or non-profits to design for and around communities that have been the most impacted by oppressive systems... Read More →

Heven Ambachew

Tech Educator and Software Developer, Geeking Out Kids of Color

Heven is currently studying Computer Science as an undergrad at Pacific Lutheran University. She is the co-founder and program coordinator of Collective Youth - A youth program with-in Geeking Out Kids of Color. As an instructor at GOKiC, she integrates technology and social justice... Read More →

Linda Vong

Curriculum Developer and Software Developer, Geeking Out Kids of Color

I am a proud South Seattle resident, daughter of refugees from Vietnam, and computer science and education student at the University of Washington. I leverage my technical background, interdisciplinary lenses, passion for educational equity, and engagement with critical race theory... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Emerging Issues
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, High School
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Empowering Kids Online with Creative Expression to Build SEL and Foster Connection

As we adapt to a changing landscape, our strategies to support kids and families must also pivot. In this interactive workshop, we'll highlight the benefits of using creative expression online to build SEL skills. You'll practice strategies to help kids name and manage their emotions, develop tools for coping, and build resilience. Combining theory and anecdotal experience, we'll focus on the process for engaging kids in creative expression online and how to respond to their work in ways that build trust and connection. We'll learn together as a community and then take a student's seat and do hands-on activities to help understand what it's like to participate in creative expression online. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of ACEs, healing-centered engagement, and how creative expression buffers the impact of stress and adversity on kids' brains and bodies.

Workshop attendees will get a downloadable packet with a selection of activities, guidance, and program crosswalks from each of our age-specific curriculums that can be utilized in their programs.

How to prepare for this session: We will be leading participatory activities using markers, varying colors of construction paper, drawing/printer paper, and glue during the session. Please gather supplies before the session if possible. Having the materials on hand will give you the opportunity to experience creative expression and do some self-care as well as experience what it is like to be a kid or youth doing an activity and be prepared to lead the activity when we're done.

If you do not have access to these materials, we will provide adaptations for just using markers and paper.

Speakers

Jessica Ryan

Speech & Language Pathologist Early Intervention, Childhaven

Jessica Ryan is a Speech Therapist on Childhaven’s ESIT Team. After working in the school system, a desire to work closer with families and build upon their strengths brought her to ESIT. A passion for helping children communicate, gain social-emotional skills, and actively engage... Read More →

Chelsey Thornton

Senior Operations Manager, Art with Heart

Chelsey leads community engagement and impact research at Art with Heart, including creative expression resource design and publications, partner support, and manages the development of training and online learning. She has an MS in Arts Administration with a focus in Community Arts... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate, Beginner
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Facilitating Equity-Centered, Collaborative and Authentic Grant Proposal Design Processes

Grant writers and program evaluators can help translate a vision into a practical plan. This requires an equity-centered approach weaving together strong research, collaboration and storytelling skills. Join us to explore cases of successful proposal development supporting expanded learning and educational programs. We will:

• Practice using racial equity tools for program, budget and grant development;

• Discuss guidelines to ensure strong collaboration between internal and external partners; and

• Share planning templates that facilitate a strong design process and a smooth hand-off to implement the program after funding.

The workshop’s intended audiences are intermediate and seasoned grant writers and youth program leaders who play roles facilitating teams in proposal development.

Speakers

Hilary Loeb

Director, Strategy, Evaluation, and Learning, Puget Sound Educational Service District

Hilary Loeb serves as Director of Strategy, Evaluation, and Learning at Puget Sound Educational Service District. Since joining the organization in 2013, she has worked to facilitate educators’ use of research and data to inform their practice and improve student learning through... Read More →

Anna Wade

Director, Grants Administration, Puget Sound Educational Service District

Anna Wade is the Grants Director for Puget Sound Educational Service District. In this role, Anna directs, plans and coordinates pre- and post-award grant activities while developing advancement structures agency-wide. Anna has worked in schools, museums, and other educational institutions... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Kid-Safe Workplace — ‘Red Flags’ and Warning Signs in Adults

An informed staff is a safer staff. When you and your staff know what to watch out for in other adults, and are empowered to talk about it, everyone is safer.

YOU WILL LEARN:

Current statistics on child sexual abuse including who abuses, how often it’s unreported and how often children tell the truth about abuse
Grooming behaviors in adults
Clear “red flag” behaviors
Scripts and tips for talking to a co-worker about their concerning behavior
General tips for creating a safer workplace

Speakers

Amy Lang

Sexuality Educator, Birds & Bees & Kids

Nationally known sexuality educator, speaker and author Amy Lang, MA helps professionals who work with children and teens discover talking to kids about sexuality, their bodies and safety doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. Her engaging, humorous and inspiring style shows... Read More →

Wednesday October 28, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Emerging Issues
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

Advocacy in the Time of COVID

Public policy and funding advocacy for issues impacting children and youth is always difficult – especially for the expanded learning and youth development field. However, the COVID crisis has provided a growing public and policymaker knowledge of the purpose and importance of this field. Additionally, a new joint advocacy effort between a variety of organizations across the whole-child support spectrum is showing impact – and fast. Learn more about effective approaches, messaging, lessons learned, and how virtual advocacy can work to support our kids during one of the most challenging times in American history.

Moderators

David Beard

Policy & Advocacy Director, School's Out Washington

David facilitates SOWA’s advocacy efforts, including educating policymakers and working with providers and stakeholders to secure more funding and better policies for the field. Throughout his career, David has been an advocate for children and families. After working as the policy... Read More →

Speakers

Angela Griffin

CEO, Launch (formerly known as CDSA)

Angela Griffin is a visionary leader as the CEO for Launch. She has over 27 years of experience, focused on the development and implementation of early learning, school age afterschool programs and youth development programs. Angela has a reputation for building strong relationships... Read More →

Jeannie Nist

Associate Director, Communities In Schools of Washington State

Jeannie Nist is the Associate Director for Communities In Schools of Washington State. In her role, Jeannie supports the growth of new CIS programs and coordinates statewide advocacy across the CIS network. Jeannie began her career as an educational advocate for children in NYC’s... Read More →

Brandee Paisano

Area Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

Designing for Equity and Impact: Quality Improvement Systems in the Times of COVID-19 and Beyond

A global pandemic, social unrest, and challenging fiscal environments have required shifts in the way we work, prioritize strategies for change, and take action in support of young people. Amidst this climate, what is the role of continuous quality improvement and how might quality improvement systems need to adapt to ensure young people still have access to high quality experiences? In this session, we’ll reflect on lessons learned from this past year, including the challenges of trying to quickly transition and provide supports to families and youth across disparate systems. We’ll share how networks across the country have adapted continuous quality improvement supports to meet these unprecedented times, including changes in data collection processes and ongoing professional development, and we’ll explore new approaches to promote more responsive and equitable quality systems for the future.

Speakers

Sheely Mauck

Statewide Quality Education Director, School's Out Washington

For over 10 years, Sheely has served as a program quality coach, assessor, and trainer for School’s Out Washington. Sheely now serves as their Statewide Quality Education Director to support high-quality ELO programs across the age continuum and is a liaison to the Weikart Center... Read More →

Jennifer Harris

Senior Manager, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, Forum for Youth Investment

Jennifer Harris has 20 years’ experience in the field of out-of-school time programs. She has worked in direct service for the Alaska Council of Camp Fire USA, served as the Special Projects Coordinator for School-Age Projects with Arkansas State University, Chair and Network... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

Understanding and Addressing Anti-Blackness at Expanded Learning Opportunities

Expanded Learning Opportunities can be important places of youth development for Black youth. However, Black youth often experience racial inequity in ELOs because leadership and outcomes tend to uphold anti-blackness. For example, Black youth routinely experience programs that have the least funding and youth development curricula that problematizes their culture as deficient. Leaders must be able to recognize the ways that anti-blackness is occurring and shift their practices if they hope to address the youth development needs of Black youth. This presentation will discuss the concept of anti-blackness and discuss how it is pervasive in ELOs. Along with providing attendees tangible culturally sustaining leadership practices that might assist organizations to better center the youth development needs of black youth.

Speakers

Ishmael Miller

Educational Researcher, University of Washington-Seattle

Ishmael Miller is a Ph.D Candidate studying Educational Policy, Organizations, and Leadership at the University of Washington-Seattle (UW). Miller has worked at several expanded Learning opportunities as a volunteer, front-line staff, program manager, advisory board member, and educational... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT, WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate, Beginner
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

Creating a Culture of Belonging in the Online Classroom

The lived experiences of BIPOC students are often ignored in classroom settings; this issue is exacerbated in online environments. So how can we best support our BIPOC students from a distance? Aaron Norman and Maurianna Zingarelli are addressing this question every day through their roles as educators at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE, a youth education program that has pivoted to serve over 2,000 students in online programming since March. They believe the answer lies within a culture of belonging. In this session, direct service staff will gain an authentic approach to community building, brainstorm ways to make their students feel seen as individuals, and learn how to quickly adapt curriculum to meet the needs of the individual and the group - all in the online environment.

Speakers

Maurianna Zingarelli

Education Manager and Educator, Village Theatre KIDSTAGE

Maurianna Zingarelli (she/her/hers) is an educator and activist with 12 years of creative facilitation experience. Her teaching superpower is recognizing and addressing each student’s unique experiences, backgrounds, and gifts. As the Education Manager for Village Theatre KIDSTAGE... Read More →

Aaron Norman

Theatre Educator/Music Director at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE, Voice Teacher at Cornish College of The Arts, Performer

Aaron Norman is an educator, performer, and artist/activist. Originally from Compton California, Aaron comes from a lineage of activists and folks who care deeply for others. He received formal training from Biola Conservatory of Music and Cornish College of the Arts, and studied... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Hero to Host: Co-Creating Spaces Where ALL Belong

Belonging goes beyond diversity, equity and inclusion. People can't "buy-in" to something that they were not a part of creating. In this workshop, we will move beyond "buy-in" and learn to co-create spaces of belonging, so all are seen, heard, felt and empowered to take action.

Speakers

Jenny Hicks

Co-Creator and Founder, JVH Empower Consulting

Jenny Hicks is a joyous, creative, and heart-minded co-creator who believes that by empowering one person, you can empower many. She cultivates ecosystems of belonging where all are seen and heard through the power of joy combined with lived experiences, studies in Human Resources... Read More →

Vanessa Hernandez

Co-Creator and Founder, JVH Empower Consulting

Vanessa Hernandez is an innovator of healing and resilience whose purpose is to offer conscious co-creations of love, liberation and empowerment to the collective of humanity. She has a demonstrated history of creating spaces of empowerment where one can recall and reclaim their authentic... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24, NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

9:00am PDT

Healing Centered Systems of Care Utilizing Principles of Transformative Justice

In this presentation we will discuss the neurobiological impacts of trauma on the brain and how ACEs, racialized, generational and historical trauma, and environment change the ways in which our bodies perceive safety. Dysregulation of the nervous system, trauma and violence in today’s world is compounding and constant especially for our BIPOC community. This session will discuss how we can create healing centered restorative programs and classrooms that create space for the lived realities of ALL students- especially those marginalized by race, sex/gender, sexuality, ability, citizenship, and socioeconomic status. We will discuss restorative tools and practices to create a healing and safe program culture in pandemic times.

Speakers

Anjilee Dodge

Social Worker, Independent Consultant, Reimagining Revolution & The Communities Project

Anjilee Dodge is a passionate advocate committed to innovation for systemic change. She has spent her career researching, designing and presenting equity and inclusion curriculum in diverse settings with a focus on empowerment of those marginalized by race, sex, and class. Graduating... Read More →

Milly Arias

Founder; Co-Creater, Black Girl Co-op; The Communities Project

Milly Arias is a passionate, innovative, and creative activist of racial justice, reproductive and mental health, and youth empowerment. She is the founder of The Black Girl Co-op and Co-creator of The Communities Project where she develops and creates curricula on Conflict Normalization... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming, Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:30am PDT

Techbridge Girls - 10/29 Exhibitor Open House [View Updated Note in Session Description]

Attendees: Techbridge Girls will not be holding Open House hours on Thursday, as they had initially hoped. Please take some time today to review the handouts attached here and we strongly encourage you to take a moment to schedule an individual appointment using the contact information below.
Exhibitor Directory:

Contact Name: Brittiany Jones
Email: bjones@techbridgegirls.org
Phone: 347-770-1320

Launched in 2000 at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California, with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Techbridge Girls (TBG) was one of the earliest organizations to focus on introducing girls and marginalized communities to the STEM fields. After a decade of exemplary outcomes, TBG won another prestigious NSF grant to scale our after-school programs nationally. Techbridge Girls launched in San Jose in 2011, then in Greater Seattle in 2014, and in Washington, D.C. in 2015. Our after-school programs in California, the Pacific Northwest, and Washington, D.C. regions have reached over 70,000 youth, including over 7,000 girls directly engaged in our after-school and summer programs, and over 60,000 boys and girls engaged through partnerships with youth-serving groups like Girl Scouts; Boys & Girls Clubs; YMCA; Society of Women Engineers; San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Families; and others.

Exhibitors

Techbridge Girls

Launched in 2000 at the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California, with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Techbridge Girls (TBG) was one of the earliest organizations to focus on introducing girls and marginalized communities to the STEM fields. After a decade of exemplary outcomes, TBG won another prestigious NSF grant to scale our after-school programs nationally. Techbridge Girls launched in San Jo... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

EXHIBITOR OPEN HOUSE HOURS

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

11:30am PDT

Washington Youth Academy - 10/29 Exhibitor Open House

Exhibitors

Washington Youth Academy

Coordinator, Washington Youth Academy

Thursday October 29, 2020 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
See Video Stream

EXHIBITOR OPEN HOUSE HOURS

Strand Race and Equity, Youth Development Programming
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Radical Collaboration: Integrating SEL & Equity Driven Practices at Scale

California has a unique ecosystem of support for its 4,500 expanded learning programs. Five statewide intermediaries were catalyzed into collaborative action by the California Department of Education and the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation in 2015 to promote SEL and quality programming across CA. Over the last year and a half, the nation and our field has been calling for the inclusion of equity in SEL. Both the CDE and the Bechtel Foundation heard and responded to the call. Our collaborative also responded. We understood that we needed to answer with one collective voice, with integrity and that would take time. Join us to learn (as we are learning!) about how our 5 separate organizations are moving from shared commitment to radical collaboration. A collaboration that puts equity at the heart of quality.

This session is part of the Systems Leader Cohort pathway.

Speakers

Alexis Llamas

Associate Program Officer, S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

Rebecca Goldberg

Senior Program Officer, S.D. Bechtel Foundation

Tiffany Gipson

Director, Equity and Quality, California

Tiffany Gipson is the Director of Equity and Quality with the California AfterSchool Network (CAN). She started with CAN as a member of the Leadership Team and quickly transitioned to a staff position in August 2017.Before becoming a part of the CAN Team, Tiffany was the Technical... Read More →

Zakir McKenzie Parpia

Director of Programs, California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC)

Stacey Daraio

Co-Director, Temescal Associates/HKL Foundation

Opening up spaces where multiple perspectives, divergent points of view and orientations are supported and encouraged are just a few of the reasons Stacey stays motivated to work in youth development. Of the many roles she has inhabited: organizational leader; program developer and... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

SYSTEMS COHORT

Level Intermediate

12:30pm PDT

School-Community Partnerships for Students: Better Together

It will take a community effort to meet the learning needs of our K-12 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The solutions to keep kids engaged normally are not going to be enough. Given the injustices against black, indigenous, and students of color; racial equity must be a central component to solutions along with health and safety, which means doing things differently and working with partners that are of the communities in which students live and with caring adults and peers they trust. This session will focus on school and community-based partnerships that were created or are developing during the pandemic to support academic and social-emotional learning, keep kids safe, and help parents work.

Moderators

David Beard

Policy & Advocacy Director, School's Out Washington

Speakers

Kristi Dominguez

Executive Director, Teaching and Learning, Bellingham Public Schools

Kristi Dominguez, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Bellingham Public Schools, has been invested in the early learning community for the past 30 years. She has served as an early learning consultant in both Washington and Oregon, coauthored Washington State's Full Day... Read More →

Shannon Millican

After School & Camp Program Director, Whatcom Family YMCA

I have been working in the after school industry since 1995 beginning as a YMCA summer camp counselor and after school assistant. During college, I worked for 2 YMCA's in Colorado as a Camp Director and Site Director. In 2003, I started as the After School and Camp Director for the... Read More →

Beth Wyant

Education Program Manager, Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic

Thursday October 29, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Capacity and Systems Building
Level Intermediate
Age NA
Platform Interactive Workshop

12:30pm PDT

Virtual Facilitation Bootcamp

Transition your meetings and workshops to a virtual space! If your meetings, classes, and events have been moved online, this session will help!

We hope to answer questions like,

“How do I run collaborative processes like brainstorming, action planning, and team building?"
“How do I ensure fully inclusive participation that engages quiet participants and keeps people from talking over each other, ‘checking out’ or multitasking?”
“How do I foster a connected, relational and high-energy atmosphere online?”
“How do I do all this with a group who’s not very tech savvy? (And what if I’M not very tech savvy?)”
“Which tools and software could support me in doing all this?”

This session will focus on:

How to translate in-person processes and facilitation skills to online spaces
Simple tools to support a range of activities
Best practices, tips, and resources for online engagement

Workshop Details
We look forward to having you join us for the Virtual Facilitation Bootcamp! You are encouraged to join the session a few minutes early to get settled in.

This workshop will take place using Zoom and Google Slides. It is best if you can join the workshop from a desktop or laptop computer and set your screen up as demonstrated in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrTSRNpamkg&feature=youtu.be

If you have never used Zoom before, here is a quick video to show you some of the features we’ll be using: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYHlN8zVA24&t=37s

SLIDES: Click here to have your own copy of the slide deck Virtual Facilitation Bootcamp - SOWA - 10-29-2020

Speakers

Eva Jo Meyers

Co-Founder of Spark Decks, Spark Decks

Eva is the author of “Raise the Room: A practical guide to participant-centered facilitation.” She has held positions as a bilingual classroom teacher, as an administrator for afterschool programs for San Francisco Unified School District, and as a Fulbright Scholar in Thailand... Read More →

Oscar Wolters-Duran

Facilitator, Spark Decks

For the past ten years I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of afterschool professionals throughout the country, as a trainer and coach in the areas of literacy development, classroom management, program assessment, and project-based learning. I’ve learned that after school... Read More →

Thursday October 29, 2020 12:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Zoom- Meeting

WORKSHOP

Strand Capacity and Systems Building, Emerging Issues
Level Intermediate
Age All Ages: 5-24
Platform Interactive Workshop