2024 Bridge Conference

As shifts in global migration continue, schools and community organizations are welcoming a diverse range of newcomers coming to the U.S. through the resettlement program. This session will delve into the emerging groups arriving in Washington, helping participants build a stronger understanding of these newcomers and the unique factors that shape their resettlement experiences. Participants will explore essential approaches for addressing the backgrounds, strengths, and challenges these populations bring, while also learning how to navigate key resources and data to remain informed about demographic trends. The session aims to empower educators and administrators to tailor their strategies at all levels—from individual classrooms to district-wide planning.

Many of us have confided in others during dark times, and vice versa. But it can feel awkward, if not downright frightening, not knowing what to do when a loved one, peer, or youth shows suicide warning signs. Developed by Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington, School of Social Work, the five simple and effective LEARN steps empower individuals to identify and support those who may be considering suicide.

This workshop will introduce the public health issue of suicide, including why youth may consider suicide by covering risk factors, a theory of why people consider suicide, and recent data. Using the LEARN model, the presenters will highlight how to identify, understand, and be ready to support someone who may be at risk for suicide. There will also be an opportunity to practice and apply the LEARN steps in a practice scenario. As part of this session, Forefront’s staff will also integrate conversations about mental health, the importance of prevention/intervention/response plans and procedures, and capacity building.

Building organic and sustainable youth mobilization, while also building career development for youth and prioritizing BIPOC impacted communities.

Ensuring refugee and other newcomer students and families feel welcome in their school environments is foundational to their academic success and their longer-term economic and social success. While newcomers have their own agency and resiliency factors that affect their successful resettlement, schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) have their own vital role in creating a sense of welcome to facilitate integration. This workshop will aim to equip schools and community-based organizations with skills and strategies for creating welcoming spaces responsive to the cultural and social-emotional needs of refugees and other newcomers.

Caring for yourself is essential to supporting the well-being of young people. In this interactive workshop, Space Between, a Seattle-based organization facilitating human and school transformation through mindfulness, and their research partner, foundry10, will share their latest research as well as strategies for cultivating and sustaining personal mindful practice. Participants will learn about why practitioner SEL and healing is essential to caring for youth, experience guided mindful practices, and engage in small group discussions focused on identifying and overcoming barriers to your practice.