Think Together
Building Capacity in Expanded Learning with ELO-P Funding
With the increase in ELO-P funding, how do we build capacity in the field to close opportunity gaps? As we see an increase of funding in the field, our efforts to work towards educational equity as partners and providers in the educational space has great potential! One of Think Together's biggest goals with this new funding is to challenge ourselves to build our capacity and ability to support marginalized communities by investing in individuals as we strive to change the odds for all students.
Wednesday, May 1
10:30AM-12:15PM
Think Together, Grow Together: PD, Retention, and Leadership
Crystal Robinson, Ed.D., Director of Organizational Development and Learning Development; Taylor Mayer, M.A., Talent Development and Learning Manager, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA
This session will focus on leveraging professional development to increase staff retention and grow the next generation of leaders. Participants will learn about Think Together’s approach to PD through capacity building and its impact on leadership development and retention. Participants will spend time connecting with other leaders to assess their current PD approaches, learn new strategies, and plan next steps.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership
2:45PM-4:45PM
BOOSTING Family & Community Engagement at Your School Sites
Breanna Herrera, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator; Aimee Rodriguez, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator; Sara Orellana, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Joel Salazar, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA
As we work to support families and communities, it is critical that we approach this support in a way that builds the capacity of our field and empowers leaders at each site. Join us for an in-depth dive into how we build the capacity of those we support and take a linguistically and culturally responsive approach to family and community engagement. Participants will leave equipped with tools, strategies, and resources to enhance family and community engagement initiatives at their school sites.
PK, E, M, H, CB, DS
Strand: Think Together; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Thursday, April 27
10:00AM-12:00PM
Attracting & Retaining Top Tier OST Talent
Holly Perry, MBA, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition; Allison Lyon, Director of Talent Acquisition; Think Together, Santa Ana, CA
The hiring demand for entry-level positions is still surging in 2022, and candidate behavior continues to evolve in a post-COVID world. This presentation will highlight what the future of talent acquisition looks like and creative ways to engage candidates to join the field of expanded learning.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership; Sustainability
1:15PM-2:30PM
Expanding Student Self-Awareness and Career Exposure with Find Your Grind
Juan Pablo Vásquez Varela, M.Ed., Director of Student Impact, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Eric Sarb, Account Executive; Erika Somogyi: Senior Customer Success Manager, Find Your Grind, Los Angeles, CA
We often ask our students what they want to do without asking them who they are or what motivates them. Find Your Grind is an innovative software platform that asks students to think about who they are before they decide what they want to do. Think Together has partnered with Find Your Grind to implement intentional career and opportunity exposure. Learn what steps we took to integrate Find Your Grind into a unit of study for students and where you can take students with this digital resource.
M, H, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: Think Together; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
3:45PM-5:15PM
College and Career Success for All: Partnering with AVID to Change the Odds in Expanded Learning
Juan Pablo Vásquez Varela, M.Ed., Director of Student Impact, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Dr. Trent Mohrbutter, Program Specialist, AVID for Higher Education, AVID, San Diego, CA
AVID and Think Together have developed a program that integrates AVID strategies for building relational capacity, developing student skills, and fostering student agency. Learn about the structures, systems, and conditions for success in bringing AVID into the expanded learning systems of supports for students, and get a chance to explore some of the tools and resources that have been developed to support an odds-changing program that prepares students for college and career success.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Friday, May 3
9:15AM-11:15AM
Cultivating Meaningful Partnerships at Every Level
Moderator: Johanna Lizarraga, Executive General Manager, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA
Panelists: Veronica Vallejo: Site Program Manager, Think Together, Palm Springs, CA; Samira Mejia: General Manager, Think Together, Riverside, CA; Ricardo Molina: Quality Assurance Coach, Think Together, San Jose, CA; Maria Bolivar, Director of Program and Operations, Think Together, San Gabriel Valley, CA
Partnership is essential for the success and vitality of the expanded learning industry. As our industry and funding expand, organizations must cultivate meaningful partnerships at every level. From site staff to regional leaders, success comes from a holistic approach to relationship building. Join us for a hybrid session featuring practical tools and resources to improve partnerships followed by a panel of diverse leaders from the field sharing their best practices, experiences, and advice.
PK, E, M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
thinktogether.org
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including all meals and all workshops.
CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK
Cultivate with CAN: Creating Compassionate Communities Where Every Child and Young Person is Well-known, Cared for, and Prepared to Thrive
Join us for a series of workshops on leveraging Expanded Learning (EXL) and Out-of-School (OST) programs to create the future our children, youth, and families deserve, with just and affirming spaces and opportunities that enrich, empower, educate, and elevate them. Our strand explores this topic from different viewpoints - Site Coordinators, Program/District Managers, and Systems Level Leaders. Each session will identify opportunities for continued engagement with CAN beyond the conference.
Wednesday, May 1
10:30AM-12:15PM
Breaking Barriers: Creating Equitable STEAM Learning Opportunities
Lupita Perez, Specialist, Equity & Quality; Melissa Perez, Manager, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
Join CAN & the CA Million Girls Moonshot as we seek to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEAM through after-school and summer programs over the next five years! This interactive and high-energy workshop will explore resources and professional development to support educators in creating accessible, equitable & quality STEAM learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their background.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
2:45PM-4:45PM
Quality Takes A Village - Partnerships, Tips, Tools, and Resources
Tiffany Gipson, Director, Equity & Quality; Nat Rosales, Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
Quality programs don’t happen by accident. It takes a grassroots to grass-tops collaborative effort from how programs are implemented on the site to the structures and infrastructure necessary to create the conditions for high-quality programming. Come and join the CAN team as we explore how to use different CAN resources to create comprehensive, high-quality, asset-based, and student-centered out-of-school-time programs.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; CA Focus
Thursday, May 2
10:00AM-12:00PM
Fostering Workforce Pathways Into, Within, and Beyond Expanded Learning
Bill Fennessy, Specialist, Equity & Quality; Lupita Perez, Specialist, Equity & Quality; California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
This workshop will highlight how our work is vital to practitioners and partners coming Into, growing Within, and going Beyond Expanded Learning (ExL). Join us for a generative conversation and participate in our learner journey as we share our lessons to date - including our relationships-first strategy and “do no harm” mentality to create a more diverse, compassionate, and competent workforce in the ExL/Education sector and the larger Health and Human Services sectors.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
1:15PM-2:30PM
Let’s Showcase Our Field! Increasing Visibility Through Advocacy
Heather Williams, Director, Policy & Outreach; Leslye Lugo, Specialist, Policy & Outreach; Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
Civic engagement goes beyond voting in elections and encompasses a range of activities that contribute to the well-being and development of society. This workshop is designed to demystify advocacy, providing participants with the tools to advocate for youth needs effectively and highlighting the significance of OST programs in their communities. Join us to equip yourself with actionable tools aimed at elevating the visibility and impact of OST initiatives within your community.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
3:45PM-5:15PM
Rooted in Growth: Expanded Learning Foundations for Site Coordinators
Troy Selvey, Manager, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
We at CAN believe that Site Coordinators are the foundation to ensuring we have quality programs. They play a critical role in the success of communities, families, and youth in various ways. Join us as we share 10 things we believe Site Coordinators should know as they step into their roles in Expanded Learning to help enhance and support their effectiveness.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS, CB
Strand California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
Friday, May 3
9:15AM-11:15AM
Growing School & OST Partnerships To Support Student Well-Being
Jeff Davis, Executive Director, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA
There has never been a better time to partner across sectors to advance Whole Child Health and Wellness. To ensure that California maximizes unprecedented investments in student well-being, it will require various education, health, mental health, and other human services to collaborate in ways they have not typically done. Join us and learn about partnering with CA's Expanded Learning ecosystem to align multiple funding sources to support student, family, and community well-being.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
afterschoolnetwork.org
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including all meals and all workshops.
LAUSD - Beyond the Bell
With over 178,492 students participating daily in the programming provided by Beyond the Bell, the need for quality programs that engage and inspire students to pursue their passions continues to drive Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to remain on the cutting edge. LAUSD recognizes that kids need opportunities to design, build, create, practice, learn and thrive! Beyond the Bell is leading the charge for innovative Out of School Time programs through creative approaches to program design, collaboration, and training. As pioneers and leaders in after school programming, Beyond the Bell serves the students of the LAUSD at over 600 school sites. Through the cultivation of a sense of urgency, to keep up with the pace of change, Beyond the Bell works diligently to support students through academic and enrichment programs that engage heads, hands, and heart.
Beyond the Bell workshops are co-facilitated by top LAUSD staff working directly in the field. They are the practitioners that are on the ground developing, implementing and refining programs in real-time. Each of these practitioners are members of LAUSD's Core 30, an innovative unique professional development and learning community designed to expand, examine and explore best practices in education and OST programs to be directly implemented directly at LAUSD program sites.
Wednesday, April 28
10:30AM-12:15PM
The Fun Factor
Carlos Garcia, Regional Director; Brenda Soriano, Program Coordinator, Los Angeles Unified School District Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles, CA
Join LAUSD's Beyond The Bell in our workshop and learn how to bring out the FUN FACTOR in all aspects of your program! We'll go over how to utilize "FUN" in your professional development, curriculum, projects, and campaigns to leave a lasting and meaningful impression. Activities, spaces, and environments can all be made to enjoy with a little creative thinking and resourcefulness. Don't be a party pooper, come join the fun!
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
2:45PM-4:45PM
“Creating Positive Pathways of Potential & Promise Through Sport” – Journey with Us!
Rafael Acosta, Regional Director; Raul Menjivar, Area Program Supervisor, Los Angeles Unified School District Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles, CA
Join LAUSD-Beyond the Bell and embark on a journey of potential and promise! Through a fun, active & reflective workshop participants will learn how Beyond the Bell has created pathways of change & opportunity through positive coaching and mentorship within their Middle School Sports Program. Participants will hear from program leadership and alumni as they reveal key findings from a 3 Year Impact Study showcasing the power of youth sports within expanded learning.
MLA, CB, DS, E, M
Thursday, April 29
10:00AM-12:00PM
Wellness + Mindset + Coaching = Stronger Workforce: Wellness Pathway to Meet the Demand of the Workplace
Elvy Garcia, Regional Director; Majanaye Anderson, Program Coordinator, Los Angeles Unified School District Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles, CA;
Most of us spend our waking hours in service to our students and staff. If not at work, we are thinking about ways to enhance and to solve program needs sending us to the brink of burnout. Join our circle to learn principles of mindset, wellness, and coaching practices to support individual and team growth. Prepare yourself as we explore the pathways to a stronger workforce beyond the day-to-day demands of our community and organizational needs.
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
1:15PM-2:30PM
Build Community, Not Disunity
David Tuero, Sr. Director Out-of-School Programs; Jimena Toscano, Regional Director Out-of-School Programs; Carmen Alvarez-Esparza, Out-of-School Traveling Program Supervisor, Los Angeles Unified School District Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles, CA
Join the fun in our hands-on interactive approach to building community within your program. Learn various activities that will help you & your students get to know each other while creating strong bonds & ties. Building community within your program is a proactive way to ensure all students feel welcomed, acknowledged, part of the group, as well as curve behavioral issues. Promoting a student’s positive overall social-emotional wellbeing. Did I mention we’ll have treats? Well, we will!
CB, DS, E, M
3:45PM-5:15PM
#LitLeadership: Impact of Implementing a Culture for Developing Up and Coming Leaders
Dr. Sandra Cano, High School Field Coordinator; Victor Guzman, Area Program Supervisor; Jesse Oliveros, Program Coordinator, Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, CA
Participants will walk away with strategies on building sustainable systems and structures that promote leadership capacity in expanded learning programs. Join the Beyond the Bell team in this interactive workshop focused on leadership development centered around youth and staff.
CB, DS, E, M, H
Building the Workforce
Rick Castro, Regional Director; Betty Lopez, Program Coordinator Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, CA
Is your workforce facing challenges? LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner has deemed soft skills to be the biggest gap in the United States. Training your workforce in these vital skills will enable your employees to think innovatively, communicate more effectively, and accept feedback. Join us, as we share the tools LAUS-Beyond the Bell is implementing to empower their employees to collaborate, lead, and change the workforce. Together we can close the skills gap and impact the expanded learning field.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
btb.lausd.net
Beyond the Bell Workshop Strand
With over 178,492 students participating daily in the programming provided by Beyond the Bell, the need for quality programs that engage and inspire students to pursue their passions continues to drive Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to remain on the cutting edge. LAUSD recognizes that kids need opportunities to design, build, create, practice, learn and thrive! Beyond the Bell is leading the charge for innovative Out of School Time programs through creative approaches to program design, collaboration and training. As pioneers and leaders in after school programming, Beyond the Bell serves the students of the LAUSD at over 600 school sites. Through the cultivation of a sense of urgency, to keep up with the pace of change, Beyond the Bell works diligently to support students through academic and enrichment programs that engage heads, hands and heart.
All Beyond the Bell workshops are co-facilitated by top LAUSD staff working directly in the field. They are the practitioners that are on the ground developing, implementing and refining programs in real time. Each of these practitioners are members of LAUSD's Core 30, an innovative unique professional development and learning community designed to expand, examine and explore best practices in education and OST programs to be directly implemented directly at LAUSD program sites.
We look forward to collaborating and sharing ideas at our 6 workshop session. Beyond the Bell continues to push quality out of school programming to new limits as we innovatively advance to meet the needs of the students we serve.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
Middle School Take Action Campaign (MTAC)
Take Action Now to Empower Your Middle School Students
Carlos Martinez, Field Coordinator; Carlos Garcia, Area Program Supervisor; Elvy Pacheco, Area Program Supervisor; and Betty Lopez, Area Program Supervisor, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
Begin molding the leaders of the 21st Century with a longer runway by providing leadership opportunities as early as the Sixth Grade! Discover how LAUSD students from diverse groups form cohesive and inclusive leadership committees to get things done. Learn how students indentify school needs and develop service learning projects and civic events. MTAC participants have created projects to provide greater awareness and engagement towards Breast Cancer, Poverty and Equal Rights. In LAUSD, it's never too early to TAKE ACTION with our students!
Middle
Upper-Level Administration, Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service, Capacity Building
Strand: LAUSD
Los Angeles "High-er" School Programs
Take Action with Your Teens to Achieve Higher Engagement
Al Cortes, Executive Director; Harry Talbot, Administrative Coordinator, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA; Gary Lipsky, Co-President; Brad Lupien, Co-President, arc, Inglewood, CA; Stu Semigran, President, EduCare Foundation, Van Nuys, CA; and Ray Trinidad, CEO, iMpact People, Chula Vista, CA
Discover Los Angeles LAUSD's bold and collaborative approach to offering aligned OST programs to over 36 high schools and 24 middle schools in the nation's second largest school district. This workshop will provide specific strategies in creating student involvement for non-traditional leaders, securing resources and funding, raising academic achievement and STEM resources for at-risk populations, and increasing program access and attendance for EL students.
High
Upper-Level Administration, Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service, Capacity Building
Strand: LAUSD
THURSDAY, MAY 1
Electronic Badges: Open Badging is Now Open for Business During Los Angeles's Summer of Learning
Hovik Kasamanyan, Program Coordinator; Eliana Murillo, TPS; Rick Castro, Program Coordinator, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
Find out why LA continues to lead California in innovation and bold programming through unprecedented partnerships! This summer, city government, private industries, educators and OST programmers will partner to turn the city of Los Angeles into a real world classroom where students can master skills that will enrich their learning and prepare them for life after school. Students will then be able to share and showcase their accomplishments and achievements through Open Electronic Badging. This summer, students can earn several meaningful Badges by participating in LAUSD's activities at different locations throughout the city. With this program, students won't feel bad about being "Badgered" into going to summer school!
Elementary, Middle, High
Upper-Level Administration, Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service, Capacity Building
Strand: LAUSD
LA's Extreme STEAM Team
This Ain't Your Grandmother's After School Program!
Harry Talbot, Administrative Coordinator; Gerry Salazar, Coordinator; Carlos Garcia, Area Program Supervisor; and Queena Au, Playground Program Specialist, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
You've heard all the cliché's about STEAM in the classroom and in after-school programs. Now is the time to experience what LAUSD is doing to get kids STrEAM-lined into doing relevant work during Out of School Time. Learn what LAUSD is doing with National Competitions for Cyber-Security and Robotics. Witness examples of environmental and sustainability programs through LAUSD'S Outdoor Educational Department. Most of all, find out what LAUSD is doing to support all kids with STEAM in their programs.
Middle
Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service, Capacity Building
Strand: LAUSD
LAUSD Beyond the Bell
Serving The Students Beyond The ELL
Robert Diaz, ELL Coordinator; Ed Sampiero, Regional Director; and Howard Serpas, Program Coordinator, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
Join us as the collaborative and innovative Language in Action Program (LAP) Team shares how they create and build confidence for their English Language Learners (ELL). Experience how LAP develops hands-on, interactive project based activities to help develop language and communication skills for this underserved population. Explore how the LAP uses fun and technology-based methods to improve language comprehensive skills using, media, peer teaching and service learning activities. Come ready to do some LAPs with us in this workshop-- no towel or water bottles needed!
High
Upper-Level Administration, Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service, Capacity Building
Strand: LAUSD
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Common Core LA Style
Ushering In the New Era of The Common Core Expanded Learning "LA Style"
Marie Bracamonte, Field Coordinator; David Tuero, Regional Director; and Rafeal Acosta, Regional Director, Beyond the Bell Branch/LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
Discover LAUSD's winning formula to help support Common Core and the Core Day. Find out the link between the Era of Common Core Learning Standards and its impact on Out of School Time (OST). Learn how Beyond the Bell's exemplary OST practices and program innovations support this new movement. In this workshop, participants will be engaged in presentations, discussions and activities-- all focused on firmly placing interdisciplinary learning at the forefront. So please come see us to strengthen your Core!
Elementary, Middle, High
Mid-Level Administration, Direct Service
Strand: LAUSD
Be the Change Consulting
Level Up Your Youth Development - Taking Your Program Practice to the Next Level
Level Up Your Youth Development: Come join Be the Consulting team to Level Up. In the fast-paced digital world, this is the time to level up your practice to introduce new innovative strategies to support your young people. In this strand, we will look at how we can continue to build the youth development movement and build capacity to support practitioners in the field. We have workshops to Level Up on supporting generational change, behavior management, social-emotional learning, cultural competency, and an internal training team.
Wednesday, April 28
10:30AM-12:15PM
Level Up: Behavior Management and Restorative Justice to Re-Frame Conflict
Fong Marcolongo, Director of Training and Capacity Building, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA
This is an advanced workshop for leaders who have already introduced restorative circles, leveled intervention strategies, and PBIS tools into their programs. Most of us have seen that the tools alone are not enough to make a difference. For a restorative approach to discipline to take hold, practitioners need the deep empathy and perspective skills to reframe problematic behavioral choices as un-met needs, name emotions, and stay grounded through the process.
In this session, we will practice re-framing conflict, and shift our questions from asking 'what rules were broken' to 'what harm was done and what is needed'. This session builds on the youth development principles of engagement, skill-building, and community involvement. Participants will learn simple and creative strategies to prevent conflict, intervene during conflict, and restore relationships after conflict, and then consider what it takes to institutionalize this type of mindset shift program or system-wide.
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
2:45PM-4:45PM
Level Up: Supervision for Effective Employee Development to Support Generational Change
Aminta Steinbach, Director of Equity and Inclusion; Sangita Kumar, Principal, and Founder, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA
Our youth development field is full of passionate staff who need structured opportunities to learn and grow. Most organizations provide job clarity and on the job training. To take your staff to the next level requires tailoring how you offer feedback and support to the generational needs of the workforce. As technology shifts how we communicate, this workshop will help supervisors grapple with what can be communicated through text, email, etcetera to develop the natural talents of their team, serve as inspiration when the going gets tough, and set high expectations for those around them to achieve transformational results for youth.
ULA, PK, E, M, H, HE
Thursday, April 29
10:00AM-12:00PM
Level Up: Creating a Youth Development Movement
Sherrice Dorsey-Smith, Program and Planning Manager, Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA Shawn Ginwright, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Flourish Agenda Inc., Oakland, CA Sangita Kumar, Principal and Founder, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA
Over the past five years the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), San Francisco State University, Be the Change Consulting, and a consortium of capacity builders, and have engaged in a rigorous process to integrate a standards-based framework into capacity building offerings to establish a DCYF University. Through this approach to professionalize and expand the Youth Development Field, practitioners are able to receive accreditation in a youth development specialization and offer practitioners and organizations alike a way to level up their capacity and ability to attract funding
ULA, PK, E, M, H, HE
1:15PM-2:30PM
Level Up: Social Emotional Learning
Fong Marcolongo, Director of Training and Capacity Building; Aminta Steinbach, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA
Relationships are a critical building block for all learning. Without strong relationships, young people struggle to gain safety and security to raise their hands, share an idea, take a risk, or try something new. At the same time, conflict is a natural part of life, and regardless of our best efforts to create a safe and caring community where youth know each other’s names, know what the rules are and are motivated to follow them, we know conflicts will still occur! In this session, we will level up our skills to create emotional safety in youth spaces. Equipping young people with the mindset, tools, and skills to navigate conflict is an important part of social-emotional development. We can empower young people to practice self-management and self-awareness, build social awareness and relationship skills, and finally make responsible decisions to resolve their own conflicts. As young people build the skills to stay in the “right relationship,” conflict can become constructive rather than destructive. The curriculum paired with this training will enable staff to create a Communication Zone in their classroom, based on CASEL’s Social Emotional Learning framework, a research-validated process for building intentional communities.
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
3:45PM-5:15PM
Level Up: Working with Consultants to Boost Your Capacity, Strategies to Build Sustainable Infrastructure and Systems
Fong Marcolongo, Director of Training and Capacity Building; Sangita Kumar, Principal, and Founder, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA; Mele Lau-Smith, Executive Director, Student, Family, Community Support Division, San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco, CA
Have you ever brought in an outside consultant to spearhead a new initiative, then when it was ready to pass the torch from consultant to staff found a ton of holes in the process? For leaders who leverage the specialized skill-sets of consultants, in this session, we will share how the San Francisco Unified School District partnered with Be the Change Consulting to develop a tailored program assessment and improvement process. We will share how we co-created a model, tested & refined, and finally transferred the project management and execution back to staff. Hear from SFUSD’s newly appointed Chief of Student, Family, Community Support Division Mele Lau, Be the Change Consulting Founder Sangita Kumar, and Be the Change Consulting Program Director Fong Marcolongo.
ULA, MLA, CB, PK, E, M, H, HE
Friday, April 30
9:15AM-11:15AM
Level Up: Cultural Competency
Sangita Kumar, Principal, and Founder; Aminta Steinbach, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Be the Change Consulting, Oakland, CA
The culture of our programs – how we talk to one another, the way we make people feel, our approach to feedback or difficult moments – sends a message to staff and youth about how power is held. In this workshop, participants will level up their assessment of program culture. We will explore 14 organizational practices that are steeped in dominant culture ideals such as the right to comfort, fear of open conflict or paternalism. These beliefs pervade most of our organizations through our practices. In this session, we will define each of these terms, and engage in an assessment of where your organization is strong and identify opportunities to grow. We will pinpoint moments that perpetuate exclusion and oppression and practice alternative ways of getting work done while preserving relationships, rigor, and effectiveness.
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Contact Be the Change Consulting
Address: 2744 East 11th Street, A1,
Oakland, CA 94601
Phone: 510-985-4152
Main contact: Amelia Lopez-Helm | 559-790-0285 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.bethechangeconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethechangeconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangeconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/btccOakland
