Category: News

A Time to Give: SOWA’s Year-End Showcase

As we wrap up another whirlwind of a year, School’s Out Washington is grateful for all we’ve been able to accomplish. We hope our community will join us in support and celebration as we reach even higher to support expanded learning programs.   Join us!   Fill your heart with Community Spotlights. Each story shares the real, on-the-ground impact expanded learning programs play in the lives of young people across the state.   Learn and celebrate SOWA’s unique role and what we’ve brought to the field this year, including:   Make a donation! Some of our most critical work—like advocating for more funds for … [ ]

The Youth Development Strategy Table invites you to Regional Networking Meetings

By School's Out Washington

This Fall the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) will be traveling around the state to hear from providers and stakeholders what their needs are to support youth and strategize how to increase state investments for the youth development field. The YDST is currently working on legislative priorities including the creation of a state agency home for the youth development field, long-term funding, and funding for programs. Join us to learn more about the priorities, add your input, and network with other youth development providers and stakeholders. We hope to see you there! City & Region Event Location Date & Time … [ ]

Erin Jones hosts Fireside Chat at Bridge

By School's Out Washington

What does it look like to embody the past, present, and future? How do we hold our collective learning and embrace with honesty who we are and where we are going? These are the questions we asked with this year’s Bridge Conference theme, “Illuminating Becoming.” It was our hope to bring together a group of imaginative leaders from across Washington state to dive deeper into questions like these and share their learning along the way. The four individuals we are honored to give our stage to include those who are leading with anti-racist practices in education and youth development, taking … [ ]

Joy, Healing and Restoration highlighted at this year’s Bridge Conference.

By School's Out Washington

While we continue to face new and ongoing challenges in Washington state and beyond, our team has held true to our Bridge Conference values of  Equity​, Nourishment​, Leadership​, Change​, Innovation​, Community​, and  Belonging. It is these values that inspired us to meet the needs of our community through carefully chosen workshops. We invite and strongly encourage each person to choose a session that is just for you and what you want and need, whether it is joy or healing or restoration. Here is a list of just some of the sessions we’ll be offering this year. Everyday Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Presenters … [ ]

Developing our Bridge Conference COVID-19 Protocols

By School's Out Washington

As we prepare to return to an in-person Conference for the first time in three years, we are announcing our revised COVID-19 Protocols and Practices for our 2022 Bridge Conference, which will take place in Tacoma October 24-25.   SOWA leadership and the Bridge Planning team recognize the importance of honoring multiple truths, norms, and experiences, especially when deciding about the health and safety of our community. Our Bridge Planning team includes staff from across the state, is primarily people of color, and has a wide array of experiences in the field. Their perspectives and experiences helped shape our decision-making process.   … [ ]

Response to Mead School District Board of Directors Draft Policies

By School's Out Washington

Response to Mead School District Board of Directors Draft Policies: Draft Policy 2401 – Civics Education and Amendment to Policy 2021 – Library Media Center  School’s Out Washington (SOWA) remains committed to ensuring that all children and youth in our state feel welcome, safe, and can thrive. We join many students, families, school staff, and organizations in opposing two proposals before the Mead School District Board of Directors – Draft Policy 2401 and Amendment to Policy 2021.   As an intermediary organization that works with afterschool and summer programs all over the Spokane area and the state, we see the challenges … [ ]