Tag: Centering Culture

Coyote and the expansion of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration

By School's Out Washington

The ability to express oneself as a young person is a valuable tool for growth and healing. Coyote’s mission is to, “spark creativity in young people, putting tools in their hands to build skills and forge their futures.” Jess  Schwab, Communications Director at Coyote, and Alex Peterson, Program & Engagement Manager, shared their insight into the organization’s impact so far and the exciting future ahead.  Can you expand on the organization’s vision of “An equitable world powered by curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.” How does that play out in Coyote’s approach to programming and community engagement? Coyote’s model is unique in Seattle … [ ]

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura

By School's Out Washington

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is launching a series of sessions in Spanish that invite all who have an interest to share virtual space on various challenging or emerging topics that affect the children and young people with whom we work. We would love your virtual presence! Each session is gently guided by Maria Pia Johnson Barreto, SOWA’s Learning & Design Manager, and Clara Rosebrock, SOWA’s Learning & Design Coordinator. We will host this open space via Zoom during each season of the year: Fall: December 08 , 2022 10 AM -11:30 AM Winter: February 28, 2023 … [ ]

Celebrating queer youth leadership, every day.

By Adriana Zazula

An oasis is defined as a, “peaceful area in the midst of a difficult or hectic place.” For LGBTQ youth in Tacoma,  Oasis Youth Center  is just that.  For more than 36 years it has been a place of joy, community, and understanding. Their mission is to, “transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive.”  “Oasis believes that queer youth are amazing leaders that have the ability to change the world,” said Siggy Frank, Program Manager at Oasis Youth Center. Frank was introduced to Oasis at 14 years old  and participated in … [ ]

Tanaya Winder will share her “heartwork” at the 2022 Bridge Conference

By School's Out Washington

We are thrilled to have Tanaya Winder as our Opening Keynote Speaker at this year’s Bridge Conference. Our Bridge Planning Team was inspired by her storytelling, artistry, and messages about healing and wellness, which match our desire to build a Conference that integrates opportunities for healing, restoration, and joy. We appreciate her roots in youth development and we sought out people whose identities have not been as well represented in the past few years. She is able to talk about difficult things while still leaving folks feeling uplifted and her work is well-aligned with our theme of Illuminating Becoming. Tanaya … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Salish School of Spokane 

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. The mission of the Salish School of Spokane (SSOS) is “dynamic Salish language revitalization powering cultural renewal and building a stronger, healthier community.”  Of the 29 Salish languages of the Pacific Northwest, 16 no longer have surviving first-language speakers. SSOS offers invaluable Salish language immersion childcare and elementary school for Native American families in the greater Spokane area, working to preserve and … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Asian Pacific Cultural Center

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. The Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s mission is “to bridge communities and generations through art, culture, education and business.” Executive Director Faaluaina (Lua) Pritchard shares her insight into the work of the organization.   “Teaming up together (with school districts) makes the difference. That’s what’s fantastic about our work. We are making a difference. The Tacoma School District graduation rate was low until … [ ]