2002 Conference
Invitation - Sponsors - Schedule - Presenters - Monday's Workshops - Tuesday's Workshops

Monday's Workshops

"Creating the Fun Community: When Did Having Fun Get So Hard?”

Morning Keynote Address, 8:30 to 9:15 AM

Presenter: Bernie DeKoven is the author of The Well-Played Game, a book where he voiced the philosophy of "healthy competition" that formed the core teachings of the New Games Foundation where he served as a Co-Director. He is one of the primary designers of the New Games Training, a program that is credited with revolutionizing physical education curricula worldwide. Bernie has also created one of the most extensive on-line resources, (www.deepfun.com), for play aficionados. Bernie lives in Redondo Beach, CA.

Presentation Description: When we were children, playing in the street or the back lot, we knew all about “Fun Communities.” When someone got hurt, the game would stop. Because we had fun with each other, we allowed our trust to reside not in any particular game, but in the community itself. In the process of growing up we discovered “Game Communities.” We no longer played for fun, but rather we played to win. And so we all lost.

Objectives:

• To (re)learn how to have fun
• To see the connections between the level of fun in your life and everything else
• To “set the stage” for the two day conference

"Infusing Soul and Authentic Community into Leadership"

Institute A, 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenter: Rachael Kessler is the founder of The Passage Ways Institute and the author of The Soul of Education: Helping Students Find Connection, Compassion and Character at School, and also the founder of The Passage Ways Institute. Described by Daniel Goldman as a "leader in a new movement for emotional literacy," Rachael has developed a framework for addressing the spiritual void in young people that bridges the interests of educators, parents, and policy-makers from across the spectrum of religious and political beliefs. She offers tools and experiences that will deepen capacities for listening, heighten authenticity in speaking and provide a larger perspective leading to respect and collaborative problem solving. Rachael lives in Boulder, CO.

Workshop Description: This workshop introduces participants to the core objectives, principles and methods of the Passages approach to social and emotional learning. The focus is on building the foundation experiences and skills in groups and teams which allow members to communicate with authenticity, depth and meaning.

Objectives:

• To establish the connections between soul, ethics and leadership
• To highlight and describe the “Passages” program
• To share specific examples and stories of places and people that have integrated this approach into their daily lives

"Introduction to Entrepreneurship Skills for Youth"

Institute B, 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenter: Sandra Scott-Sowell is an entrepreneurship education consultant and educator. She developed the curriculum design for the statewide Youth Entrepreneurial Training Program that was funded by the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development from 1992 thru 2002. She has served as the State Director of Youth Entrepreneurial training at Temple University Small Business Development Center.. Sandra has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in English Education from Carnegie Mellon University. She has had extensive training in the teaching of entrepreneurship as part of The Price-Babson Fellows Program at Babson College. She is a certified entrepreneurship instructor for the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship.

Workshop Description: Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? Are you a youth leader, teacher, community organizer, etc., who would like to learn more about how to start and implement an entrepreneurship education program? If so, this session will help experience the excitement of the entrepreneurial classroom. Using curriculum and activities developed by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), Sandra will guide you through a series of “hands on” learning activities. You will learn how to start and operate a small business. NFTE is an international, award winning organization dedicated to developing economically productive members of society by improving the academic, business, technical and life skills of inner city youth.

Objectives:

• Expose participants to the exciting world of “Entrepreneurial Thinking”
• Help both youth and adult participants acquire an understanding of the basic knowledge, attitudes and skills that young people need to develop if they wish to become successful entrepreneurs
• Demonstrate how entrepreneurs coordinate business opportunities, resources and people to build successful businesses

"When Things Go Wrong: Restorative Responses to Everything from Bullying to Burglary"

Institute C, 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenters: Bob Costello is the Director of Training of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) in Bethlehem, PA. Bob was previously the Coordinator of an alternative high school for troubled youth at the Community Service Foundation (CSF). He facilitates various trainings for the IIRP and CSF, provides management training and serves as a consultant to public schools on implementing Restorative Practices through the Safe and Saner Schools Program. Stu Woods is the Chief of Police for the Richland Township Police Department in Bucks County, PA. Stu has been DARE instructor, School Resource Officer, Community Policing Specialist and a Tactical Team Officer. He has been honored with the Governors’ Highway Safety Award for creation and implementation of programs for youth, and has received local, county, and Philadelphia region commendations for his efforts in drug abuse education for youth and adults. He created a widely acclaimed parents course entitled “Are We Losing the War against Drugs and Violence”.

Workshop Description: Beyond just punishing individuals, traditional disciplinary methods in schools and courts rarely achieve their desired outcomes. Learn about the practice of Community Accountability Circles or Family Group Conferences; a way to hold young people accountable within a community that cares. This approach is a balanced and restorative practice used in schools, juvenile court systems and church settings to "repair harm" between individuals.

Objectives:

• To understand the difference between Restorative Justice and Retributive Justice
• To gain an appreciation for the value of expressing human emotions in the process of “repairing harm” between people
• To recognize ways the a Community Accountability Circle can be used in a school, community or church setting

"Reclaiming Family Life "

Workshop Session 1, #1, 9:15 to 10:45 AM

Presenter: Kevin Kervick is a marriage and family therapist in private practice in Souderton, PA. He is also a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Kevin is the main principal of Responsive Community Resources, a consulting, training, and community services organization dedicated to building responsive community relationships which he founded in 1998. He is also the Adult Resource Person for Teen.TAPS, a youth leadership group in the Lehigh Valley, PA. Kevin has been Coordinator of the 40 Assets project in the Lehigh Valley, and a participant on the Pennridge Area Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth Initiative. He is also a father of two, married to his wife Karen for 18 years.

Workshop Description: In the frenzied pace of today’s consumer-oriented world, is it any wonder so many of our children are feeling pressured to perform at such tender ages? Our priorities have shifted dangerously toward the things that make one a ready consumer but may interfere with the natural nurturing capacities of family and community ties. Our families are under siege! This workshop will identify how we arrived at this destructive condition which is creating problems for overscheduled children. And together we will develop concrete strategies for reclaiming family time that attendees can take back to their own communities. There is strength in numbers. And there is hope!

Objectives:

• Statistics about decline in family time over the past 20 years
• The effects of such over-scheduling on children
• Strategies for reversing the trend in your own community

"Pointless Fun: A Playful Path to Happiness"

Workshop Session 1, #2, 9:15 to 10:45 AM

Presenter: Bernie DeKoven is the author of The Well-Played Game, a book where he voiced the philosophy of "healthy competition" that formed the core teachings of the New Games Foundation where he served as a Co-Director. He is one of the primary designers of the New Games Training, a program that is credited with revolutionizing physical education curricula worldwide. Bernie has also created one of the most extensive on-line resources, (www.deepfun.com), for play aficionados. Bernie lives in Redondo Beach, CA.

Workshop Description: Increase your repertoire of really silly things to do with people. Learn a whole bunch of reasonable excuses you can give for these activities. If you don't keep score, if nobody loses, if there really isn't a goal, if there's no hidden meaning, if there's no revelations about the meaning of life or who you really are in this world - whatever you're doing is clearly "pointless." And yet, if doing them results in great laughter and deep fun, or vice-versa, these Pointless Activities are very healthy and healing gifts.

Objectives:

• To learn more reasonable excuses to use energizers, ice-breakers, games and those touchy feely things in meetings and gatherings
• To build your repertoire of different activities
• To learn to make connections between “pointless fun” and purposeful living

"Youth Activism: The Changing of a State Law”

Workshop Session 1, #3, 9:15 to 10:45 AM

Presenters: Teen.TAPS Youth Leadership Group, Bethlehem, PA, is a group of young leaders that serve as resources to organizations in the Lehigh Valley concerning matters that affect children and adolescents because it is a strongly held belief that teens should be active decision-making partners with adults. Teen.TAPS helps to spread the word about the importance of the 40 Developmental Assets and incorporates the asset philosophy in everything they do. The group formed in 2000 in response to the need for youth partnership at the first "Unleashing the Power of Youth and Community Potential Conference" in 2000. In addition the group is currently waging a campaign to make it possible for youth in Pennsylvania to have voting privileges on community boards and commissions.

Workshop Description: Teen.TAPS: Teenagers Taking Action to Power Solutions spearheaded a recent initiative to change a Pennsylvania state law prohibiting people under the age of 18 from voting on boards of directors of non-profit organizations. Teen.TAPS has been instrumental in building support for changing the law amongst community partners, adults, and youth. These teens also train boards on how to better incorporate youth in the decision making process- a goal that will be expedited by the legislative amendment. In their workshop, the youth of Teen.TAPS will share their experience and brainstorm with participants ways to overcome barriers in youth-adult communication, providing real solutions to real, everyday obstacles in the youth empowerment community

Objectives:

• To share the knowledge and experience gained by one teen group in pursuit of legislative change
• To educate participants about youth involvement opportunities in the decision making process
• To develop channels of communication between youth and adults

"Pointless Fun: A Playful Path to Happiness” (Repeat of Workshop #2)

Workshop Session 2, #4, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenter: Bernie DeKoven is the author of The Well-Played Game, a book where he voiced the philosophy of "healthy competition" that formed the core teachings of the New Games Foundation where he served as a Co-Director. He is one of the primary designers of the New Games Training, a program that is credited with revolutionizing physical education curricula worldwide. Bernie has also created one of the most extensive on-line resources, (www.deepfun.com), for play aficionados. Bernie lives in Redondo Beach, CA.

Workshop Description: Increase your repertoire of really silly things to do with people. Learn a whole bunch of reasonable excuses you can give for these activities. If you don't keep score, if nobody loses, if there really isn't a goal, if there's no hidden meaning, if there's no revelations about the meaning of life or who you really are in this world - whatever you're doing is clearly "pointless." And yet, if doing them results in great laughter and deep fun, or vice-versa, these Pointless Activities are very healthy and healing gifts.

Objectives:

• To learn more reasonable excuses to use energizers, ice-breakers, games and those touchy feely things in meetings and gatherings
• To build your repertoire of different activities
• To learn to make connections between “pointless fun” and purposeful living

"HC/HY of the Abingtons: From 0-40 Assets in Six Seconds (Years)"

Workshop Session 2, #5, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenters: Carla Beach is the Coordinator of the Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth Initiative of the Abingtons since 1998. The HCHY Initiative is co-sponsored by the Abington Heights School District and the Abington Ecumenical Ministerium. Her community activism has included founding and leading a community environmental organization that directed recycling “profits” to local schools; working as a consultant for a Southern California school district to implement innovative new programs that actively engaged middle school students in their community; and serving repeatedly as PTA president at elementary through high school levels. Kaitlin Gilboy is a junior at Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit, PA. She is the president of the Abington Youth Council, which is a group formed by students to create and oversee a youth center for the community and is part of the Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth Initiative of the Abingtons. She has been an active council member for 2 years. She participates in SADD and Speech League. She also belongs to the Abington Heights Chorus and Swim Team. Scott Johnson is a non-voting, youth member of the Board of Directors of the Healthy communities-Healthy Youth Initiative of the Abingtons and a senior at Abington Heights High School. He is also a member of the Abington Youth Council, a group of young individuals who have responsibility for overseeing the Abington Youth Center and who are working very hard to improve their community. In addition to helping out his community, Scott performs on the violin and plays on his school's volleyball team.

Workshop Description: HCHY of the Abingtons is a community-based initiative in northeastern Pennsylvania that takes an action-oriented approach to building developmental assets in youth. This grassroots organization is a winner of the 2002 Jostens Our Town Award and Grant. Their asset-building activities include an ongoing Battle of the Bands program, a parent education program, the Renaissance Student Incentive program, a Career Mentor program, the Abington Community Pledge and the Abington Youth Center. Co-sponsored by the Abington Heights School District and the Abington Ecumenical Ministerium, HCHY of the Abingtons is now in its sixth year.

Objectives:

• To demonstrate how one community mobilized to build assets in its youth
• To describe coalition building between various segments of a community
• To share how youth involvement strengthened a community initiative

"Assets 101: An Introduction to the 40 Developmental Assets"

Workshop Session 2, #6, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Presenter: Roberta Meek is the Assets Coordinator for the United Way Youth Initiatives in Bethlehem, PA. She is a dynamic presenter and trainer who brings humor and insight to her workshops. She works closely with the Lehigh Valley Asset Builders and is the Adult Resource Person for Teen.TAPS, a youth leadership group. Roberta has extensive experience in creative problem solving, managing change and pluralistic leadership. She is a skilled facilitator and has assisted local and national non-profit organizations with self-assessment and strategic planning. In addition to her professional involvements, Roberta is the proud single mom of two children and the grandmother of a beautiful grandson. In her “spare-time”, Roberta is an accomplished jazz vocalist and volunteers her time for various causes.

Workshop Description: This workshop is a primer about Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets and the ways that communities around the country are embracing the framework. Participants will understand how the 40 Assets movement enhances existing positive youth development programs and initiatives. Attendees will engage in fun, yet informative, activities to gain an understanding of the context in which the 40 Assets are applied and their positive impact on young people. In addition, this interactive workshop will offer participants the opportunity to apply the 40 Assets to their own lives.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to demonstrate understanding of the concept of developmental assets
• Participants will be able to delineate how the assets approach can be used to foster the mission of their organization, school, or family
• Participants will be able to place the assets movement in context with other positive youth development trends, programs, and practices

“Youth Voices, Life Choices”

Lunch Keynote Address, 1:15 to 1:30 PM

Presenter: Kathleen Claussen is a Wells Scholar in her freshman year at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. In 2000, she co-founded a youth empowerment group called Teen.TAPS: Teenagers Taking Action to Power Solutions. Under her leadership, Teen.TAPS created a statewide public advocacy campaign to initiate changing a Pennsylvania state law that prohibits youth from voting on non-profit organization boards. At the time of this writing, the Pennsylvania legislature is working on this amendment. Kathleen lives in Bethlehem, PA when not attending college.

Presentation Description: In life, we make choices every day -- choices that influence the way we live, choices that inspire our peers, and choices that affect young people. During community coalition meetings, younger members are often asked the well-meaning question, "Well, as our youth representative, what do you think?" Without realization, adults sometimes marginalize and discount youth. Hear a story of how one youth group was not only listened to, but pursued a change in public policy.

Objectives:

• To share a personal story of youth leadership
• To demonstrate the power of pursuing an idea to change the law
• To motivate other young people to stand up and be heard

"Out of the Closet into the Community: Supporting Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth"

Workshop Session 3, #7, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenters: Chy Spain is an artist an activist living and working in Philadelphia, PA. His creative credits include leading The Attic Youth Center’s interactive improv theatre troupe, Thesbians & Drama Queens (TDQ), and producing his first self published volume of original poetry. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Swarthmore College, a Pennsylvania State Teacher’s certification in secondary education, and over eight years of experience educating on issues pertaining to gender and sexuality in the greater Philadelphia area. Through his work with The Attic Youth Center, Chy has done extensive training within the Philadelphia Public School District for students, staff and faculty. He has also provided training for medical and social work students, mental health and health care providers, foster care parents, religious communities, youth and youth service providers. Darlene Furey is the Director of the Bryson Institute of the Attic Youth Center, in Doylestown, PA.

Workshop Description: This workshop consists of an interactive, improvisational socio-drama theatrical presentation that explores the issues facing GLBTQ youth. The presentation is given by the nationally acclaimed theater troupe: Thesbians and Drama Queens. Recipients of the 2002 Impact Award for Art and Activism from the National Youth Advocacy Coalition.

Objectives:

• To heighten awareness of the prevalence and effects of homophobia and to provide accurate and relevant information about GLBTQ youth
• To raise awareness of the needs of GLBTQ youth and to teach strategies for working with them
• To provide information on community resources for GLBTQ youth

"Youth Tobacco Use: Facts, Current Trends and Proposed Solutions"

Workshop Session 3, #8, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenter: Amy Mack is an Adolescent Tobacco Cessation Program Regional Coordinator for the Caron Foundation, a not-for-profit chemical dependency treatment facility based in Wernersville, PA. Amy supervises a team of tobacco cessation program facilitators for the Philadelphia region. She is responsible for marketing and facilitating an 8-week behavioral modification-based program, which is designed to help and support adolescent tobacco users in the quitting nicotine process. Amy holds a master’s degree in social work from Widener University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gettysburg College. She is licensed by the Association of Social Work Boards and is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Clinical Social Workers.

Workshop Description: Youth tobacco use today has been deemed a pediatric epidemic by the Institute of Medicine. The negative ramifications of youth tobacco use far exceed poor health. Tobacco use has been linked to more widespread drug and alcohol use, poor academic performance, and a lower quality of life. Next to parents and guardians, educators have the most significant impact on youths’ decision to use tobacco and other drugs. For this reason, it is vital that educators’ overall awareness of nicotine addiction, facts about tobacco use and current trends of adolescent tobacco users is broadened so that effective solutions can be put into place to dramatically reduce the number of young users and ultimately prevent tobacco use by this population.

Objectives:

• To understand adolescent developmental issues their relationship placing young people at greater risk for long-term nicotine addiction
• Links between youth tobacco use and poor school performance as well as the direct and indirect costs to schools
• Effects of tobacco advertising on youth and effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies

"The Big Bang Theory of Resiliency: Where We Came From, Where We’re Going "

Workshop Session 3, #9, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenter: Cynthia B. Sosnowski, MFT, CPS, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a certified prevention specialist, and a federally certified prevention trainer. She is founder and Director of Prevention and Psychotherapy Consultants, a human systems consulting and training firm in Cape May County, NJ, and she consults and trains regionally and nationally on a wide variety of issues, including contemporary prevention theory and strategies, group dynamics, corporate and community development, strategic planning, family life and parenting, alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention issues, stress management, communication skills and conflict management. She is the author of the community training manual Do As I Say AND As I Do: Discovering Your Power As A Positive Role Model For Today’s Youth, and a professional training manual, Basic Communication Skills for Health Care Systems. She is the former Director of the Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition, a federally funded countywide prevention initiative, and is currently a senior adjunct faculty member in the Social Sciences Department of Atlantic Cape Community College. Cynthia has a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University and advanced training in both Gestalt therapy and human development. Since August of 1997 she makes her home in Stone Harbor, NJ, along with her husband, who is an Episcopal priest and also a family therapist.

Workshop Description: Where on earth did this Developmental Assets stuff come from, out of thin air? Not really--the concept of resiliency is set in a solid research history that spans psychology, sociology, child development and biology. The field of resiliency work continues to grow and evolve too. Our current work is only a slice in a long and exciting journey. This workshop will explore the historical context of the work that is being done today, and take a look at the future of resiliency research. We'll particularly address the exciting field of Positive Psychology as developed by Martin Seligman. If you've ever tried to write a grant and were stumped by the 'Background' section, or had someone challenge the resiliency concepts that you hold dear, this workshop is for you!

Objectives:

• To trace the historical context of contemporary resiliency based prevention.
• To draw the parallels between resiliency based prevention and the evolution of positive psychology (Seligman)
• To learn the key cross discipline phrases that lend credibility and evidence to proposals, reports and applications for funding

"Slow Burn: The Deteriorating Effects of Sexual Harassment On Self Esteem"

Workshop Session 3, #10, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenter: Jason M. Shestok received his undergraduate degree in psychology from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. He is currently enrolled in the Marital and Family Therapy Graduate Degree Program at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Jason is employed by Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley where he is a Prevention Education Specialist in the Outreach Department.

Workshop Description: This workshop is designed to educate and inform the participants of what sexual harassment, self-esteem, and body image are, as well as the negative effects they have on individuals. The sexual harassment, self-esteem, and body image workshop teaches the participants how to prevent and improve the negative effects that these issues may have. Through lecture and group discussion each topic will be addressed separately and in detail, while still integrating the three topics together into one comprehensive lesson. The overriding theme of respect for one another as well as for self is the common bond between all three of these topics.

Objectives:

• To describe different types of sexual harassment and how to prevent it
• To learn the effects sexual harassment has on others
• To understand body image is a learned perception and its relation to self esteem

"Youth Led Team Building Activities"

Workshop Session 3, #11, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenters: Brad Gery is currently a freshman at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, PA. He has been involved with the Pennridge Community Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth Initiative since 2000. Brad has received Student of the Month Award, the Presidential Academic Award, and the Principal's Award for being an outstanding citizen, scholar and athlete. Brad is active playing soccer, basketball and baseball for his school's team. Ben Kratz is also a freshman at Pennridge High School. He served on Student Council in 7th and 8th grades. He presented a workshop at the Region PA Student Council Conference at St. Joe's University. Ben is active with school and community sports. Ryan Zamroz is also a freshman at Pennridge High School. Ryan has attended the annual leadership conference held at Bucks County Community College. He has been on the distinguished honor roll throughout 7th and 8th grades. He is serving his third consecutive year on the student council. Ryan is active playing basketball and has played on travel soccer and baseball teams in the community

Workshop Description: This is an experiential workshop designed to build teamwork and learn how to work together to accomplish a certain goal. It will be a fun filled, active workshop, with games geared toward building assets. You will have an opportunity to learn activities such as: The Human Knot, The Monster, The Grid, Communication and Chicken games that will both teach and use such assets as communication, cooperation, compromise, problem solving, teamwork, planning, caring, responsibility, motivation and conflict resolution. Come join us and have some fun, while learning some valuable new skills.

Objectives:

• To learn how to work together in teams
• To communicate and cooperate effectively with each other
• To learn problem solving strategies

"How Do You Like Your Salsa Dancing: Mild, Hot or Very Hot?"

Workshop Session 3, #12, 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Presenter: Norberto Dominguez is the Founder and Director of the Hispanic-American League of Artists (HALA) in Allentown, PA. Norberto founded HALA in 1994 as part of his life long dream of becoming a writer and performer. HALA is comprised of actors, dancers, singers, writers, media artists, visual artists and musicians. He is the first and only Latino to hold a position as a board member of Allentown's Art Commission and is also a Panelist for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Preserving Diverse Cultures Division. He holds workshops on developing small non-for-profit artist organizations. He also recites poetry at various events. Currently, Norberto is working on a Latino oriented screenplay after attending WBC, an industry school for screenwriters and filmmakers in New York. His dream is to become one of the first Dominican screenwriters and filmmakers.

Workshop Description: This workshop will introduce the HALA organization as they provide an exciting, audience participation dance workshop. HALA's mission is to educate, develop, present, and refer Latino artists as well as to educate the greater community about our culture preserving our heritage. The award winning versatile Dance Division of HALA, known for it's hot Salsa & Merengue dance pieces also performs traditional folkloric dances from the Caribbean Islands and South America as well as Hip Hop and Breakdance. In addition, members from the dance troupe guide the audience through step-by-step Salsa workshops. When not on tour, HALA dancers train for international and national Salsa competitions as well as helping new kids joining HALA's Dance Division learn more about Latino dance and history.

Objectives:

• To educate people about the origins of Salsa Dancing and to demonstrate the power of using arts as a way to reach young people
• To demonstrate Salsa via performance piece
• Teach a Basic Salsa workshop that involves all participants in a simple step - by- step dance instruction.

"The Soul of Education: Connection, Compassion and Character in Learning "

Afternoon Keynote Address, 3:15 to 4:15 PM

Presenter: Rachael Kessler is the author of The Soul of Education: Helping Students Find Connection, Compassion and Character at School, and also the founder of The Passage Ways Institute. Described by Daniel Goleman as a "leader in a new movement for emotional literacy," Rachael has developed a framework for addressing the spiritual void in young people that bridges the interests of educators, parents, and policy-makers from across the spectrum of religious and political beliefs. She offers tools and experiences that will deepen capacities for listening, heighten authenticity in speaking and provide a larger perspective leading to respect and collaborative problem solving. Rachael lives in Boulder, CO.

Presentation Description: Does a child's soul have a place in the classroom? The debate about how to include a spiritual dimension in educational settings is a burning issue that does not go away. Rachael will provide a theoretical framework illustrated through the powerful stories and questions of young people to address the following: what does a soulful classroom or group look like? How do we nurture soul while respecting diverse constituencies without violating the separation of church and state? How does addressing soul (the inner life of students and teachers) improve academic performance and school safety?

Objectives:

• The examine the issues of education, spiritually, civil rights and the intersection of these issues
• The explain the seven gateways to the souls of young people
• To share real-life stories of students, teachers, parents and others about how the “soul of education” is manifested in their lives

TOP OF PAGE