Category: News

Welcome to the team, Cassie!

By SOWA

A desire to create change and provide quality information propelled Cassie into her position at SOWA. Fourteen years of serving youth in a volunteer and professional capacity has provided her with unique insight and passion. Cassie’s previous professional experience includes co-managing annual fundraisers for Spokane nonprofits, providing administrative assistance as a compliance specialist for an alternative high school, and several years in data entry. She feels fortunate to be a part of the SOWA team that is working to make a positive difference in the lives of young people through data insights.⁠⁠ Cassie provides Salesforce data administration support and handles … [ ]

Educators, school staff, youth development, and child care providers now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

By SOWA

President Biden recently announced a directive that all states prioritize vaccinations of teachers and childcare workers, with a goal for all school staff and childcare workers to get at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March. In response, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington Department of Health have added K-12 staff and educators and childcare workers to Washington’s current vaccination phase, effective immediately.   The following groups have been added to the current vaccination phase:  Pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators and school staff Childcare and Youth Development workers/providers, including:   All licensed childcare providers.    Licensed family home childcare providers, and the family members living in their home.   License-exempt … [ ]

Best starts and best practices—how 2020 highlighted the importance of out-of-school time

By Lex Gavin

In February 2020, the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time Initiative (BSK OST) was heading into its final year of implementation. Then COVID hit, and communities across King County (and the world) were left scrambling to support each other through unimaginable challenges. Youth development workers navigated alarming funding cuts, rapidly changing safety protocols, school closures and the creation of virtual learning strategies, and the profound trauma their youth, families, and staff teams experience. A spotlight is now on the unique and vital role our field plays within the landscape of our communities—it’s never been more apparent how much our work … [ ]

Students get an up close look into the judicial system

By Brianna Kirschenbaum

Originally created for teachers, Judges in the Classroom is now open to youth development programs. Created by The Washington Courts, Case Method Institute, and Harvard Business School Professor David Moss this program provides up-to-date, free, curriculum-aligned, K-12 lesson plans for judges to present at your site any time during the year (currently through Zoom). The lessons are interactive and provide students with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the legal and judicial systems as well as the basic concept of fairness. Lesson plans and supporting materials are free and are easily accessible to download.  High-quality civic education is crucial in equipping youth with the knowledge necessary for meaningful community … [ ]

Growing our communications team—meet Adriana

Adriana (sher/her) joins SOWA as the Communications Coordinator to establish an enhanced focus on storytelling for the organization and elevate community voice for SOWA’s programs. Adriana graduated from Central Washington University with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Nonprofit Management in 2013. Since then she has been passionate about community work centered around communications, youth, and volunteerism. Her work ranges from coordinating volunteer events for United Way of King County to curating poetry from incarcerated youth in New York City. She is an AmeriCorps VISTA Alum and actively seeks volunteer opportunities that support young women of color. … [ ]

Growing our communications team—meet Tran

As Marketing Manager, Tran (they/them) develops digital and print communications strategies to support the mission and programs at School’s Out Washington. Most recently, they served as the communication coordinator for Soar, where they spearheaded the organization’s rebranding effort. Tran is most passionate about using communications and marketing as a tool for social change. Outside of work, Tran regularly organizes with VietQ an LGBTQ Vietnamese collective. In February 2020 they co-founded the first LGBTQ Vietnamese conference in Washington state. Tran also enjoys reading, drinking ice tea, and building miniature furniture for their mischievous cats.