Young people bear witness to challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and our local communities. They are often trying to process thoughts, feelings, and reactions without our explicit help and guidance - thereby increasing their confusion and anxiety. We adults have a natural instinct to protect our children from harsh realities and yet prepare them to navigate this complex world - is it possible to do both? What are ways to talk about identity, difference, and justice in age appropriate ways? How do you reinforce your family's values without instilling disrespect for other perspectives? How do you coach them toward authentic and respectful dialogue across difference? Engage in these questions and more through this interactive session.

1. Bertschi School
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young People
About Heated Topics in Current Events
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

2. About Seattle Girls’ School
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

3. Agenda
 Current Realities
 Young People’s Experience
 How to Talk to Youth
 How to Facilitate Conversations
 Questions and Answers
 Resources
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

4. Current Realities
 Travel Ban
 Women’s March
 Repeal of Transgender Rights
 Black Lives Matter
 Refugees
 ICE Raids and Deportation
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

5. Young People’s Experience
 Increase in Anti-Muslim Sentiment
 Increase in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
 Increased Uncivil Discourse
 Rise in Sadness and Fear
 Increased Acting Out
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

6. How to Talk to Young People
About Current Events
 What have you heard?
 How do you feel?
 What questions do you have?
 How can I support you?
 Here are our school’s/family’s values.
 What positive action can you take?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

7. How to Talk to Young People
About Hate and Extremism
 Prepare Yourself
 Be Alert
 Listen
 Reassure
 Be Honest
 Share School’s/Your Values
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

8. How to Talk to Young People After
Personal Incidents
 “I want to help you feel strong.”
 Affection, correction, protection
 Emotions are always right; not all
action is always right
 Avoid either/or thinking
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

9. Helping Young People Talk to One Another
 Create Safety and Courage
 Express Feelings
 Generate Questions
 Share Facts
 Learn More
 Complicate Thinking
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

10. Practice Makes
Less Anxiety-Inducing
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

11. Case Study: Politics and Policy
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
 What makes you nervous?
 What makes you hopeful?
 You are overseeing a recess/sleepover and
notice kids in a heated conversation. As you get
closer you overhear a jumble of comments.
“Trump is making America great again!” “Trump
is a racist!” “Mexicans are getting kicked out?”
“If you’re Muslim, you can’t get in.”
– How do you intervene?
– What do you need to keep in mind?
– What do you want to avoid doing?

12. Takeaways
 What did you learn today
that was new, helpful, or
thought provoking?
 What are some goals or
strategies you would like to
apply with your students?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

13. Questions and Comments
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

14. Presenter Information
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
6th Faculty and
Professional Outreach
Seattle Girls’ School
2706 S Jackson Street
Seattle WA 98144
(206) 805-6562
rlee@seattlegirlsschool.org
http://tiny.cc/rosettalee
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)