Young people bear witness to challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and our local communities. Their thoughts, feelings, and reactions enter school spaces whether we introduce conversations or not. 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 school values without shutting down perspectives? How do you facilitate authentic and respectful dialogue across difference? Engage in these questions and more through this interactive session.

1. University Prep
Rosetta Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young People
About Complicated 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
 Trump Presidency
 Black Lives Matter
 Dakota Access Pipeline
 Refugees
 Domestic and Foreign Terrorism
 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 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 Your/School’s 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. Effective Communication Models
Common Threads
Brenda J. Allen, Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity
SUPPORTIVE DEFENSIVE
Description Evaluation
Problem-Orientation Control
Spontaneity Strategy
Empathy Neutrality
Equality Superiority
Provisionalism Certainty
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

11. Safety versus Comfort
Safety: I feel that, in this space, I can ask questions without
fear of judgment. I can voice my perspective and know that
I will be validated for the fact that that is my truth. Others
may challenge my ideas, but that challenge is in the spirit of
greater shared understanding and growth.
Comfort: I feel that, in this space, my reality will be agreed
with, validated, and unchallenged. I don’t have to explain
myself to be understood, and I don’t have to justify my
perspective, as everyone shares it.
True dialogue happens in an environment where everyone is
safe but not always comfortable...
SO THAT THEY CAN LEARN AND GROW.
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

12. Safe Spaces 2.0 – Brave Spaces
 Controversy with Civility
 Own your own intent and impact
 Challenge by choice – with reflection
 Respect in all its multiplicity
 No personal attacks, but pointed
challenges are okay
 Be mindful of the true source of your
emotions
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

13. 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 youth?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

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

15. 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)