Natural highs, ‘power planning’ on tap for youth summit

By Luciano Marano Kitsap News Group • April 14, 2019 8:30 am
Image courtesy of Krzysztofa McDonough | Matt Bellace, an acclaimed author, neuropsychologist and stand-up comedian, will give a presentation in Bainbridge High School Commons at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 as part of this year’s Summit for Youth.
Image courtesy of Krzysztofa McDonough | Matt Bellace, an acclaimed author, neuropsychologist and stand-up comedian, will give a presentation in Bainbridge High School Commons at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 as part of this year’s Summit for Youth.

Parents, educators, students and interested community members will have two opportunities to come together to discuss a variety of timely topics, in a discussion led by nationally recognized speakers, addressing the results of the state-wide Healthy Youth Survey at the upcoming two-part 2019 Summit for Youth.

The event is presented by the Alliance for Youth (formerly Bainbridge Healthy Youth Alliance) — a network including local nonprofit organizations such as Bainbridge Youth Services and Raising Resilience, the Bainbridge Island School District and local PTSO, businesses and community members — and also Raising Resilience, a nonprofit organization supporting the Bainbridge Island community with parenting education and resources.

According to Sarah Baird, Alliance for Youth Director and Raising Resilience Co-president, “In recent years, many local teens have been reporting feeling anxious or depressed. Unhealthy behavioral choices and mental health issues go hand-in-hand with escalating stress.”

The summit, she said, offers a chance to “listen to our youth and caring adults, foster new connections and discuss the results of the recently published Healthy Youth Survey.”

The summit is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in the Bainbridge High Commons.

The first part of the summit, “A Better High,” features Matt Bellace — an acclaimed author, neuropsychologist and stand-up comedian — who will offer a positive, science-based approach to substance abuse prevention.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of the teen brain. They will learn how to foster grit, self-control and resilience and get practical tips on how to develop healthy coping strategies. Although the talk is geared toward parents and educators, teens are welcome and encouraged to attend as well.

Admission is $15 or “pay what you can”; visit www.raisingresilience.org to learn more.

The summit’s second part, “The Power of Collective Impact,” to be at the BHS library held Saturday, April 27, is a series of interactive workshops and discussions facilitated by Clay Roberts. It takes place between 1 and 3:30 p.m.

This free event will offer an opportunity for adults to join with local youths, listening to and working with them and other interested community members and parents to consider the best ways to create culture change that supports the well-being and resilience.

Visit www.alliance4youth.org to learn more.