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October marks the two year anniversary of our first RCSF newsletter, which itself sought to capture some of the project’s work that had been underway since late 2020. In that time, we’ve seen schools and communities stand strong together through challenges and celebrations, fostering a stronger culture of collaboration that improves opportunities for students. The RCSF project was always intended to be a stone that causes ripples in a pond, and the overall growth of Community Schools and trauma-informed education in Hawaii is a testament to the power of that example.
This month’s update is on the shorter side, but please stay tuned in November for some exciting developments on the project and some big priorities ahead.
Opening Message
To do – register for ʻAha Lōkahi CommUNITY Conference 2023
Community partners often ask how they can support the goals of the RCSF project and engage directly with this work. We would strongly recommend attending the Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance’s ʻAha Lōkahi CommUNITY Conference 2023. Not only will you be able to attend presentations from RCSF team members and Community Schools Coordinators, but you’ll be able to experience the vibrant diversity of community organizations that make up the broader education ecosystem. The Hawaiʻi Afterschool Alliance is a core RCSF partner and advocate for Community Schools, so we know this will be a powerful learning experience.
Hear us at the 2023 Schools of the Future Conference
If you can’t attend the ʻAha Lōkahi CommUNITY Conference 2023, you can also hear our team at the the 2023 Schools of the Future Conference on Thursday, November 16 from 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM, as we’ll be highlighting the Hā Ola ʻOhana Resilience Program’s approach to strengths-based support for students and families. This is the third consecutive year with a presentation on the RCSF project, and we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to share this model of collaboration with schools and communities looking for ways to drive change.
Resilience Resources
October National Bullying Prevention Month, so check out these resources on preventing childhood bullying and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
The annual Hawai’i Children and Youth Summit took place on October 12 at the Hawai’i State Capitol. Top areas of interest from youth included more school resources such as tutors/ counselors to improve education and mental health resources in school; mandatory equity, diversity and inclusion workshops for teachers; and better resources and improve hotlines dedicated to substance abuse to provide a safe place for students to cope with and discuss their problems. Even if you missed the summit, you can still watch youth-created videos on diverse breakout session topics.
Check out the new website from Hawai‘i CARES 988, an initiative brought to you by a collaboration between the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, CARE Hawai‘i Inc., and Aloha United Way 211.
Take Action
The long-term goal of the Resilient Communities, Schools and Families project is to build long-term resilience, well-being and community abundance. As such, the project goes beyond communities and children merely surviving difficult situations, but instead finding their own strength and thriving. We hope to cultivate a spirit of hope and possibility to support the holistic wellbeing of the students of today and tomorrow. Please let us know if you can join this movement.
Don’t forget to follow the project on social media!
- Facebook (Designed as a group vs page to enable more community discussion and engagement): https://www.facebook.com/groups/resilientcommunityhi
- Twitter: @RCSFHawaii
- Instagram: @ResilientcommunityHI
Consortium Partners
Mahalo!
This work is a true community effort and is made possible through the generous support of our partners, including:
- Hawaiʻi Resilience Fund at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
- U.S. Department of Education Native Hawaiʻi Education Program #S362A210059