2026 Bridge Conference

Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth often navigate layered stressors connected to
identity, community experiences, systemic inequities, and emotional wellbeing. These experiences can
directly impact behavior, academic engagement, relationships, and mental health outcomes. This
workshop examines how professionals can better serve youth by building authentic connections,
recognizing underlying stressors, and responding with culturally aware and supportive practices.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, participants will gain tools to
strengthen trust, support emotional regulation, and create environments where youth feel seen,
valued, and supported.

Why does mindset matter?
Join us for this dynamic workshop to discover three different mindset frameworks. Explore how to help youth and your team develop a sense of purpose, and how to cultivate a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and learning. Examining our mindsets allows us to support young people, and your team to center non-judgmental and strengths-based perspectives towards growth supports. Leave with practical tools for supporting youth success in all areas of their lives.

Gain an in-depth understanding of what advocating in Olympia looks like and how to build up your advocacy toolkit through empowerment, storytelling, and ideas for accessible action. Through this workshop, participants can apply what they learn for advocating on issues such as and outside of youth development.