2026 Bridge Conference

As our communities and education system are more stressed, BELONG Partners
supports the critical need for us to come together and connect in ways that build resilience and
center young peoples’ (and all peoples’) needs. Our time will be spent not only learning about the
impact of trauma on our developing brains and bodies but will also focus on restorative, and
antiracist strategies that create environments for young people to truly thrive.

CLOSED SESSION for Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Grantees.

Facilitated by Public Profit and the BSK Expanded Learning Team

In this closed session, SOWA’s external evaluators, Public Profit, will share quantitative and qualitative data from Year 3 of the BSK Expanded Learning Initiative. Grantees will get the opportunity to connect, reflect, and engage in dialogue about what’s working and what can be improved

This is a closed session for grantees of the Refugee School Impact Program. 

Understanding why grief matters helps inform how we support young people who are grieving. This interactive workshop explores the impact grief can have on youth and examines ways professionals can move beyond discomfort to engage in meaningful, supportive conversations. Participants will gain practical, creative, and accessible tools that foster connection, helping young people feel seen, understood, and supported in their grief experiences. Through hands-on activities and discussion, participants will learn strategies that can increase youth self-awareness, build resilience, and help them identify strengths they can draw upon when facing adversity. The workshop will also provide tools and approaches that can be shared with caregivers to strengthen support beyond professional settings.

Designed to be engaging, experiential, and immediately applicable, this workshop emphasizes both the how and the why behind each activity. Participants will learn the purpose and intention of the tools presented, enabling them to adapt activities to meet the unique needs of the youth and families they serve. While especially relevant for direct service professionals, managers and organizational leaders will also gain valuable insight into supporting grieving children and strengthening griefinformed practices within their programs and organizations.

Crystal quartz and metal bowls are musical instruments that emit vibrations and frequencies attuned to brain waves that calm the mind and the central nervous system. The body replenishes and regenerates cells and organs when it is given an environment of deep rest, sleep, and nourishment.

Wear comfortable clothing, you may end up laying on the floor during the session. If you are able to, bring a small pillow to make your session comfortable. You are also welcome to sit in a chair or on the floor, whichever is the most relaxing for you.