Groundwork to Support Washington Students in the 2025 Legislative Session

Upcoming LEVinar: Do Smartphones Belong in K-12 Classrooms?

Smartphone bans in K-12 schools are part of a growing trend. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an advisory sounding the alarm about social media and youth mental health. And UNESCO — the United Nations education, science, and culture agency — has recently come out urging a ban on cell phones in schools globally.

In this free webinar on Thursday, May 2 at 12:30 pm, we will explore the impact of smartphones on student mental health, learn from a school district in Washington state that has enacted a smartphone ban, and answer your questions.

Confirmed panelists:

• Brooke Brown, the 2021 Washington state Teacher of the Year, member of the Washington State Board of Education, and an Instructional Equity Specialist at the Franklin Pierce School District
• Susie Honaker Wirzbicki, School Counselor and Educator at Cedar High School in the Shelton School District
• Kelsey Parke, Principal at Kopachuck Middle School in the Peninsula School District
• Kris Hagel, Executive Director of Learning and Innovation at the Peninsula School District

Partner Spotlight: Speak with Purpose

Witness the brilliance of over 100 young scholars, grades 4th and up, as they present original speeches on June 16th at Benaroya Hall in Seattle!

Join us for the 10th Annual Rising Voices- Center Stage, hosted by Speak With Purpose (SWP). Through SWP's public speaking classes offered at partnering schools, students in elementary and middle school are refining their skills and expressing their aspirations. The highlight is their Passion Piece and the opportunity to present them at Rising Voices- Center Stage. SWP is proud to present this year’s showcase at the prestigious Benaroya Hall, thanks to support from the Seattle Symphony.

SWP is looking for volunteers for the June 16 event. SWP is reaching out to you for your invaluable support in making the 10th annual Rising Voices Oratory event a resounding success. As SWP gears up for their biggest event of the year, they are in need of volunteers like you to lend a hand and be part of something truly special. Please help by signing up as a volunteer.