This document outlines a presentation about talking to young people about complicated current events. The presentation discusses the realities of current events like natural disasters, protests, and extremism and their impact on young people's experiences with increased anxiety, fear, and acting out. It provides guidance on how to talk to youth, including asking open-ended questions, expressing values, and suggesting positive actions. The presentation also covers how to facilitate conversations between young people on difficult topics and provides a hypothetical example and discussion prompts around NFL protests. The goal is to help adults have age-appropriate conversations with youth about complex current issues.

1. Village Community School
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young People
About Complicated Current Events
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

2. About Seattle Girls’ School
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

3. Agenda
 Current Realities
 Young People’s Experience
 How to Talk to Youth
 How to Facilitate Conversations
 Questions and Answers
 Resources
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

4. Current Realities
 Hurricane Devastation
 NFL Protests
 Trumpcare
 DACA
 Black Lives Matter
 North Korea
 White Supremacist Rallies
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

5. Young People’s Experience
 Increase in Anti-Group Sentiment
 Increased Uncivil Discourse
 Rise in Sadness, Fear, and Anxiety
 Increased Acting Out
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

6. How to Talk to Young People
About Current Events
 What have you heard?
 How do you feel?
 What questions do you have?
 How can I support you?
 Here are our family’s/school’s values.
 What positive action can you take?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

7. How to Talk to Young People
About Hate and Extremism
 Prepare Yourself
 Be Alert
 Listen
 Reassure
 Be Honest
 Share Your Values
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

8. How to Talk to Young People After
Personal Incidents
 “I want to help you feel strong.”
 Affection, correction, protection
 Emotions are always right; not all
action is always right
 Avoid either/or thinking
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

9. Helping Young People Talk to One Another
 Create Safety and Courage
 Express Feelings
 Generate Questions
 Share Facts
 Learn More
 Complicate Thinking
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

10. Practice Makes
Less Anxiety-Inducing
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

11. Sample Topic: NFL Protests
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
 What makes you nervous?
 What makes you hopeful?
 Your home is host to a sleepover. You notice
the kids in an argument. As you get closer you
overhear a jumble of comments. “Protesting
against flags is wrong!” “It’s free speech!” “My
favorite player is taking a knee!” “The President
says it’s wrong!”
– How do you intervene?
– What do you need to keep in mind?
– What do you want to avoid doing?

12. Takeaways
 What did you learn today
that was new, helpful, or
thought provoking?
 What are some goals or
strategies you would like to
apply with your
children/students?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

13. Questions and Comments
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

14. Presenter Information
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
6th Faculty and
Professional Outreach
Seattle Girls’ School
2706 S Jackson Street
Seattle WA 98144
(206) 805-6562
rlee@seattlegirlsschool.org
http://tiny.cc/rosettalee
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)