Key Learnings from the Latest Champion SEAL Cohort
The Denver Afterschool Alliance believes that supporting and promoting social, emotional and academic (SEAL) knowledge, skills and policies within youth service organizations benefits both youth and adults. We work with our afterschool partners to cultivate culturally-inclusive, SEAL-rich environments that help narrow the opportunity gap and create a more equitable future for all Denver youth.
Recently, our Quality Counts program celebrated the conclusion of its most recent Champion SEAL professional learning cohort, which brought together youth service professionals from eight organizations, including Denver Public Schools Office of Extended Learning & Community Schools, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, Heart and Hand Center, MSU Denver, Project VOYCE, Scholars Unlimited, Sun Valley Youth Center, and YMCA of Metro Denver, to learn how to integrate SEAL into their daily practices, organizational structures and goals for youth.
When asked to reflect on this two-year experience, Champion SEAL Cohort participants shared the following learnings and takeaways:
There is value in learning–and being vulnerable–alongside your peers: The Champion SEAL cohort model provides an opportunity for youth professionals from similar organizations to network, share ideas, and encourage each other. But perhaps more importantly, it creates a space where participants feel seen, heard and understood, particularly as they grappled with the impacts of the pandemic. As one participant said, “This work is hard, and we do it well when we work together as a community.” Participants learned they could be vulnerable through their shared experiences with other members of this cohort.
Self-awareness is key when working with youth… and adults: Through the SEAL Champion experience, many participants said they learned the importance of being aware of their own emotions and how they show up every day. One participant said, “I am able to see how the actions I choose can make my life, as well as others’ lives, better or worse,” while another mentioned, “I used the skills with the adults in my life and worked through sometimes difficult but necessary issues.” Whether they are working with youth or a co-worker, participants said self-awareness must always be a priority.
Youth professionals have the ability to create positive change in their organizations: Participants said they integrated many SEAL practices, including welcoming rituals and optimistic closures, into various spaces, including classrooms and staff meetings. One participant said that what they learned, “changed the way I supervise. I learned to really listen to, see and hear people.” In addition, participants encouraged their organizations to use quality assessment tools, like the SELPQA, DESSA, SAYO and PIRL, to evaluate and improve their SEAL practices and interventions.
SEAL work takes time and patience: One participant explained this best, “The work that makes the most impact takes time. Be ready to slow down. Relationships are key to social, emotional and academic growth, and allowing youth voice and decision-making will enhance learning, participation and ownership.”
If you are interested in learning more about participating in an upcoming Champion SEAL Cohort, please contact us at info@daalearn.org.