Students from the Bellevue School District and Lake Washington School District shared why the MESH (Mindsets Essential Skills and Habits) work is so critical and why adults should continue to stay engaged and push forward with this work so that each youth in East King County can have the supports they need to thrive, to and through high school and into their post-secondary lives.
“It shows that you care enough to evaluate what we are doing – what is right and what is wrong. How can we evolve with the times in order to improve?”
“It is the opportunity to bring awareness to problems that youth, students, the community might have. Brings light to problems we may not have realized before.”
“The idea of diversity being important but not being enforced. This tool is a step forward towards equity and liberation of all people.”
“This work is important to me because if these programs are the ones that I and my peers participate in, we want it to support us in the best way. I like the BoQ because it gives concrete ways to evaluate these programs (not just empty words).”
“Always keep checking the systems we have in place to make sure they are working properly. No reason to stick with what we have if we can make it better. It affects my peers, friends, and family because almost all youth are involved in some sort of program.”
“In 2021, a lot of things have changed. The idea of diversity must no longer just be stated but be incorporated. Equity is an issue, and these domains are necessary for youth and students to be comfortable. If the program directors are not aware, it’s because the youth/ students are not telling them; it is not because it is not happening.”
The purpose of the MESH Collaborative Action Network is that all programs and supports for high school-aged students and youth positively impact their SEL development to and through their postsecondary journey.
To learn about how Eastside Pathways Partners can participate, connect with Sandy Nathan and/or Payton Richardson.