SEL Awardee

Baionne Coleman

Rainier Valley Leadership Academy
Seattle, WA
“Rainier Valley Leadership will impact middle and senior high school scholars teaching them the history and culture behind Indigenous circle practice. Scholars will eventually become the circle keeper facilitators being able to support co-leading social-emotional circles concerning, restorative practices, school culture, diverse perspectives, grief/loss, and joy. Scholars will learn circle work concerning Indigenous circle practices, from Indigenous Americans directly, as well as Indigenous African circle practices. In addition, scholars will be trained in trauma-informed circle practices. Scholars are currently participating in a form of Valor Compass camp circles, and we would like to take our initiative to the next level so scholars can be the leaders of this work. Scholars who participate in this work will also work with the in-house school health clinic focused on naturopath, mental health, eastern medicine, and western medicine. The intersectionality of mental health, circle work, anti-racism, and SEL is key to cultivating leadership growth for scholars; embodying servant and empathetic leadership qualities.”
Tags: Boys and Young Men of Color, Charter School, District, Girls & Young Women of Color, Middle School, Students Affected by Suspensions, Urban