Empower Youth Network’s Executive Director, Laura Smith, announced that she will be stepping down in the Spring of 2024.

Laura has been the Executive Director since 2012 and has been part of the Empower Youth Network team since 2005.

Laura wanted to share that, “Empower Youth Network has been my heart and my soul for so many years, and I feel that it is time for the next leader to come onboard. I’m excited to see how the organization continues to grow and thrive!”

This transition is part of Empower Youth Network’s three-year strategic plan. Laura initially announced her intention to step down in the Fall of 2022 in order to provide an abundance of time for a robust search process and a successful leadership transition. The EYN Board of Directors is currently developing a very intentional search process. The leadership opening and search process timeline will be announced in early 2024; however, if you know someone who might be interested in the role, please encourage them to reach out to the EYN Board of Directors’ search committee at edsearch@empoweryouthnetwork.org.

The Board of Directors and the EYN staff are confident that they will find a leader who will carry the organization forward in a way that honors the foundation of Empower Youth Network and who will lead the organization in a positive, community-minded way in the future.

Empower Youth Network (EYN) invites you to participate in celebrating Kindness Month with us. EYN originally launched Kindness Month in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic. The hope is to create a pandemic of a different type- a Kindness Pandemic! EYN is hosting a series of activities in November in celebration of Kindness Month, promoting caring, kindness, and compassion within our community. EYN’s Youth Suicide Prevention program, which includes the #BeKindSV campaign, makes our
schools, communities, and state stronger by facilitating meaningful change through simple acts of kindness. You will see kindness banners throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and many Kindness Month activities.

Nominate A Kindness Ambassador! Snoqualmie Valley residents are invited to nominate someone in their life such as a child, teacher, coworker, or community member who spreads kindness to those around them. Submit their story.

Pledge to Make Kindness “Business As Usual.” This campaign highlights local businesses and supports positive climate by introducing, modeling, and reinforcing kindness and inclusion. Businesses can take the pledge and receive a #BeKindSV window decal to display campaign support, and each business will be listed on the #BeKindSV Facebook page. Take the pledge. 

Kindness Movie at North Bend Theatre. Families are invited to a free special showing of “Wonder” at North Bend Theatre on Saturday, Nov 4. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with complimentary snacks. This PG-rated movie is for all ages and tells a heartwarming story of compassion and acceptance. Register to attend.

#BeKindSV Facebook Page. The campaign Facebook page will be recognizing and celebrating kindness throughout the month. Like the Facebook page.

EYN is grateful for the support of the community with this effort. The following entities and communities have joined together with the proclamation of November as Kindness Month: the cities of Duvall, Carnation, North Bend and Snoqualmie, the Snoqualmie Tribe, and the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts.

We encourage you to select one or more activity to participate in, so that the Kindness Pandemic may spread far and wide in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Join us for a keynote address from Dr. Gino Aisenberg, Associate Professor, School of Social Work at University of Washington. Dr. Aisenberg will highlight his work in support of marginalized and diverse populations, and guide us in understanding what strategies can be implemented to positively effect change in behavioral health support in our local community. Register here today! 

We are excited to announce that we are seeking a part-time Communication Coordinator to add to the Empower Youth Network team! We invite you to check out the job description and to share it with others. Click here to learn more! 

Join us on Monday, Aug. 14 at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church in Fall City as we hear from local youth about how the community can work together to create belonging and connections. Together we will explore ideas for building the essential connections that keep us all healthy!

The doors will open at 8:30 for networking and a light breakfast. We will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. This year we are offering the opportunity to purchase a lunch (Taco Bar from Cafe Rio), so that you may stay, eat lunch, and continue to network and connect!

WHAT IS THE KEY LEADERS SUMMIT?

The KEY LEADERS SUMMIT is a great opportunity for Snoqualmie Valley leaders to network and engage in relevant community conversations, collaborations, and actions! Your voice and expertise is needed at the table!

WHO IS INVITED?

The KEY LEADERS SUMMIT is a facilitated community leaders event (leaders = anyone who shows up to participate) to address issues influencing the overall health and well-being of those living in the Snoqualmie Valley. You should feel free to share this invitation with others who may be interested in participating.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Laura at Laura@empoweryouthnetwork.org

Register today: https://KLS2023.eventbrite.com

GiveBIG kicks off on May 2, which is also the start of our Shine on for Youth Giving Campaign! Your donation provides the foundation for Youth Development programs in the Snoqualmie Valley and helps ensure that programs can be strong and consistent from one year to the next. Make your gift today! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/empower-youth-network/shine-on-for-valley-youth-monthly-giving-campaign

Now through Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m., you can bid on amazing items from businesses and individuals in our community. Click here to register and bid: https://heart2023.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

Registration open for Hidden in Plain Sight – substance use prevention event

Empower Youth Network (EYN) is presenting Hidden in Plain Sight from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3 at Riverview School District Educational Service Center, 15510 1st Ave. NE, Duvall and Tuesday, April 4 at Mount Si High School, 8651 Meadowbrook Way SE, Snoqualmie

Hidden in Plain Sight is a free workshop for parents and guardians that will help them spot signs of at-risk behaviors using an interactive display of a teenager’s bedroom. After walking through the display, participants will learn more about adolescent development, risk and protective factors, and common signs of substance use provided by community prevention professionals. This exhibit is designed to educate and empower parents and guardians to communicate with their children about at-risk behaviors, expectations, and more. A community resource fair will accompany both events. This event is for adults only, no students please.

Register for this free event here:

April 3 at Riverview School District Educational Service Center: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hidden-in-plain-sight-riverview-school-district-tickets-530930807337

April 4 at Mount Si High School: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hidden-in-plain-sight-snoqualmie-valley-school-district-tickets-530954738917