YOUTH SERVICES
WORKSHOP 1: Challenging Assumptions
Challenging assumptions and sharing the truth of our experiences is at the heart of what Up and Over represents.
Through an interactive exercise, we demonstrate the importance of respecting each person’s unique story, reminding participants that we cannot fully understand someone based on their appearance alone. This exercise highlights how the labels we place on others impact the way we treat them. The team then shares personal stories of overcoming obstacles, providing insight into how they were able to rise “up and over” their challenges. A dynamic, interactive session inviting students to reflect on how labels and assumptions shape relationships. The assembly ends with powerful performances. We use music as a bridge—its universal language helps students connect beyond differences, break down barriers, and find common ground. It takes our assemblies from a “sit and get” and makes them an experience.
WORKSHOP 2: The Evolution of a Bully
Our anti-bullying approach is unlike any other, facilitated by someone who was once a bully themselves. This workshop helps participants recognize and value differences, appreciate diversity, and understand the power of togetherness. We explore bullying on multiple levels, from power dynamics to empowerment. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what bullying means, strategies for dealing with it, how to recognize bullying behavior in themselves, and the reasons why some people bully. Our goal is to build confidence and coping skills while emphasizing active listening, empathy, and effective communication.
This is an excellent follow-up to Workshop 1, reinforcing empathy, self-awareness, and positive interactions.
WORKSHOP 3: Someone’s Someone
This powerful session is a great continuation of the first two workshops but also stands alone as an impactful session for educators. Presentation Summary – Javonnie Shearn Mental Health Advocate, Vice Chair of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board, and mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. In 2016, he was released from the Oregon State Hospital without her knowledge or any support in place to assist him once he was back in the community. Through their story, she share her experiences navigating “the system,” how advocacy changed her son’s circumstances, how their lives changed when he came home, and—most importantly—how she had to change and grow as a person to handle it.
Five Truths of Growth: These lessons from their journey can be applied to everyday life:
Blaming – Comparing – Squandering – Jealousy – Chaos
