BRIDGES Program

CLUB CHARTER

Bridges is a nationally-recognized program serving Orange County schools for over 30 years. Bridges works to build a campus environment that is respectful, connected, and kind, where ALL students and staff feel safe and welcome. The program offers students the opportunity to attend conferences, workshops, retreats, and internships to support their work in building belonging. Participants are empowered to identify, investigate, and address the human relations needs on their campus culminating in student-led projects.

All students are welcome to participate in both our general meetings, which meet in room 286 on Thursdays at lunch, and in a leadership capacity on our leadership board, which meets after school on Thursdays. The Leadership Board is open to ALL students, and is the driving force of the program. The leaders plan all meetings, implement all projects, and oversee the day-to-day affairs of the program. We hope to see you as one of our next leaders!

Groundswell

Groundswell is a nonprofit organization enabled by a unique public/private partnership between corporations, cities, foundations, the county, the schools, the courts, and individuals. Groundswell partners with school campuses to create communities of belonging through the Bridges program.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER IN THE COMMUNITY?

HRAP is an internship offered by Groundswell, and Bridges members are encouraged to join. Human Relations Ambassadors Program (HRAP) are in charge of organizing events, such as the Walk in My Shoes Annual Youth Conference. HRAP members meet every month and discuss current human relation issues. There is also an opportunity to become a paid intern for Groundswell.

ATTEND THE ANNUAL WALK IN MY SHOES YOUTH CONFERENCE

Each year for over thirty years, Groundswell has brought together schools from all over Orange County to attend a day long youth conference. Participants explore issues of identity and culture and develop their leadership skills. Our goal is to empower and encourage students to work towards creating positive change.

Students attend workshops, choosing from over 20 different thought-provoking sessions related around human relations. Youth and experienced human relations presenters share their insights, experiences, and expertise on subjects related to the theme.

NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL AND OC HUMAN RELATIONS KICK-OFF "THATS'S W.H.A.C.K.!" CAMPAIGN

Newport Beach, CA. (March 24, 2010) – Students from the OC Human Relations BRIDGES School Inter-group Relations Program at Newport Harbor High School are unveiling a campaign designed to minimize toxic language and promote respect on campus. “That’s W.H.A.C.K!”, which stands for Words Hurt and Can Kill, is a three-year campaign initiated by students who want their school to be a model of safety and inclusion in the county.

In a video created for the campaign, students ask, “Have you ever stopped to think about the words that you use? Have you have ever realized the impact those words have on other people?” They go on to state, “We are taking a stand against toxic language in the areas of sexism, racism, homophobia and other hateful words…they can kill our spirit, our confidence, our love for others, and even our lives.”

The kick-off, to be attended by students, teachers and parents, will feature the video made by the students, a presentation of the campaign time line, and opportunities to support the campaign on campus and in the community. Campus-wide activities, human relations retreats and classroom workshops will accompany the video and posters on campus this spring.

Newport Harbor students have taken the lead in organizing “That’s W.H.A.C.K.” with the support of their adult allies, “they are true examples of the power of youth,” says Senior OC Human Relations Specialist, Maricela Jauregui.

See the “That’s W.H.A.C.K” video.

NHHS BRIDGES PROGRAM RECEIVES A DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL AWARD FROM ORANGE COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS

Since 1971, OC Human Relations has worked to build bridges of understanding to promote a vision of a community where all people are valued.

Congratulations to the BRIDGES Program and Club Advisor Debbie Pogue for receiving a Distinguished School Award at the recent 40th Anniversary Awards Gala. The Distinguished School Awards recognize exceptional contributions to promoting, nurturing, protecting and/or cultivating a campus that is respectful, welcoming, and connected.

Newport Harbor High School BRIDGES Program was recognized for its efforts to end the toxic language that fills so many high school campuses. Their campaign "That's W.H.A.C.K." (Words Hurt And Can Kill) honored the many students across the nation who have committed suicide as a result of being bullied.

Again, congratulations for your exceptional achievement

CHECK US OUT IN THE DAILY PILOT

CLUB INFO

Club Advisor: Mrs. Pogue

Email: dpogue@nmusd.us

Meeting Day and Time:

Club Meetings – Thursdays at Lunch

Leadership Meetings – Thursdays After School

Meeting Location: Room 286 (Sims Hall)

Remind Code: @nhhsbridge

Instagram: @NhhsBridges

PAST PROJECTS

That’s WHACK Campaign
Anti-Bullying Freshman Advisory Presentations
Pledge to End Bullying Chain Link
Power of Words Month
If You Really Knew Me
One More Friend, One Less Bully Pledge Wall
Compliment Day
Sweet Thought Candy Grams
Peer Mediation
Public Service Announcements
Human Relation Retreats
Staff Appreciation Awards
Bringing UNITY to the Sailor COMMUNITY Campaign
Mix it Up at Lunch: Speed Friendships
Annual Writing and Art Contest
Unity Poster Bomb
Culture Fair
Calm and Crafts
Kindness Week
Affirmation Wall

In This Section