At the end of last year, a group of people visited the school and brought a strong message. They not only came to Lake Roosevelt, but traveled to Nespelem, Omak, Paschal Sherman, Inchelium and Keller schools as well, bringing with them a message of self-worth, overcoming and positive actions. In Lake Roosevelt this has caused a ripple effect of good things, and I keep going back to that turning point of communication.

When James Pakootas, Miah Bearcub, Lou Rouda, TS Solution and John Crown spoke on the stage in the Raider gym, I am sure they knew that their words were going to be impactful, but I am not sure they knew the chain reaction that was going to happen. I personally have seen a culture change for many at Lake Roosevelt, but some additional things have happened, and it only strengthens the process.

Early this year, James returned with Mr. Crown to LR, and a select group of kids impacted by the message given the year before had a sit-down discussion of what radiated most in the message from the concert series. The response was staggering. These students, chosen at random, came forward to speak their story. This was not the plan, but it soon became apparent that it was needed. Bullying, abuse and differences became the hot topics as we embarked on a journey of exactly what kids overcome on a day-to-day basis. It was an eye-opening session for the “empower the future” crew as they prepare to bring the same message again this year and expand to other local schools.

Then the “Natural Helpers” program began its return to Lake Roosevelt. A “reboot” is what we are calling it. Letters went out this week to students chosen by their peers to be safe, “someone I can talk to” and trustworthy. A retreat is planned for these students to learn how to help other students who may be suffering a wide variety of life setbacks, many of which were covered in the concert series talks by Pakootas. This is a chance to put tools in the hands of students to be able to help their friends in their dire time of need, but most important, to know when “this is too much for me” and to seek help from the next level — a parent, teacher, counselor or other professional.

The things students deal with in this generation are really no different from past generations. Things are just amplified and hard to get away from in today’s technology age. When I was a student, not too long ago, if there was a bully at school, that is where they were a bully — at school. But today, home is not the safe place it once was. Phones and social media have made contacting people so easy. So even when a student is safely at home, a bully can still wreak havoc through online media and sometimes be anonymous in the process. That is just one example, but it is the most common. It’s one that every student has either experienced themselves or seen it done to others. That is just one of the issues to deal with.

Communication is the key to it all. Strong, healthy communication and listening. Really listening. Yes, we have differences and don’t see some things the same way, but the key is listening with empathy and seeking a solution to help all involved. So, when we give youth the tools to do just that, it makes them not only better friends and Natural Helpers, it makes them better employees, better citizens and better leaders. And they step into those rolls in the school and in the future. We all need to create a culture of positive communication. I believe that starts with listening.