The Cloud That Contained the Lightning: An Evening with Cynthia Lowen

In this special presentation, Cynthia Lowen will read from her poetry collection, The Cloud That Contained the Lightning, winner of the 2012 National Poetry Series and released in September 2013. Using the character of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb," as a jumping-off point, The Cloud That Contained the Lightning explores the enduring legacy of the nuclear weapons, and the danger of forgetting. The reading will be followed with a discussion of the work with the author.

Nurturing Safe Relationships: Breaking Cycles of Bullying, Dating Violence & Domestic Abuse

Research shows a strong correlation between youth who are exposed to domestic violence and those who engage in bullying behaviors, as well as those who perpetrate or experience physical violence in intimate relationships. While one in three young people ages 14-20 have experienced dating violence, both boys and girls who engage in bullying behaviors are far more likely to report physical violence in relationships than their peers.

In this powerful multimedia presentation, Cynthia Lowen explores how communities can empower young women and men to engage in healthy, safe relationships. Using specific examples from her work with youth, educators and mental health experts, this talk will look at the formation of abusive behavior patterns and how these behaviors can evolve into bullying, harassment and violence towards peers and partners. She will also examine characteristics of physical and emotional abuse, cyber-bullying and sexual assault, equipping audiences with tools to identify and respond to relational violence and implement positive, community-wide interventions.

Fostering Positive School Climates with Social & Emotional Learning

How can educators, parents and youth be equipped with the skills to prevent bullying before it takes root and create positive learning environments for all? In this engaging, multimedia presentation, Cynthia Lowen delves into the creative ways Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can be integrated into school cultures and communities to create meaningful engagement, lasting impact and the next generation of motivated, caring citizens.

Drawing on her experience co-creating The BULLY Project Social Action campaign, centered around SEL philosophy with a goal of reaching 10 million youth, this presentation will explore core Social and Emotional Learning strategies including: building trusting school-wide relationships, fostering empathy and understanding, promoting responsibility, facilitating student leadership and encouraging parent participation. This talk will also provide real-world examples of schools that have successfully implemented SEL and will depict the positive ripples this work has created throughout the community.