Earlier this month, one of our Hatch Lab workshop posts went viral (!) Our #Hatchling tweens’ reaction to Caitlyn Jenner’s introduction to the world as a transgender woman was covered on sites like Time, US Weekly, Telemundo, E-online, People, MSNBC, and Out Magazine, to name a few.
As of today, we have over 3 million YouTube views, social media reach tops 55 million, and we are thrilled to say that we have engaged over 500,000 community members with this powerful video. Call me a proud #HatchMom! As you can imagine, while the majority of the attention we received was positive, we also received some negative attention. But before I get into how we handled all of the love and some of the hate, check out the video that broke the internet.
After the video broke, some commented that our kids seemed to be “coached.” Not true! So how did the kids prepare for this workshop? Before we even addressed transgender people and Caitlyn, the kids participated in a work shop on the topic of empathy: being able to feel what another is feeling. It was through that lens that our bright, articulate #Hatchlings then explored Caitlyn’s ‘hello’ to the world. By choosing to explore a new angle on a truly engaging topic, we scored vital learnings and shared great insights with the world. We value issues that are trending, important, and, in many cases, evergreen. In that vein, check out these two videos on recent hot-topics:
• Micro-Aggressions,Teens explored the thousands of little racial cuts that whittle away at our culture, regardless of if we know or acknowledge it. Proud of their work. Watch this!
• Hatch – Hunger, Did you know childhood hunger affects more than 1 in 5 children. And for these kids, summertime means they no longer know where they will get three meals a day. Tweens workshopped on this crucial issue as we partnered with ConAgra on this vital issue. Check it out!
It’s true, we make great videos. But what is #Hatch? Why does it matter? Hatch started a year ago as our mission-based initiative to interact with kids and educate them about digital citizenship and media literacy. Education regarding thoughtful content creation is a core to Hatch’s mission. Never before has a group of young people come of age with the ability to create and share content at scale. Through the Hatch program, SheKnows gives tweens and teens the skills to create fun, inspiring, thoughtful content; to be accountable digital citizens and to be mindful of their power.
Hatchlings are encouraged to discuss topical issues and create content utilizing the tools and learnings from their Hatch curriculum. Parents and educators are welcome to use the materials from these workshops to facilitate discussions with their own teens and tweens.
And now, for the first time, we’re bringing two main elements of our Hatch program to YOU. We are talking and learning about issues that are important to tweens and teens online, and integrating them into the conversations we hold dear both in life and in media. These conversations are our way to create impactful, lasting digital ownership that empowers and educates the next generation of leaders.
Interested in finding out more about a #Hatchlabs? Then join us Friday July 17th! In a true replication of our process, the labs will be led by older #Hatchlings (with adult supervision) workshopping younger #Hatchlings. Yep, you got it, the Next Generation mentoring themselves.
• Hatch Labs, Back to School – Learning to Lead
Station #1: Personal Brand: You’re already creating a footprint in the world, be it online, at school, or at home. Here, you will gain tools for presenting the You you want people to see.
Station #2: Tech-Savvy: Explore your relationship with technology, and learn how we can all become better digital citizens.
Station #3: Speaking Up: Learn core leadership skills that can be translated into all aspects of your life.
Station #4: Finding Your Cause: Making a difference starts with finding your passion. Connect the dots and find ways to support the cause that really gets you fired up.
Also, on Friday July 17th and Saturday July 18th, we will be hosting a series of sessions with a range of panelists who’ve proved their commitment to digital stewardship for youth. Check out our really awesome sessions:
• Next Generation: Breaking Stereotypes and Building Self-Esteem: Do you know these hashtags: #LikeaGirl #BeAMan #BossyIs #HeForShe? Hatch kids have explored the meaning behind lots of hashtags…and how the media shapes their perspectives on themselves and those around them. This session looks at how we can flip the script and not only help kids insulate themselves from negative messages and stereotypes, but help them drive changing tired scripts. Jess Lahey, of The New York Times will speak. Session, Friday 11:30 am -12:30 pm.
• Next Generation: Raising Great Digital Citizens: Media Literacy and Online Boundaries:Everything online is a two way street. Being a great digital citizen means knowing how to set appropriate online boundaries…and how to respect other people’s. Being a great digital citizen means being careful about being able to trust what you read…and what you share. And it starts now. Kelly Wallace, CNN Digital will moderate. Session, Friday 2-3:15 pm.
• Next Generation: Gaming: It’s a Good Thing: If your kids are mesmerized by Minecraft or completely sucked in by Skylanders, you may be worried about all the time and attention they’re devoting to “just a game,” but this session will explore the positive aspects of gaming for kids…including the educational value to be found in non-educational games. We’ll help you understand your child’s devotion to gaming, and perhaps even help you help them make the most out of gaming time. Session, Friday 2-3:15 pm.
• Next Generation: Understanding FOMO, Like-Anxiety, and the Like-Cycle:You’re not the only one worried about Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) or information overload, or keeping up with the digital Joneses. Imagine all your concern in the context of being a kid who’s also worrying about popularity and what’s hot in an incredibly fast-changing environment. We’ll talk about what this does to your brain, and way to manage all those feelings. Session, Saturday 10:30-11:45.
Who will be our #BlogHer15 keynote? In addition to the #Hatchlings themselves we will welcome two powerful leaders join us to herald the cause. Girl’s Scout’s Ana Maria Chavez, whose Digital Cookie initiative supports her company’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) will take the stage. Also, the dynamic Soledad O’Brien, who co-founded Starfish Foundation with her husband, to help disadvantaged girls enter and graduate from college, will also share her vision.
So, register today and join us in co-creating educated, better, brighter digital literacy for the next generation of leaders. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, today we invite you to our SheKnows/ BlogHer Insta challenge. Show us a picture of something you learned from a child. In your caption, tell us what you learned. Tag it #NextGen, #Hatch, #BlogHer15. We’ll be sharing our favorites! Thank you for walking with us on this exciting journey towards a digitally savvy next generation!
#HatchLab Event Date:
Friday, July 17, 2015, 10:45-12:45 am and 2-4 pm
Conference Day:
Day 1
Conference:
#BlogHer15: Experts Among Us
Conference Track:
#HatchLabs
Next Generation Session Event Dates:
Friday, July 17, 2015, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, 2-3:15 pm
Saturday, July 18, 2015, 10:30-11:45 am
Conference Day:
Day 1 and 2
Conference:
#BlogHer15: Experts Among Us
Conference Track:
Next Generation
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