From the Field: We Asked Educators How Do They and Their Teams Create a Safe Space for Young People?

This year’s BOOST Conference 2025 was one to remember! From inspiring sessions to excellent networking opportunities, 17 years of BOOST Conference felt like a reunion, bringing our field together during a time when we needed it most.

We welcomed over 3,100 attendees to our conference in sunny Palm Springs and offered 200+ workshops, 5 Pre-Conference Academies, Town Hall and Panel Sessions, a Film Festival, the live-Podcast Lounge, Off-Campus Fieldtrips, a peaceful and mindful Zen Den space, and a Friendship Corner to make bracelets for our BOOST Besties! Our Exhibit Hall was filled with exhibitors engaged in making meaningful opportunities for youth through unique products and services. Not to mention our networking events! From BOOST in Wonderland to Lounge events at the Hilton, this year’s BOOST created opportunities for intentional networking to collide. The work continues on!

How Do You Create a Safe Space for Young People?

We asked educators to share how they create safe spaces for young people. In a time where uncertainty and unknown are prevalent, safe spaces and healthy relationships are paramount to the well-being of youth. Here’s what these educators said:

• Care about kids every day. NO Matter What!
• Your feelings matter.
• PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect)
• Choose Kindness & Compassion
• You are Loved!
• Being Present.
• Smile.
• We allow children to be themselves.
• Look, it’s the very day your valor has often asked for!
• Kindness Goes a Long Way!
• You are your greatest LOVE.
• Making Connections.
• Breathe! Laugh! All the Love!
• Safe Environment – Have Fun!
• Create a safe place to be who they are.
• We listen & we don’t JUDGE!
• We live by: “I’m not saying I’m going to change the world, but I guarantee I will spark the brain that does.”
• Meeting inspiring NEW Friends.
• Allowing them to decompress and express freely.
• Love Every One!
• We help each other always.
• Pause & Listen!
• We make sure that our youth understand that our youth center is a safe space for everyone.
• Love, respect, and opportunities to learn science.
• Always offer hugs & smiles!
• Keeping a positive attitude about everything.
• I love my South Shores kids.
• Doing energizers & engaging conversations that they relate to.
• Giving them a Voice!
• YOU are important! Thank you for existing!
• Be kind & stay beautiful.
• Being open-minded & a safe space.
• Welcoming them with open hearts & open arms!
• We Listen. We Don’t Judge. We Welcome Them Always!
• Stay Kid-Centered!
• Welcome them with a smile.
• Meet them where they are at… physically, mentally, emotionally.
• Enjoy yourselves and take it one day at a time!
• Keeping their best interest in mind, always!
• Let Them!
• Make sure that kids seems themselves through all innovators.
• Today Only Happens Once, Make it Amazing!
• By KNOWING our kids.
• Love You! Do You!
• The Door is Open!
• You don’t have to be THE BEST… you just have to YOUR BEST!
• Listen & Acknowledge!
• Promoting healthy relationships with adults.
• Kindness!
• We vibe well. Communication. Appreciation. Collaboration. 1 Team, 1 Dream.
• Be a listening ear.
• Friday DANCE parties with the Principal.
• Stop and Listen.
• Change Makers.
• Leading with LOVE always.
• I create the space for youth to use their voice to create the space of BELONGING.
• Respect. Responsibility. Dedication.
• By holding space and listening to their needs.
• Building relationships with them – make sure they feel heard & valued.
• You’re Beautiful!
• Hugs & Smiles!
• We are there for them, before & after school.
• Choose Joy!
• By making jokes that make young people laugh, which makes them comfortable.
• Show up with positivity & good vibes always.
• Always have a listening ear, kind heart, and make it happen for them.
• Give space when needed.
• We listen 1st and react LATER!
• You matter!
• Showing Respect & Smiles.
• All emotions are valid even the not so good ones.
• Love on others.
• Building Relationships everyday!
• By connecting with each other.
• Always SMILE!! Be that friendly face the kiddo needs!
• BEE Kind!
• I build rapport through dance & music!
• LOVE.
• Your feelings matter.
• There is light at the end of your tunnel.
• Being Considerate. Establishing Respect.
• By ASKING them what they need/like/love to do… then implement.
• Love & Hugs.
• EVERYONE is welcome!
• Bringing healthcare to every classroom!
• By ensuring EVERYONE has access and we respond to student feedback.
• Be kind & always listen to what they have to say!
• Being inclusive.
• Listen & Act.
• Enjoy.
• By holding space and listening to their needs.
• THANK YOU FOR CHANGING THE LIVES OF STUDENTS.
• Woohoo BOOST!
• #BOOST2025

How do YOU create safe spaces for young people?

Click here to learn more about the annual BOOST Conference.