The Science of Hope
The Science of Hope is an evidence-based approach for improving systems and changing lives. It provides a framework for understanding and building the skills that support goal-attainment for individuals & organizations.
Philanthropists, government officials, and a range of agencies came together on June 27th, 2024, to learn about the Science of Hope. The goal was to create a shared understanding of the power of hope and to discuss how to deploy the Science of Hope to improve behavioral health across Washington State.
The Science of Hope has momentum and support within several Washington state agencies (Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)), community organizations (Mentor Washington, Kitsap Strong, Amara, Parents for Parents (P4P) program), and a growing network of schools and youth development organizations. These groups have been working to implement the Science of Hope for over four years across Washington state.
Participants engaged in a lively discussion on how to embed the Science of Hope in the behavioral health system, including in Washington Thriving, the effort to develop a statewide strategic plan for prenatal-through-age-25 behavioral health. They spoke of the importance of leadership leaning in, as well as engaging community in these efforts. Training was a consistent theme, including the importance of training the trainers. There was a call to set short-term goals that can lead to long-term results. Participants also recognized the many individuals that already instinctively serve as “agents of hope” across our systems and encouraged each other to highlight and support these folks. Philanthropists gained concrete recommendations of how to support the Science of Hope in their grantmaking, in the following ways:
Community Awareness & Leadership Development:
Scope and fund Science of Hope activities for a broader community
Scope and fund Science of Hope activities in service of Washington Thriving
Convene agency leaders committed to the Science of Hope to build support
Sponsor annual convening to sustain energy and momentum
Training & Implementation Support:
Expand access to Hope Navigator training with sponsorships and scholarships for participants
Provide technical assistance and implementation support post-training (e.g., how to deploy the Science of Hope as an evaluation tool, as a workforce strategy, and as a policy practice)
Network Development:
Provide backbone support to Hope Rising WA by resourcing the coordination of statewide implementation efforts
We look forward to continuing to chart the evolution of the Science of Hope in Washington State and welcome your input and reflections.