BRIDGES Program
Club Charter
BRIDGES is a nationally-recognized program with the mission of improving inter-group relations by partnering with schools and communities to create, advocate for, and sustain a safe, inclusive, and equitable school climate that respects society’s diversity.
The BRIDGES program has four overarching goals: creating safe and inclusive communities, developing diverse leaders, mediating conflict, and building understanding and respect.
Participants are empowered to identify, investigate, and address the human relations needs on their campus via trainings and dialogues. In addition, they will acquire the skills to learn from and work with a variety of individuals as they are exposed to different people, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
All students are welcome to participate in both our Task Force, which meets in room 286 on Thursdays at lunch, and in a leadership capacity on our leadership board, which meets after school on Thursdays.
Task Force
The Bridges Task Force is a group comprised of teachers, parents, students, and administrators that is established to be the core of the efforts on campus. The task force identifies needs and establishes short and long term goals and objectives to improve the human relations climate on campus.
Leadership Board
The BRIDGES Leadership Board meets every Thursday after school at 3:05 pm. The Leadership Board is open to ALL students, and is the driving force of the program. The leaders plan all meetings, implement all projects, and oversee the day-to-day affairs of the program. We hope to see you as one of our next leaders!
OC Human Relations
OC Human Relations is a nonprofit organization enabled by a unique public/private partnership between corporations, cities, foundations, the county, the schools, the courts, and individuals. The mission of the BRIDGES program is to improve inter-group relations by partnering schools and communities to create, advocate, and sustain a safe, inclusive school climate that respects society’s diversity. For more information visit OC Human Relations' website.
Attend the Annual Walk in My Shoes Youth Conference
Each year for over twenty years, OC Human Relations has brought together schools from all over Orange County to attend a day long youth conference. Participants explore issues of identity and culture, develop their leadership skills, and are exposed to examples of successful youth activism. Our goal is to empower and mobilize students to work towards creating positive social change.
Students attend workshops, choosing from over 20 different thought provoking sessions related around human relations. Youth and experienced human relations presenters share their insights, experiences, and expertise on subjects related to the theme.
Do you want to be a Leader in the Community?
Orange County Youth Organizers (OCYO) is an internship offered by OC Human Relations, and BRIDGES members are encouraged to join. OCYO are in charge of organizing events, such as the Walk in My Shoes Annual Youth Conference. OCYO members meet every month and discuss current human relation issues. There is also an opportunity to become a paid intern for OC Human Relations.
REad More...
Newport Beach, CA. (March 24, 2010) – Students from the OC Human Relations BRIDGES School Inter-group Relations Program at Newport Harbor High School are unveiling a campaign designed to minimize toxic language and promote respect on campus. “That’s W.H.A.C.K!”, which stands for Words Hurt and Can Kill, is a three-year campaign initiated by students who want their school to be a model of safety and inclusion in the county.
In a video created for the campaign, students ask, “Have you ever stopped to think about the words that you use? Have you have ever realized the impact those words have on other people?” They go on to state, “We are taking a stand against toxic language in the areas of sexism, racism, homophobia and other hateful words…they can kill our spirit, our confidence, our love for others, and even our lives.”
The kick-off, to be attended by students, teachers and parents, will feature the video made by the students, a presentation of the campaign time line, and opportunities to support the campaign on campus and in the community. Campus-wide activities, human relations retreats and classroom workshops will accompany the video and posters on campus this spring.
Newport Harbor students have taken the lead in organizing “That’s W.H.A.C.K.” with the support of their adult allies, “they are true examples of the power of youth,” says Senior OC Human Relations Specialist, Maricela Jauregui.
See the “That’s W.H.A.C.K” video.
Since 1971, OC Human Relations has worked to build bridges of understanding to promote a vision of a community where all people are valued and included, and diversity is realized as a source of strength.
Congratulations to the BRIDGES Program and Club Advisor Debbie Pogue for receiving a Distinguished School Award at the recent 40th Anniversary Awards Gala. The Distinguished School Awards recognize exceptional contributions to promoting, nurturing, protecting and/or cultivating a campus that is safe, welcoming, and equitable.
Newport Harbor High School BRIDGES Program was recognized for its efforts to end the toxic language that fills so many high school campuses. Their campaign "That's W.H.A.C.K." (Words Hurt And Can Kill) honored the many students across the nation who have committed suicide as a result of being bullied.
Again, congratulations for your exceptional achievement!
Read the Daily Pilot article about our award.
Club Info
Club Advisor: Mrs. Pogue
Email: dpogue@nmusd.us
Meeting Day and Time:
Club Meetings – Thursdays at Lunch
Leadership Meetings – Thursdays After School
Meeting Location: Room 286 (Sims Hall)
Remind Code: @nhhsbridge
Instagram: @NhhsBridges
Past Projects
- Day of Silence
- That’s WHACK Campaign
- Anti-Bullying Freshman Advisory Presentations
- Pledge to End Bullying Chain Link
- Power of Words Month
- If You Really Knew Me
- One More Friend, One Less Bully Pledge Wall
- Compliment Day
- Sweet Thought Candy Grams
- Anti-Bullying Writing and Art Contest
- Peer Mediation
- Public Service Announcements
- Human Relation Retreats
- Staff Appreciation Awards
- Tear Down This Wall Campaign (Bringing UNITY to the Sailor COMMUNITY)
- TDTW Writing and Art Contest
- Mix it Up at Lunch: Speed Friendships
- I Have a Dream Writing and Art Contest
- One School, Different Mind Writing and Art Contest
- There's More Than Meets the Eye Writing and Art Contest
- Unity Poster Bomb
