Announcing Bright Promises' First SEL Expert in Residence - Ashley V. Perkins

At Bright Promises Foundation, we believe that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a powerful tool that can help individuals, families, and communities thrive. That's why we're proud to present the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub, an online space designed to provide accessible and diverse SEL resources for families, caregivers, educators, and community organizations across Illinois.

What is the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub?

The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is a collaboration between Bright Promises Foundation and its network of community partners focused on enhancing social and emotional well-being for children, youth, and their families.  

This hub is a one-stop destination for a range of SEL resources, ranging from videos and articles to curricula, audio files, and more—available in both English and Spanish. These materials support SEL development and practice for individuals of all ages: children, youth, and adults.

Whether you're looking for educational tools for the classroom, activities for your family, or resources for community organizations, the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub strengthens SEL development, nurtures positive relationships, and creates a sense of joy and connection.

SEL Expert in Residence: Ashley V. Perkins

In partnership with Illinois Afterschool Network, we are excited to welcome our first SEL Expert in Residence -- Ashley V. Perkins.

Ashley is a trailblazer in Social and Emotional Learning and the CEO and Founder of BeWell Tools, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through SEL.

A recognized expert in the field, Ashley has partnered with over 40 organizations and served more than 2,000 individuals and families to promote SEL in non-academic spaces.

Ashley believes in the transformative power of SEL, particularly when integrated into daily life outside the classroom. She believes that SEL isn't just for schools, it's a life skill that supports positive human interactions and helps individuals develop social and emotional competence in every aspect of their lives.

Her philosophy is rooted in the importance of self-efficacy—the belief in one's ability to succeed. Ashley emphasizes that to develop social and emotional competence, families and communities must have opportunities to practice these skills successfully. By doing so, they can build confidence and become more effective in navigating challenges at school, work, and in relationships.

Ashley also advocates for culturally relevant SEL practices, recognizing that every individual brings a unique worldview shaped by their cultural background.  

Ashley’s Expert Resources

Ashley has shared her expert resources with Bright Promises, focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), these resources are designed to be both comprehensive and accessible, providing practical tools to promote emotional well-being.

• Creating Safe Spaces with Group Norms [Video]
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• SEL Affirmations Activity Guide [Handout]
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• Talking Circles [Video]
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• Around the World Affirmations Game [Handout]

To explore more of Ashley's work and resources, you can visit her website at www.bewelltools.com or connect with her on social media at @bewelltools on Facebook and Instagram.

Find More on THE Bright Communities SEL RESOURCE HUB

The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is an integral part of the Bright Promises Foundation's mission to expand access to high-quality, culturally relevant SEL tools.  

We encourage you to explore the resources on the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub and begin your journey toward building a more emotionally aware and connected community. Together, we can promote emotional intelligence, empower individuals, and foster positive relationships that benefit everyone.  

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