Simple Interactions is a practice-based, strengths-focused, and community-driven approach to strengthening human interactions and relationships in support of positive development.

We work with professionals across a wide range of developmental contexts. We create opportunities for adults to see and talk about human interactions and relationships in their daily work, whether with children, youth, or other adults. We also communicate the science and practice of human interactions to advocate for positive system changes and healthy relational ecosystems in communities across the globe.

COMMUNICATE THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF HUMAN INTERACTIONS ACROSS SYSTEMS
We develop presentations, workshops, and resources that link moments of developmental interactions with both scientific principles and persistent policy challenges (e.g., measuring quality, defining professionals, improving systems). As speakers, workshop facilitators, and technical assistance providers, we share the messages with staff who directly serve communities, and with decision-makers who support the work of front-line staff.

BUILD AND FACILITATE COMMUNITIES OF RELATIONAL PRACTICE TO LEARN AND GROW FROM WHAT THEY ALREADY DO WELL
Using videos of positive, everyday moments as learning materials, we facilitate a reflective process by which front-line staff notice and appreciate what is already working in their daily interactions and why, and wonder about how such practices can grow within their own work, setting, and local community. Based in self-efficacy theory, the workshops serve as affirmative reminders of the power of simple, everyday interactions and deepen practice by helping professionals to notice and to do more intentionally what they already do intuitively. Additionally, we support “helpers of helpers” such as coaches, administrators, policymakers, and other groups whose work can encourage and empower human interactions and relationships on the ground. Learn more about the SI Process here.​

IDENTIFY AND CAPTURE DEVELOPMENTAL INTERACTIONS IN EVERYDAY PRACTICE
Using basic video cameras, we capture authentic and unscripted interactions in everyday settings. Using our Simple Interactions Tool as a lens and shared language, we identify moments that embody one or more underlying dynamics of a developmental interaction: connection, reciprocity, inclusion, and opportunity to grow.  We highlight these moments, whether they last a few seconds or a few minutes, through simple video edits, and use them as tools for professional learning and development.

ADVOCATE FOR PRACTICES, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES THAT ENRICH AND EMPOWER HUMAN INTERACTIONS
Through speaking engagements, workshops, dissemination of key learnings and research, and on-the-ground projects across numerous states and several countries, we are committed to promoting positive human development through concrete and specific practices, programs, and policies that empower adult helpers and local communities

SHARE ALL SIMPLE INTERACTIONS TOOLS AND RESOURCES FREELY FOR NON-COMMERCIAL USE
Our work has been generously supported by both public and philanthropic funding. As a founding principle, we ensure that the tools and resources we develop remain free and accessible for those who serve children, youth, and adults. We share these resources through our website and monthly newsletter.​

The Simple Interactions approach can be adapted and adjusted for specific content areas and developmental contexts. Any setting in which learning, growth, development take place may be an appropriate setting to apply Simple Interactions.
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For more information or to think about how SI might apply to your specific setting, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!