.png)
What if hope is more than something we feel?
We often describe hope as a feeling - almost like a wish that things get better or a belief that somehow circumstances will change. It's only when we do the research that we are told something more powerful: hope is a way of thinking, and it is something that we can learn, practice, and strengthen.
At the heart of the Science of Hope is a simple idea:
The future can be better than today, and we have a role to play in making it so.
Hope is not about ignoring what is difficult or pretending that barriers simply don't exist. In fact, hope is most important when our lives become difficult. It gives us a way to look beyond what is happening right now and start asking:
What do I want for the future?
How can I get there?
What can I do to start moving forward?
When we understand hope as a skill and a framework for action, we can begin to intentionally create environments where people are supported in identifying meaningful goals, discovering their own pathways forward, recognizing their strengths an agency, and taking steps toward the futures they want.
This is where the science becomes practice - and where Hope Navigators come into play.
What is a Hope Navigator?
A Hope Navigator is someone equipped to apply the science of hope within their relationships, organization, community, or system.
Hope Navigation is about "giving people hope." It's about creating conditions that help people identify meaningful goals, see possible pathways, and recognize their own capacity to act.
A Journey in Hope
145
Since 2024, 145 individuals in Kitsap County have been trained as Hope Navigators through our work with OESD 114 and the WSAC Regional Challenge Grant!
483
In total, 483 individuals in Washington state have been trained as Hope Navigators through various OESD cohorts and communities of practice!
Education
-
Training educators and student-supporting professionals
-
Implementing Hope projects within schools and education settings
Community
-
Training community members and organizations
-
Connecting Hope Navigators across sectors
Leadership & Systems
-
Engaging organizational and community leaders
-
Supporting systems-level implementation
Building a Hope-Centered Community
Kitsap Hope Summit 2026
Hope is a framework for action.
On April 17, 2026, Hope Navigators, community partners, and system leaders from across Kitsap gathered at the Kitsap Conference Center for a day of learning, connection, and celebration. Featuring Dr. Chan Hellman and Dr. Angela Pharris, the Summit brought the Science of Hope to life through conversations, interactive experiences, and opportunities to connect across sectors.
Explore the Summit through Our Digital Program
Scan the QR code (or click here) to explore the Summit program, speakers, schedule, and resources.
Keep Hope in Motion.
The Hope Navigator movement doesn't stop at Kitsap Strong - or even at the borders of Kitsap County! Across Washington, our partners are continuing to put the Science of Hope into action by connecting people to resources, creating opportunities for shared learning, and building communities where hope can grow.
Explore the organizations and communities carrying this work forward through resource databases, learning opportunities, and Communities of Practice that help Hope Navigators stay connected, keep learning, and turn hope science into action.
