In late fall, New Yorkers came together in Saratoga Springs for New York State’s Trauma-Informed Network and Resource Center’s second annual in-person conference, Join the Journey.
Over the course of the two-day event, passionate individuals from all across the state came together to connect, learn, and share their personal experiences, all centered around trauma-informed and equity-centered practices.
We witnessed immense courage from each of the speakers, panelists, and attendees, who openly shared how they apply trauma-informed practices in their work and everyday lives. We are grateful for their voice and openness.
With over 20 interactive panels, workshops, and wellness activities, we saw first-hand that storytelling is a moving and powerful tool to educate and inspire. Join the Journey was intentionally planned and organized so that the conference itself could come from a place of trauma-informed practice. Our team, and the support from TGW Studio, committed to thinking contemporarily, and approached the event mindfully, keeping our values at the forefront.
Thanks to New York State and the Office of Mental Health, the conference was free to attend. The agenda prioritized spacing out sessions and activities, and included break blocks so attendees would have time and opportunity for self-care.
We introduced Process Groups, where attendees could share, connect, and get to know others more intimately. Each day, the Reflection Room was a welcome and accessible space for anyone who desired a dimly lit space to rest, meditate, or regulate nervous systems. Professional support persons were available for attendees needing or requesting one-on-one care. Our staff used respectful and intentional language and kept the belief that all New Yorkers have vastly different experiences at the forefront of our decision-making. We are proud of our efforts.
We encouraged attendees to consider trauma-informed work as “discovering new pathways,” from personal growth to organizational and cultural change. There were so many common threads and connections made across the three days that will undoubtedly build lasting relationships and strengthen the TINRC network and its mission.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our speakers, panelists, and attendees. One attendee said they gained insight into “looking at professions and people through a lens of more empathy, curiosity, and compassion.”
Ultimately, we aimed for attendees to leave feeling restored, strengthened, and better connected as we all continue onto the next step in our Journey.