On July 1, the TINRC Director of Operations, Anita Black, turned to me and said, “Winter’s coming.”
It was a balmy, sunny day and the warning felt a bit ominous. It immediately called to mind the story of The Ant and The Grasshopper. If you recall from childhood, this was a tale about planning and being prepared. It is summer and the ant works diligently to gather food and resources to get through the coming winter. In comparison, the grasshopper just wants to have fun – and spends the day playing and teasing the ant for working so hard. The season of plenty comes to an end and winter arrives. The grasshopper is outside, cold and hungry. There is a knock on the ant’s door and the ant invites the grasshopper in to share the bounty.
As someone who has been on the trauma informed journey for over 20 years, I can relate to the ant. I have been hard at work, building a supply of trauma-informed practices. And over the years there have been many knocks upon the door by folks who are seeking the warmth and nourishment that comes from being trauma-informed. I must be honest – sometimes, my first, automatic thought is “where have you been?” Then my more generous and kinder second thought arrives which is – “welcome, please come in.”
Over time, what I have learned is that the more folks who arrive at the trauma-informed table, the greater the bounty is for everyone. We all have the same basic ingredients at our disposal – the trauma-informed values of trust, transparency, choice, collaboration and empowerment. The richness comes from the unlimited recipes seasoned by our different backgrounds and experiences.
Between summer and winter is autumn, the season of the harvest. I am looking forward to coming together at our annual Join the Journey conference where we are setting a table for 300. Our theme this year is Building Belonging and I envision a huge potluck of ideas and practices – where we all can share in our communal bounty, swap recipes as well as rest and just enjoy each other’s company. No matter how long you have been on the trauma-informed journey – we will all be richer by your presence.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Sessions in English occur every Tuesday at 6 am, 12 pm & 8 pm.
Session in Spanish occurs every Wednesday at 8 pm.
This program helps build a team of trainers across NY who can teach “Tending the Roots Training” courses.
Dates:
Days 1-4: December 8th – 11th
Day 5: December 18th
Time:
Days 1-4: 9 am – 12 pm
Day 5: 9 am-5 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Register your organization!
Share the survey with your leadership & staff
Receive an action-oriented report
Schedule a free one-hour call w/ TINRC staff for personalized support
Make meaningful, trauma-responsive changes
As a storyteller, there is clearly a part of my brain that loves word play and configuring words to highlight concepts and relationship. While considering the types of topics or content that I wanted to offer, I knew that I must remain true to the one rule that I strive to adhere to – follow your heart and passion.
Exhale to Inhale originally started as an idea from a college student. On the cusp of graduation, Zoë LePage developed a project that connected survivor advocacy organizations with trauma-informed yoga classes.
Today, 12 years later, that initial idea has grown into a deeply rooted, community-centered nonprofit named Exhale to Inhale.
Our mission: Using trauma-informed yoga to empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while also providing communities with the tools and knowledge to support them.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
The topic of suicide risk in children can be difficult to think about and caring adults can feel nervous about how best to help. We have put together a list of trusted resources you can use and share with students, families, and school communities.
Back-to-school season can bring up many feelings: excitement, worry, fear, and hope.
Keep reading for trauma-informed ways to help make schools more emotionally safe this year.
Talking to people in our lives when we disagree can feel both important and challenging.
Check out this resource that offers you practices you can try!
Why We Need Trauma-Informed Care in Sexual Assault Response with Christi Waldron
The NYS TINRC Newsletter is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
