STRENGTH-BASED STORYTELLING / CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND TRAUMA

Jon Lanthier & Beth Tinker

This training is FREE and RSVPs are not accepted. These trainings occasionally

reach capacity and space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Organizations delivering social and human services are often expected

to tell stories about their impact on lives. When agencies serve

populations with high needs, however—especially those who have been

affected by trauma—the ethical considerations involved in storytelling

can become complicated. Organizations often inadvertently wind up

stigmatizing or exploiting clients, and reinforcing deficit-based narratives.

This presentation will focus on strategies for ensuring that the

guiding principles of family-centered, strength-based care are reflected in

communications efforts. We all have an opportunity to reinforce new

messages about trauma and resilience that remove stigma and dignify

marginalized children, families, and communities.