Belonging is an innate and fundamental need that we all have. Whether we realize it or not, it influences many of our decisions daily. Research and experts have shown the exponential impact of genuine and authentic experiences of belonging and how it can increase motivation, problem-solving, emotional, mental, and physical health, and even resiliency. Family, school, and community are widely discussed as the top three ways for youth to develop, experience, and feel belonging.
Unfortunately, we also know that if a youth has experienced childhood adversity of any sort, their relationship with family, school, or community is often destroyed in the process; and sometimes all three. Adversity and trauma directly impact and sometimes eliminate experiences of belonging. This is why we see such significant gaps and vicious cycles in youth and adult populations who have experienced childhood adversity and trauma.
Backed by research and lived experience, this workshop is about how you can begin to erase the belonging gap, and how belonging is the difference in the lives of the youth you serve. You will be informed, challenged, and inspired to continue the life-changing work, but with a different perspective and intention
Available CEUs: Social Work, Substance Abuse, Foster/Adoptive & Nursing