Your nonprofit likely works with many individuals who have experienced trauma, or who are experiencing traumatizing circumstances currently. As you move toward a Shared Power Strategy™ approach in which you begin to share more decision making power with the people your organization serves, one unintended consequence can be retraumatization.
When you ask the people you work with to share their ideas, input, feedback and stories, it can bring up painful experiences and emotions that can do more harm than good, even if your intent is pure. The best way to minimize the risk of retraumatization is to ensure that everyone who is involved with engaging your stakeholders has a background in trauma-informed practices and trauma-informed facilitation.
Here are a few of our favorite resources that you can tap into to ensure you’re sharing power in a way that minimizes the risk of retraumatization.
Nonprofit Learning Lab’s Trauma-Informed Facilitation Training
The Nonprofit Learning Lab is a widely recognized platform that offers an array of resources and training opportunities. Their Trauma-Informed Facilitation Training is an online workshop for facilitators and trainers who “lead community based conversations with adults where difficult topics may arise or in depth conversations may occur. This training is not geared towards social workers or mental health professionals, but rather facilitators and trainers who want to learn more about trauma informed facilitation.” Their training covers topics such as planning based on trauma-informed principles, considerations for in-person versus virtual facilitation, adult learning principles, and strategy and structure for group facilitation. This training is offered approximately monthly and starts at $150. Register here.
Leah’s Pantry Trauma-Informed Facilitator Training
Leah’s Pantry is a nonprofit working to build and implement community nutrition and food security programs that align with trauma-informed, resilience-focused principles. They offer a wide range of trauma-informed facilitation trainings geared toward those in the charitable food space. Learn more and register here.
Carolyn Spring’s Trauma Training for Professionals and Survivors
Sometimes, we need to deal with our own trauma before we can engage our nonprofits’ beneficiaries in a way that is sensitive to their trauma. For those situations, Carolyn Spring’s Trauma Training for Professionals and Advisors can be a great fit. This online training program provides a comprehensive and accessible platform for individuals seeking to understand and address the impact of trauma, and covers a wide range of topics related to trauma, including its causes, effects, and the recovery process. Participants in the training program will gain a deep understanding of trauma and its implications on mental health and well-being. They will learn practical strategies and techniques for working with trauma, including trauma-informed approaches to therapy and self-care practices. The program combines expert knowledge with personal insights, providing a holistic perspective on trauma recovery. Learn more here.
The University of Buffalo’s Institute of Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care Training
The Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care provides research and training for organizations on trauma and trauma-informed care through evaluation, trauma-specific treatment interventions, technical assistance and consultation. They offer a wide range of trainings and consultations, from 2.5 hour 101-level presentations that can be a good fit for nonprofits just beginning their trauma-informed journey, to champion development training intended to build an individual’s capacity to champion trauma-informed organizational change processes. Learn more here.
The risk of retraumatization isn’t a reason to shy away from taking a Shared Power Strategy™ approach, but it is a reason to operate with great care, and to make sure that your team is continually seeking education on trauma-informed facilitation practices. We hope these resources will help you get started.
