Trauma-Informed Facilitation Workshop
Part 1: Jun 7, 2021 9:00 – 11:00am
Part 2: June 21, 2021 9:00 – 11:00am

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5252540977

As guide, bridge builder, peacemaker, process designer and taskmaster, the role of a facilitator is to ensure that group members are able to fully participate, that communication goes as smoothly as possible, and that a group is able to successfully achieve its goals. Facilitation can be both rewarding and challenging and it takes stamina, practice and clarity – even when the discussions are focused on fairly neutral topics. When individual and/or historical trauma is part of the equation – which it almost always is, things can get difficult quickly. In this very interactive workshop, using a trauma-informed lens, we will cover the structure and format of meetings, meeting roles and tasks, agenda and process design, and how to handle disclosures, disruptions and other facilitation challenges. We will also attend to emotional regulation, relationship rupture and repair, and pre-session considerations to promote safety and participation.

Trainer/Facilitator Bio:
Elaine Walters is the founding Executive Director and lead trainer at the Trauma Healing Project, an organization that provides professional and community training and direct healing support for survivors and the people who care for them. Prior to this position she coordinated the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program for the Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force in Oregon. For the last 25 years she has been a consultant, trainer and community organizer working to address and eliminate intimate violence. She has designed and facilitated workshops and trainings on many related topics and has provided direct services and support to youth and adults impacted by violence, abuse and other forms of trauma and oppression. She is involved in the effort to expand accessible trauma healing resources and to implement trauma-informed care practices locally, regionally and state-wide.