Alive and Thrive Facilitator Training

This 5-day workshop is for those who desire to become Alive and Thrive Facilitators and is offered as more facilitators are needed to help further the work of Alive and Thrive at the discretion of the Director or Training Coordinator. This is ideal for those who work with agencies who are community partners with Alive and Thrive and community members looking for ways to be more involved in trauma education and resilience in Wyandotte County. Persons must be willing to work with Alive and Thrive in providing 2.5-hour trainings within Wyandotte County with community members facilitating project development that promotes resilience in our community. Workshop Topics include Cultural Competency & Trauma Informed Care, Dimensions of Diversity, the Impact of Micro-Messages, Implicit Bias, Neuroscience, Triggers & Response, ACES, Community ACES and Pair of ACES, Community, Recognizing signs of Secondary Trauma, 10 Facets of Resilient People, Facilitation and Community Preparedness

Facilitator Reflections:

“This training was very informative, and I already see myself using it in different ways on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, the portion on trauma in Wyandotte County definitely shades how I view the community and how I interact with people to prevent more harm. Honestly, I believe that everyone should get a version of this training to help them better understand these issues, but especially the people who deal with the community in any capacity.” - Kimberly Weaver

“I’ve been doing facilitation for years, and this 5-day training was one of the most thorough and eye-opening that I’ve ever attended. We covered a number of topics and I picked up many tools that will help me as I go into the community to facilitate discussions about trauma and resilience. The training really helped me to see areas in my own personal life where I had experienced trauma and how I was able to become resilient in each case. This kind of self-examination is essential for everyone who wants to join Alive & Thrive as it builds a safe, healthy, and resilient community. And don’t let the 5 days intimidate you! This training is well worth the time invested.” - Dr. Evelyn Hill

“Attending the Alive and Thrive five-day training is life changing! Training and facilitation have been a part of my daily work life for the past 20 years. The assembly of trainers was second to none; all were very skilled presenters in their professions. This training challenged us to look past ourselves and see others in a clearer light. It allowed the participants to be vulnerable and to develop a deep desire to effect change, create hope, and spur advocacy. The training was structured with self-care as the most important aspect of facilitation and participation. After the training, I immediately took what I learned into the community. I’m now always first thinking: how does what I do impact someone’s growth, healing, and positive outlook? Trauma shows up differently for all of us; becoming trauma-informed allows us to create a proactive approach to building safer physical and emotional environments for all. Creating a Trauma-Informed and Resilient Wyandotte County is in great hands with this program.” - Dr. Chiquita Miller

“The Alive and Thrive Facilitator Training allowed me to meet so many people passionate about their community. It forced me to dig deep and challenge myself in ways that no other trainings have before. I love the bond that was created within our training group.” – Melissa Haehl

“One of the great things about the training was the information and the tools I received are applicable not only to the work Alive & Thrive is doing, but to our ever day work at Heartland 180 with youth in the community. It helped me become a better service provider to our clients. I go to trainings and hear about how trauma affects our youth and families and people, but I always feel like they never get into the real meat of the brain science of it and how it can affect our development and our minds. The Alive & Thrive training gave me a more clear and practical view of how trauma affects our community. The cultural competency part opened my eyes into my own personal traumas that I’ve had to go through and helped me realize I was more resilient than I thought I was. For me, it just kind of reaffirmed my ability to be relatable with the people I work with.” – Max Mendoza

“The Alive and Thrive Facilitator training gave me an opportunity to define and give voice to community issues I’ve encountered across the years of supporting community organizations in various positions. Coupled with the honor of being a part of the first cohort, I met an amazing group of people who take the task of serving to heart. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of a community that are served by trauma-informed organizations. As well, I am looking forward to seeing the results of residents who are informed about their own trauma. And as a result, how they use their resilience to not only recover but as a resource to steer them away from a life of traumatic circumstances and events.“ – Dola Gabriel