How can we create organizational practices that reflect our expressed values? How can staff, organizational leaders and funders support organizations to this end?  Join our panelists to explore leading, funding and supporting organizations in ways that move toward the collective liberation we seek.

What is accountability, and how is this understanding changing in our movement?  What does accountability a really mean for survivors, people who have caused harm, communities, systems and movements?  Join our panel of activists, leaders and survivors as they consider this question with us.

The mainstream movement to end gender based violence has worked for decades alongside the criminal legal system. The disproportionate impacts of this system have created a reckoning and calls for change.  What is being asked of the movement to end gender based violence, and how will we answer the call?

Join in as our panelists share their experiences in working to uproot violence and oppression in their communities.  They will share stories of successes and challenges engaging innovative approaches to serving survivors and communities most impacted by violence.

For more information and to register, click here!

The binder was designed to be a quick and accessible resource for adults and young people to look at together when the need arises. Most of the pages are colorful, easy to read, and designed for a younger audience, but there is no reason adults can’t enjoy and learn from them too. No background in sex education is required!

Click here for more info and to register!

This training is generously sponsored by the Peer Workforce Development Initiative - there is only a $100 fee per participant for IPS Core Materials. Please include an address for shipping when you register. We will contact you about payment for the materials once you've registered for the training.

Training Schedule:

Sept 20-24, 12:30-4:30pm (with short breaks)

Sept 27-Oct 1, 12:30-4:30pm (with short breaks)

Registration and more info here!

Tuesday, October 19th and Thursday, October 21st, 1:00pm - 5:00pm each day 

Register here. 

The IPS Overview Training will provide an 8 hour introduction to the innovative IPS framework based on Shery Mead’s book, Intentional Peer Support: An Alternative Approach. The IPS Overview Training is for anyone interested in learning more about the IPS approach, which has been widely used as a foundation training for people working in both traditional and alternative mental health settings. Participants will learn about the three principles and four tasks of IPS, and briefly experience it in action.

This training is free of charge to participants and sponsored by Vermont's Peer Workforce Development Initiative. 

Please email training@pathwaysvermont.org with any comments or questions.

Two trainings available:
Wednesday, April 5th, 9am-12pm ET 

May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Physical and emotional safety are the foundation from which all human development unfolds. Trauma is the absence of this safety: a child’s experience of pervasive stress, fear, and/or harm. Childhood trauma invariably disrupts a child’s development, including their ability to regulate emotions, connect to others, and learn. At the heart of recover from trauma is a caring relationship with an adult who provides moment by moment connection and support.

Participants will be able to explain what trauma is and how it impairs children’s development, and provide the connection and support that enables recovery.

Presenter: Beth Martell

More info: https://vermontafterschool.org/calendar/field-forum-understanding-trauma-and-recovery/

Participants will be given the tools and confidence to respond to kids about what it means to be gay, transgender, and gender nonconforming. Participants will leave with a better understanding of these topics too so they can learn tips on how to answer kids’ questions, have conversations about sexuality and gender, and foster a love of diversity. Amber will discuss the significance of accepting and affirming our kids’ LGBTQIA+ identity.

Presenter: Amber Leventry

More info: https://vermontafterschool.org/calendar/field-forum-how-do-i-talk-to-youth-about-lgbtqia-topics/

May 17 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Youth voice is increasingly becoming a buzzword, but what does it really mean? This virtual workshop will help you build your understanding of what youth voice is and can be. It will also show you how you can infuse it into every aspect of your program and every level of your organization. Participants will leave with a better understanding of what programming that encourages youth voice looks like and how they can best promote it every day.

More info: https://vermontafterschool.org/calendar/workshop-creating-a-culture-of-youth-voice/

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. This training includes 2 hours of required pre-work and 5 hours of instructor-led content.

More info: https://vermontafterschool.org/calendar/training-youth-mental-health-first-aid/

Audience: High school students, parents, school counselors

Topics: Applying to the Early College Program at CCV; applying for financial aid for the early college year; pursuing a certificate during the early college year through the Early College Certificate program; and, continuing at CCV to earn a FREE associate degree through the McClure Free Degree Promise program.

More info: https://admissions.ccv.edu/portal/ECopportunities

The program is free and no prior experience is necessary – Apply today!

The class will be held Monday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday at the Carpenters Local Union shop in South Burlington, Vermont. Throughout the program, participants get hands-on experience participating in an office renovation project at VWW and a paid onsite work experience with a local employer.

To learn more, register for one of our info sessions on either April 11 or May 24 at 6:30 PM on Zoom.

More info: https://vtworksforwomen.org/event/trailblazers-in-south-burlington/

An effective facilitator is a youth or adult who can hold space for adults to reflect and learn, and who can model the skills adult participants will be cultivating – building strong, trusting and affirming relationships, communicating more effectively, strengthening connections, and being a resource for the young people in their lives.  Facilitators don’t have to be experts, just people who are committed to helping adults do better at supporting youth.

It’s a social and support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth ages 13-19. Thanks to community partners and/or your local pizza place, dinner is provided at in-person Friday Night Groups. At Friday Night Groups this spring and summer, we’re going to enjoy some crafts, gardening, a movie night, and more!

No matter where you are, you should have the opportunity to be among friends - and to be seen and celebrated for being your amazing self! Find your nearest FNG: 

Middlebury on the first Friday of each month from 6:30-8pm at The Teen Center

Montpelier on the second Friday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier

Morrisville on the third Friday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Clarina Howard Nichols Center

Burlington every Friday from 6:30-8pm at Outright’s youth space

Too far? FNG will come to you! Join us on Zoom every Friday from 6:30-8pm - get the links to virtual programs here!

More info: https://www.outrightvt.org/home/fng/

FREE

If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.

This workshop will begin with a brief introduction to trauma/trauma responsive care. During the majority of the presentation we will focus on defining resilience, understanding the current trends and statistics, and how do we build/increase resilience in children and youth. The presentation will also cover care of self for the adults who care for or work with youth.

Presenter:
– Kheya Ganguly, M.A., Director of Trauma Prevention and Resilience Development at the Vermont Department Of Mental Health. 

More info:

Participants learn basic knowledge and skills of suicide prevention, including societal myths and attitudes, use of sensitive language, risk factors and warning signs, protective factors, considerations for populations at risk, examples of what to say and do, and local and national resources for help. Participants use behavioral practice techniques to apply a three-step process for talking with someone who presents a suicide risk. The training includes a discussion of best practices for suicide prevention in your organization or community setting.