Belonging is an innate and fundamental need that we all have. It influences many of our decisions throughout any given day, whether we realize it or not. Research and experts have shown the exponential impact of genuine and authentic experiences of belonging. It can increase motivation, problem-solving, emotional, mental, and physical health, and resiliency, to name a few. Family, school, and community are widely discussed as the top three ways developing youth 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. I believe 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 for the youth you serve. You will be informed, challenged, and inspired to continue the life-changing work, but with a different perspective and intention.