
VILLAGE KEEPERS
The Village Keeper project is an initiative of Blocks Together that works to provide community members with tools to support others in their community in time of need and conflict. The tools shared can be used to help family members, community members, and other community aspects work through difficult times or reinforce positive personal growth and development.
The series includes the following activities and practices:
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Orientation and Review of Trauma and Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
The goal of the orientation session is to use various activities to get participants prepared to share through the project and create shared understanding of community and conflict.
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Review of Trauma and Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
Participants will gain an understanding of structural and interpersonal implications of trauma. As well an individual and collective understanding of healing practices within a cultural context and how does it impact a community and someone personally.
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Community Outreach and Event Planning practice
Participants will participate in a community event and gain experience in talking to others in the community, learning the logistics of organizing and event. Please wear comfortable attire we will be outside doing work!
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Introduction to Healing and Coping mechanisms
The goal of this session is the skill and analysis development in trauma informed and restorative practices by way of circle keeping, which inspires people and peaceful driven conflict resolution.
Participants will learn how to use a circle as a tool for conflict resolution, how to use self-care, understanding dialogue versus debate, how to do active listening, and other strategies to create space for safe dialogue and repairing after conflict.
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Working with Law Enforcement and Schools to reduce harm
The goal of this session is for participants to learn about the rights when engaging with law enforcement, how to help others experiencing trauma and need First Responders support, and how to promote violence prevention in their children’s schools or schools they volunteer with.
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Crisis Prevention Intervention and Mental Health advocacy
In this session participants will practice implementing active listening and dialogue with each other, and the physical and verbal support when someone is experiencing a crisis.
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Practice and Leadership Development
The goal of this session is to show participants how to conduct outreach, project management, and grassroots fundraising to help participants organize events in the community and with their peers.