Communities Coming Together at Trauma-Informed Chicago Summit: Connecting for a Resilient Future
The Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative was thrilled to cohost “Trauma-Informed Chicago Summit: Connecting for a Resilient Future" with the Chicago Department of Public Health on Thursday, September 12th at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum. A sold-out crowd of more than 500 attendees from across Chicago gathered to get updates on Chicago’s commitment to becoming a trauma-informed city, discuss the work they are doing throughout the city, and envision what a resilient Chicago can look like.
After an opening message from Mayor Lori Lightfoot, guests spent the day connecting and strategizing on ways to take Chicago’s trauma-informed work to the next level. Table conversations covered topics such as race and equity, integrating trauma-informed practices into the arts, implementing reflective supervision and support at organizations, and historical and intergenerational trauma. Attendees also had the opportunity to create new connections and strengthen their networks in a bingo activity focused on breaking down silos, as well as participate in a youth-led art project with Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE) showcasing their vision of resilience.
The day was bookended by two incredible youth performances from social justice arts organization Collaboraction--Ella Rae, a 15 year old singer-songwriter whose work focuses on recovery from trauma, and Sir Taylor and the Example Setters, a multi-age spoken-word and poetry troupe focused on setting the example of youth empowerment for the city of Chicago.
We were inspired to see so many dedicated Chicagoans turn out for this unprecedented event and are excited for all the wonderful connections and work to be put into action. We can’t wait to see the advancements made in trauma-informed and resilient practices throughout Chicago.
We would like to thank the following partners for their ideas, energy, and dedication in planning this Summit: Center for Childhood Resilience; Communities United; Illinois Childhood Trauma Coalition; Illinois Collaboration on Youth; National Louis University; Strengthening Chicago’s Youth (partner and co-sponsor); VOYCE; and Wisdom Exchange.
To find out more about Trauma-Informed Chicago Summit: Connecting for a Resilient Future, or how Chicago is transforming into a trauma-informed city, contact Madison Hammett at mhammett@hmprg.org
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