2018 National ACEs Conference Highlights
Daphne Gaulden, Dr. Chad Rodgers and I attended the 2018 National ACEs conference and pediatric symposium last week in San Francisco. Hosted by Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris' Center for Youth Wellness and ACEs Connection, the event was an opportunity to hear the latest about ACEs screening in pediatric practices and ACEs/resilience work around the country in various sectors.
This week, I wanted to share thoughts from the closing keynote by Steve Gross, playmaker (yes, that is an actual job title) at Life is Good, a clothing company whose mission is to spread optimism. Gross shared with us Life is Good's core beliefs:
- Optimism is the single most important trait a child can have. Optimism is our capacity to see good in ourselves and others.
- Optimism unlocks our superpowers of honesty, compassion, empathy, love and authenticity.
- Toxic stress can destroy optimism. "It's hard to see the good in the world when life punches you in the face over and over again."
- Optimism can be (re)grown by providing safe, loving, engaging, joyful places for children.
In closing, Gross said that in poker, four aces can seem like an unbeatable hand, but a straight flush (five cards in sequential order, all of the same suit) beats aces every time. The individual cards could be considered low value, but when they work together, all with the same suit (heart), they're strong enough to get the job done.
ACEs Connection has recaps of other sessions from the conference:
- Passing the Torch: Increasing Access to Support the Whole Child From Birth to Five
- ACEs Science in Education: The Next Big Challenge is Systems Change
- Mining the “lessons learned” from trauma legislation successes
New ACEs and Toxic Stress FAQ and Infographic
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University recently released a new frequently asked questions document and infographic on ACEs and toxic stress, including information on how to help mitigate their effects.
Harvard is also hosting a Science-Based Innovation Training on Nov. 28 in Cambridge, Mass. This one-day training will provide participants with an overview of the IDEAS Impact Framework, a new approach to program development and evaluation. This includes a set of tools that support translating science into practice in order to learn more about how an intervention works, for whom, and in what contexts. This model is designed to help teams develop stronger programs, optimize evaluation efforts, and engage in rapid-cycle learning.
This workshop will provide attendees with the knowledge necessary for developing a precise theory of change, program materials that support effective implementation, and evaluation methods that facilitate continuous learning. Participants will also have an opportunity to hear from Dr. Jack Shonkoff on three principles to improve outcomes for children and families. Cost for the workshop is $550.
In Case You Missed It
Arkansas Association for Infant Mental Health's October webinar, "Bad Mommy! The Impact of Perception and Judgment on Developing Positive Partnerships with Families." Presented by Hilary Harber, LCSW.
Events
Collective Impact 101 Training
8:30-11 a.m. Oct. 24
The Jones Center, Springdale
Register here.
General ACEs Workgroup Meeting
1 p.m. Nov. 14
AFMC, Little Rock
Articles
Study links adverse childhood experiences to prediabetes risk (Healio)
Supporting Young Children Experiencing Separation and Trauma (Zero to Three)
To Prevent Loneliness, Start in the Classroom (The Atlantic)
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