Richmond, VA, GRTICN's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Here's the MOU for the Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network, attached and embedded. I'll add it to our resources section, too.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) (11.2020)

Between Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network (GRTICN) and

GRTICN Member: ________________________________________________________

(PRINT NAME)

Vision:  A trauma-informed and resilient community within the Greater Richmond (VA) region.

Mission: The Greater Richmond TICN aims to build a more equitable, safe, trauma-informed, and resilient community by informing, supporting, and elevating the Greater Richmond (VA) region. GRTICN’s mission is driven by the following priorities: preventing and mitigating the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); advancing trauma-informed practice and policies; and advocating for trauma-informed system change.

We believe in:

A Whole-Community Approach: We consider environmental, cultural, and societal factors in order to serve all community members with compassion, humility, and respect.

A Trauma-informed Lens: We cultivate emotional, psychological, and physical safety for all community members through education, advocacy, and support.

Social Justice & Equity: We celebrate difference, acknowledge racism and other forms of systemic and historical oppression, and operate through an equity lens.

Inclusive Membership: We foster diversity and inclusion as we co-create a network that is inviting and safe for everyone and where everyone’s voice can be heard.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: We honor partnerships and collaborations with community members and organizations across all systems and sectors.

Growth & Innovation: We strive to identify and remain adaptive to the needs of the community.

The GRTICN will strive to:

1. Uphold our values and mission.
2. Ensure all responsibilities of the backbone agency are fulfilled.
3. Lead engagement in the ACEs Connection Cooperative of Communities.
4. Maintain the GRTICN website.

As a party to this MOU, I join with the GRTICN in my understanding that:

• A proven correlation exists between the occurrence of early life adversity and trauma (including generational, systemic and historical trauma) and serious and costly medical, psychological, and behavioral problems in adulthood;
• The GRTICN is committed to addressing the causes and consequences of previously unrecognized and unaddressed trauma through coordinated and comprehensive community efforts. This commitment includes a dedication to the incorporation of an equity lens in all work; and
• The GRTICN actively supports the vision and purpose of all communities that provide their citizens with trauma-related resources: education, guidance, prevention, and assistance with healing.

I will strive to:

1. Attend GRTICN meetings that occur every other month;
2. Join in the work of the GRTICN (join a committee, work groups, participate in meetings, share opportunities for learning with the larger group, etc.)
3. Incorporate trauma-informed practice within my home, workplace, and community;
4. Provide input and feedback for the GRTICN (during meetings, on surveys, etc); and
5. Participate in projects and programs that address the mission of the GRTICN.

As a GRTICN Member, I agree also to:

1. Keep informed of trauma-informed practice resources and community resilience building efforts through a free online subscription to ACEs Connection;
2. Become more aware and expand my understanding of the impact of trauma by reviewing the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale and Resilience questionnaires; and
3. Practice and promote trauma sensitivity among my friends, family, co-workers, and community members.

This MOU will remain in effect indefinitely; either party may terminate the MOU upon written notice to the other.

Signature of Welcome to the GRTICN:

________________________________________________________     ________________________

GRTICN Member                                               Date

________________________________________________________     ________________________

GRTICN Coordinator                  Date

I would like to join the GRTICN ACEs Connection Cooperative of Communities.

Individually ______ (initial) or through agency affiliation ______ (initial)

If agency affiliation, please list agency name ­­­­­_______________________

*In the event that you join the Cooperative through agency affiliation and later leave the agency, please notify the GRTICN coordinators and connect us with another agency representative.