As we continue our three-part series, we are exploring how healing-centered practices can be used as a complementary approach to trauma-informed practices. This second installment of the series will examine what it takes to resist trauma and heal at both the community and institutional level. We will explore strategies for advancing healing that challenge the status-quo and authentically engage the community.
The information that follows, from The Praxis Project, is a resource from the Centering Community in Public Health - Learning Circle Brief Series.
What Does it Take to Resist Trauma and Heal?
Participants (base-building community partners and organizers) recognized that we all have a role to play in resisting trauma and contributing towards collective healing. Whether we are a community advocate, or are a community resident, or work in a foundation, we can each foster healing within our respective spheres of influence. Findings from discussion participants aligned with Dr. Ginwright’s four elements of healing-centered engagement: Healing-centered is political rather than clinical; it is culturally grounded and restores identity; it is asset-driven; and providers or those working with communities experiencing trauma need their own healing as well.
Organizer and Community Healing
For community organizers, advocates, and others working directly with community members, specific recommended strategies for healing include:
Institutional Healing (Including Foundations & Public Health
For those working with or within institutions such as foundations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations or other related systems, specific recommended strategies for advancing community-centered healing include:
Putting these strategies into practice requires an honest reflection of current practices, and an investment in time, resources, and activities to truly value community leadership and lived experience.
In this study, the Praxis Project asked participants to describe what gave them a “sense of healing.” Common themes included freedom of expression, creativity, food, music, nature, and community celebration. What gives you a sense of healing? What practices and strategies are you using in your own life, your community, and your organizations? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!
In the third and final installment of our series, we will explore recommendations that can make a positive impact on health inequities and examine the Praxis Project’s Working Principles for Health, Justice, and Racial Equity: Acting with Care, Inclusivity, Authentic Community Collaboration, Sustainable Solutions, and Commitment to Transformation.
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