As Greater Richmond SCAN, in collaboration with members from the Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network and the 26 Trauma-Informed Community Networks across the state, began planning for the first annual Resilience Week Virginia, we certainly did not imagine we would be celebrating in the midst of a global pandemic. We worked to adapt activities and events to be done virtually as it became clear that the week, May 3-9, would take place in the midst of these strange new circumstances. Resilience is crucial during a time of so much grief, stress, uncertainty, and fear - when so many of us are in survival mode. This is a time to lean into connection with and care for each other and ourselves. While communities, organizations, and individuals across the state have responded to emerging needs, many have found solace in planning for Resilience Week. We have an opportunity with this statewide initiative to share strategies and stories of building resilience when we need it most. 

Greater Richmond SCAN created a Resilience Week website, which features event listings, handouts, a virtual library, and many more resources for participation, including some materials in Spanish. Offerings during the week include community conversations, wellness activities for all ages, virtual trainings on trauma and resilience, free yoga classes, meditation, and virtual storytimes, as well as a presentation on some local PBS stations of the documentary Resilience. SCAN and Voices for Virginia’s Children will be sharing blog posts throughout the week highlighting the ways different networks throughout Virginia are celebrating. SCAN and Voices have also collaborated on a social media kit to help everyone stay virtually connected and engaged. The Virginia Governor’s office has lent their support, and Governor Northam signed a Resilience Week proclamation emphasizing the need to promote and foster resilience across Virginia. 

The ways in which the trauma-informed community has come together to lift up the message of resilience is a beacon of light in these often dark times. We hope Resilience Week Virginia provides a sense of hope, a renewed commitment to compassion and connection, and a way toward a more resilient future for us all.