How did you move your community forward to create change?

Could you perhaps comment on your community’s work to date?

Ruth:

Those are great questions!!!!

Have you explored the interactive graphic put together by ACEs Connection founder Jane Stevens? It's helpful in laying out what many community initiatives do and have done.

She's clear, that while there's no formula, there are some consistent steps and some guidance about what common things ACEs initiatives do. Jane wrote and published it to share widely after years of reporting about and on as well as working with and supporting well over 150 communities that exist nationally and internationally.  It links to resources, other organizations, tools, initiatives, and is a great place to start to address the questions you have asked. It's great for helping to demystify this work and always evolving as we keep learning from and hearing back from communities about what does/doesn't work and what might be more effective - which is equally as helpful. 

I hope it helps. But do read the blog post if you have time that goes with it and be sure to click on the info graphic to get the extra layers of information, tools, and resources. It's a bit of a short cut to the massive amounts of info. on this site and ACEs Too High and what's been shared by members and communities. 

Cissy

Anyone have to deal with child protection system privatization when the system itself becomes one of the Adverse Community Environments?  Does the same model within the interactive graphic apply or should there be more emphasis on social activism?  (I'm in FL)  It's very gut-wrenching working in the midst of such a system gone awry.   

HI Douglas- Definitely addressing the systems that need to be changed is part of what is addressed in the Growing Resilient Communities 2.0 documents. Take a look at what we include; policy change is definitely included as a component with a recognition that much more is needed.  Also, you may want to connect with Carey Sipp, the ACEs Connection Community Facilitator for the Southeast Region - she can tell you what's happening in Florida.

Douglas Bonar posted:

Anyone have to deal with child protection system privatization when the system itself becomes one of the Adverse Community Environments?  Does the same model within the interactive graphic apply or should there be more emphasis on social activism?  (I'm in FL)  It's very gut-wrenching working in the midst of such a system gone awry.   

Hi Douglas - I wonder if you've had a chance to connect with Carey Sipp she supports communities in the SE US and has been doing amazing work in FL.  Maybe she might have some insights or connections that could provide a bit of hope and healing? Wishing you all the best - doing difficult work, with heart.  Karen

Ruth Charles posted:

After the initial education phase in our community on ACEs, we are looking for suggestions on what worked in other communities that we can possibly use to move our community forward - especially as we move into the engage and activate phases.

We'd love to hear from other communities on these questions:

a. What have groups done to ensure organizational and financial sustainability?

b. What change making programs have groups found to be the most successful?  volunteer or paid staff?

c. How have groups created local branding and language that's engaging and inclusive to their communities? Do they use the term ACEs, or primarily use others?

d. What strategies (celebrations, funding, etc.) have you used to keep your group motivated and engaged?

Thanks!--Ruth Charles, Winona, MN

Ruth,

Sorry for the late response.  However, I suggest you try to contact Teri Barila out of Walla Walla, WA.  You can check out her website at www.resiliencetrumpsaces.org.