Building a Trauma Responsive Organization

Fee: $59 (lunch included)

Date: Friday, October 24

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Course Description:

Organizations that serve students, families, and people cannot ignore the impact of trauma-whether it shows up as adverse childhood experiences, systemic inequities, or the stressors of professional life. Building a Trauma Responsive Organization is a two-hour interactive workshop designed to help leaders, educators, and practitioners understand the principles of trauma-responsiveness at both the individual and organizational levels.

Drawing on Dr. Evisha Ford's book Benches in the Bathroom, this session will explore the lived realities of those navigating trauma, highlight the hidden costs of unresponsive organizational cultures, and provide practical strategies to create environments that foster safety, belonging, and growth. Through reflection, discussion, and application, participants will leave with a framework for cultivating systems that center compassion while maintaining accountability and excellence.

Course Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Define Trauma Responsiveness
2. Recognize the Organizational Impact of Trauma
3. Apply Key Frameworks from Benches in the Bathroom
4. Evaluate Organizational Practices
5. Develop Strategies for Transformation