Engaging collectively
Seek ways to make healing practices that resonate with collectivist cultures and that are strength-based available to students, either through university services or through referrals to external programs.
Healing-centred engagement recommends strengths-based approaches to healing that centre on the well-being we want rather than the symptoms we want to suppress. Further, they emphasize the importance of restoring a sense of belonging, purpose and identity, achieved through collective practice. Some examples of this engagement include; healing circles rooted in Indigenous cultures, where young people share their stories about healing and learn about their connection to their ancestors and traditions; drumming circles rooted in African cultural principles and other alternatives to traditional Western treatments including art therapy and yoga. If developing programming linked to traditions of another culture, be sure to seek direction from appropriate community leaders or elders.
Delving Deeper Resources
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Understanding Hope and Healing: A podcast with Dr. Shawn Ginwright (2021)"In this podcast, he talks about the importance of moving from a trauma-informed lens and into healing-centered engagement which is grounded in collective wisdom, hope, and community. Dr. Ginwright is a leading national expert on African American youth, youth activism, and youth development. He is an Associate Professor of Education in the Africana Studies Department and Senior Research Associate at the Cesar Chavez Institute for Public Policy at San Francisco State University. He is founder of Leadership Excellence Inc. and the Research Collaborative on Youth Activism."
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The CARMA ChroniclesCARMA Chronicles is a podcast featuring interviews with "the world's leading Healing Centered practitioners. Listen to their stories, ideas and examples of how they are implementing Healing Centered principles in their communities."