We recognize the inherent and collective strengths, resourcefulness, insight, and resilience of our communities. Yet we know that many face challenges caused by pervasive and deeply-rooted trauma and injustice. Institutions of higher education have a role to play in supporting systems changes that allow communities to adopt evidence-informed, healing, and trauma-centered approaches in order to effectively face the hurt that has persisted for too long.
Trauma-informed approaches realize the prevalence of trauma, recognize the impact it has, respond in ways that promote healing and actively resist re-traumatization (SAMHA, 2014).
We will work to provide community members, advocacy organizations, service providers and policy makers access to the best possible information to aid in their efforts to understand and prevent the root causes of violence, injustice, and other sources of trauma, explore pathways to support healing and improve the teaching of these issues.