Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.

Young peoples' transformational stories advocate for an expansion of the current Trauma-Informed approach to include the Healing-Centered focus on empowerment, agency & holistic well-being.

In this paradigm shifting conversation, Shawn shares stories of young people who transformed their lives through community support and aspirational goals. Their experiences demonstrate how being recognized as agents in their own healing process, empowered young people to dream and envision futures beyond their trauma. To support this shift, Shawn advocates an expansion of the current trauma-informed approach's focus on symptoms and individual experiences to include healing-centered engagement's focus on empowerment, agency and holistic well-being.

In addition, he explains: - Trauma as political, rooted in systemic issues within disenfranchised and low income communities - Why a sense of agency is crucial for building optimism and controlling one's life narrative. - How the inherent healing qualities of cultural practices within communities can facilitate well-being - Why the well-being of educators, and others who support youth, is critical for fostering a healthy environment for young people.

Shawn calls for a more integrated approach to trauma that recognizes political systemic issues, the value of community and cultural practices and the cultivation of agency in young people.

Photo of firefighter John and his family : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zWn3V25jIeYBine9GvgMKeMEn1gVrtDL/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=111366718931479540287&rtpof=true&sd=true

About Dr Shawn Ginwright (Dr G) Author, Professor, Activist and Provocateur

The Jerome T. Murphy Professor of Practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr G's groundbreaking work on trauma, healing, and the empowerment of African American youth has been instrumental in reshaping the discourse surrounding youth development.

His introduction of the "healing- centered engagement" concept in 2018 revolutionized the field, providing an asset-based approach to addressing youth trauma and fostering resilience.

Dr G's work has been cited in the New York Times, and he is a highly sought-after speaker on topics ranging from civic engagement and youth activism to the transformative power of healing.

His contributions extend beyond his academic work. As a seasoned non-profit leader, Dr G serves as the co-founder and CEO of Flourish Agenda, Inc. This pioneer research lab and consulting firm is dedicated to unlocking the power of healing and empowering youth of color, and their adult allies, to drive transformative change in schools and communities.

Dr G has also written numerous highly acclaimed books, including, The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves. And, Hope and Healing in Urban Education: How Urban Activists and Teachers Are Reclaiming Matters of the Heart.

The son of William and May Ginwright (Jacksonville, Florida) he is the father of two amazing young adult children (26 and 24) and the husband of an extraordinary woman for 30 years. He resides between Boston, MA and Oakland, CA and credits his family with supporting his relentless dedication to empowering marginalized youth and creating inclusive spaces for healing and growth.

Promotional Message If you're a current Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training Program participant or graduate, you're invited to CI's Experiential Intensive Retreat, in the north of Ireland, from September 8 - 12. Deepen your personal and community connections in the beautiful natural setting of Corrymeela, with beautiful views over the Irish sea. Rest, reflect, and partake in workshops, CI-, body- and nature-based practice sessions, plus delightful evening community celebrations, with home-cooked meals, Irish music and dancing. Tap this link to learn more.

Resources:

Websites:

Professional Website

Flourish Agenda

Related Links:

The Eternal Song

Synyder's Hope Theory

Addicted to Speed and Busyness

Articles:

Dr G on Medium

Books:

The Four Pivots

What It Takes to Heal

Hope and Healing in Urban Education

Black Youth Rising

Black in School

Quotes: "Doctor G, why do we always have to come here and talk about the worst thing that happened to us? I'm more than my trauma." - Marcus

"A healing-centred approach to addressing trauma requires a different question that moves beyond what happened to you to what's right with you." - Dr Shawn Ginwright

"…we know from research, Hope Theory and Snyder's work, that the ability for… people to see themselves in a possible future... contributes to a sense of control… a sense of agency and a sense of optimism." - Dr Shawn Ginwright

"Reading this outrageous book feels like the beginning of a social and personal awakening. I can't stop thinking about it." - Brené Brown's review of The Four Pivots

"How you gonna win when you ain't right within?" - Lauryn Hill

"…when things happen, we ask ourselves the wrong first question… what should I do? …the first right question is, who should I become?... because oftentimes we can't achieve the outcome that should be in the current versions of ourselves" - Reverend Benjamin McBride,

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