Foster Care Training

In a lot of anti-oppression/anti-racism work there is often a deficit model approach that focuses on oppression, inequities, and patriarchy and sometimes it can be the only focus. There is a call to think in the “both/and” to find balance in this work. While it is important and necessary to examine these ugly realities, there is also an opportunity to explore the strengths, beauty, power, and joy of our identities and histories. Both are critical to sustain ourselves in this work. What can we gain by looking at the other side? In this workshop, we will begin with some foundations around what grit and resiliency mean and the nuances around those concepts, and engage in personal self-reflective storytelling about our maternal ancestry. We will work in breakout sessions to challenge the definition of “modern-day feminism”, elevate and uplift feminine characteristics, and explore ways to leverage those traits in personal and professional work. This workshop will empower and provide practitioners with a strengths-based model in working with system-involved youth and families. Participants of all genders will leave with a deeper understanding of how one’s connection to maternal ancestry can provide balance and inform one’s approach to the work as well as resources and suggestions for articles, books, and other media such as podcasts and TED talks for further exploration.