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A free online event is inviting people across Lanark County and Smiths Falls to look at how communities can respond differently when harm occurs.
“When Harm Occurs: Becoming a Trauma-Responsive Community” takes place virtually Wednesday, October 21st, from 7 to 9 pm. It’s being organized by Lanark County Community Justice and the Perth and District Community Foundation.
The evening will feature a one-hour presentation by Myrna McCallum, a lawyer, educator and host of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast. Her presentation will explore how trauma can influence the way people think, feel, behave and respond to difficult situations. Victoria Gibb-Carsley, the executive director for the Perth and District Community Foundation tells us what to expect
Organizers say the goal is to help people recognize responses that may unintentionally cause further harm, while encouraging approaches built around safety, dignity, accountability, healing and stronger relationships.
The event is open to individuals as well as workplaces, service providers, community groups, families and friends. Participants can watch together in small groups and then take part in a guided Learning Circle to discuss what they’ve learned and identify practical ways to respond in their own communities. The recent murder of Perth teen Reese Stanzel has had a very wide-spread negative effect on our community according to Lanark Community Justice head Joellen McHard.
Those unable to attend the live presentation can still participate. A recording will be available on YouTube for three months, allowing registered groups to organize their own viewing and Learning Circle.
Registration is free, and organizers encourage people to register in advance to receive access to the presentation and recording.
The event is funded through a Together for Justice – Access to Justice Grant involving the Perth and District Community Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and the Law Foundation of Ontario.
Registration and event information are available through the Perth and District Community Foundation at pdcf.ca.
You can hear our complete conversation with Gibb-Carsley and McHard below
Story by Brian Turner
