In today's high-pressure workplaces, trauma's hidden effects significantly impact organizations, breeding conflict and amplifying communication challenges. At RISE, we address this critical issue. Our timeline highlights our journey in developing tools and frameworks to transform organizations from trauma-unaware to healing-centered spaces.
2024
Introduction of the Strength through Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) Organizational Certification
FSU Collaborated with long-term partner Simply Healthcare to support its provider, Henderson Healthcare, in becoming the first STAR-certified organization. This rigorous certification program involves:
- Organizational Champions: 10% of staff complete a 20-hour professional-level certification.
- General Staff Training: The remaining 90% undertake a 3-hour foundational course in trauma and resilience.
- Skills Development: All staff participate in a module focused on essential communication skills.
This comprehensive approach ensures organization-wide understanding and implementation of trauma-aware and resilience focused practices.
Empowering Organization Change Through Safety, Connection, and Improved Communication Skills
Rise achieved a significant milestone as academic leaders from across FSU completed an intensive eight-week journey into Non-Violent Communication (NVC), using the award winning Bigbie method. Deans, directors, and department heads explored how these transformative techniques could reshape campus dynamics through innovative training programs.
Building on this success, FSU launched the Safe Space Certification for Organizations & Coaches in the fall, based on Dr. Cindy Bigbie's award-winning curriculum. This program cultivates environments of connection, empathy, support, and synergy.
In the 8-week foundation course, participants learned NVC skills to navigate conflicts and foster understanding in challenging situations. They then practiced these skills weekly in empathy gyms, leveling up their ability to communicate effectively even when triggered by trauma responses.
A New Name, A Renewed Commitment, and Leading by Example
In early 2024, the Collaborative was renamed the Resilience Institute for Strength and Empowerment (RISE) reflecting a strength-based approach to addressing trauma and resilience issues and its expanding programmatic portfolio. As RISE began offering programs to external organizations, FSU decided to lead by example.
The university engaged internal stakeholders-including schools, programs, students, faculty, and administrative units- to create a trauma-aware and resilience focused campus. RISE collaborated with the College of Social Work to complete their certification using this a model for other colleges. The goal is for the entire campus to become a trauma-aware and resilient focused institution by the end of 2025.
When we apply the RISE principles internally, FSU empowers its faculty and staff to use an evidence-based approach to improve the campus learning environment. This strategy allows FSU to demonstrate the value of trauma-responsive practices and resilience-building strategies, positioning itself as a model for other universities.
2023
New Leadership and Growth
In August 2023, FSU's Provost, Jim Clark, appointed Dr. Angi Yoder-Maina as its first Director of the Collaborative. Dr. Yoder-Maina brings global expertise in trauma-informed, responsive, and healing-centered programming.
Expanding Partnerships
FSU's second partner for the Trauma-Aware Organizational Certification was Sunshine Health, a top Medicaid managed care organization in Florida. With over 3,500 employees participating, Sunshine Health earned the certification in July 2023.
2022
Adapting to Change
In early 2022, the team realized that online virtual sessions would be most effective in reaching a decentralized workforce. In response, an online asynchronous training for medical professionals was created, titled "Trauma and Resilience for Healthcare Professionals Level 1: Trauma and Resilience Aware." This course required a 90% staff completion rate from organizations and earned Simply Healthcare the first Trauma-Aware Organization certification from FSU.
2021
In 2021, Simply Healthcare sought FSU’s help to launch an initiative ensuring their workforce was educated about trauma and resilience.
Throughout the year, FSU's team offered consultations, trainings, and policy reviews to support Simply Healthcare's organizational goals. These efforts aimed to promote trauma-informed practices and enhanced communication with patients. Providers received informational packets with journal articles, infographics, and explanatory materials. Several employees completed the 20-hour virtual FSU Professional Certification on Trauma and Resilience, developed by the Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy (CPEIP) and the Institute for Family Violence Studies (IFVS).