REFLECTIONS

Several remembered and acknowledged the messiness of the collective impact process. But the strength of the group was anchored in a sense of trust and, again, shared urgency. Once established, the model for their work was clear; several spoke about a “mindset shift” to 1) Create a common awareness and shared language, 2) Activate the learning, 3) Implement the learning at an individual/personal level, the interpersonal level and at the institutional level (school/organization, community/ neighborhood, city).

As the core group sought to “translate” their learning process they identified core presentations (e.g., scientific research about the different kinds of trauma and their impacts, new knowledge about brain functions and resilience), and arts-based modules (e.g., Hip Hop Heals, Emotions and Acting, Visual Arts and Self-Care, as well as Music and Healing, and Body/ Movement and Communication). And while time frames, number of sessions, geographic locations, and other factors varied, a set of routines and rituals (e.g., emotional check-ins, breathing and centering exercises, and large and small-group reflections) were built in to strengthen the sense of community.