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The Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative hosted a wellness and resiliency event on March 6th that provided nourishment and community to over 100 reentry service providers and recently released individuals and loved ones navigating the challenging reentry process.
This event was the latest quarterly convening of this dynamic network and featured an interactive presentation on wellness from Dr. Ann Seide, MD, an internal medicine physician who emphasizes integrative care, followed by small group councils, a Grand Spiral Council to weave the gathering and a healthy and delicious Mediterranean lunch!
Some ways Dr. Seide described to improve our relationship with stress include:
After the presentation, which included opportunities to practice some of the breathing techniques Dr. Seide presented, the group was split up and invited to gather in smaller council circles led by veteran trainers from Center for Council. Each intimate gathering presented an opportunity to reflect on our individual experiences of health and our relationship to healthy habits throughout our lives. Deceptively simple, the council prompts offered an opportunity for participants to share real stories of the struggles, frustrations, triumphs and joys that seemed to echo through the community. The stories often started out as one person’s experience, but soon reverberated with many others resonating and nodding in recognition. While most participants began the groups as strangers, community emerged in remarkable and beautiful ways.
After the small council circles, participants regrouped and created a Grand Spiral Council that gave all who felt called the opportunity to weave into the center to share some of what was coming up. The small center circle offered a precious space, surrounded and supported by the care and regard of the full group. The gathering gave all participants an authentic experience of the power of Beloved Community and how practices like council can provide a path forward.
Feedback from participants included comments like:
This event was a unique opportunity for organizations, community leaders, and healthcare providers, as well as recently released individuals, to come together in community to explore how we can resource ourselves and each other to enhance health outcomes and foster wellbeing, as well as decrease unhealthy behavior and recidivism. After the presentation, the small councils and Grand Spiral, participants were treated to a delicious and healthy meal – an example of the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet– that’s as tasty as it is good for us! Most lingered throughout lunch to share stories, informally network and connect with fellow attendees, speakers and community leaders.
Watch a brief video about the event:
TheLos Angeles Reentry Collaborative is a multi-sector network of organizations and community leaders working together to decrease recidivism and improve health outcomes amongst the reentry population while supporting and resourcing healthcare providers who serve this community. Burnout is rampant amongst reentry service providers and the stressors of the job tend to extend beyond normal business hours.
Events like this one occur quarterly and offer an opportunity for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and resource-sharing, fostering a holistic approach to reentry support.
For more information and to view the schedule of upcoming events click here.
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“What if Compassion Could Heal Society?” was the title of a recent podcast episode focusing on how the practice of council could be tapped to increase compassion in the world.  Listen now: Rob Hopkins is the co-founder of Transition Network and host of the podcast From What If to What Next, which was an outgrowth of his book: From What Is to What If: unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want. Rob sought out Center for Council’s Executive Director, Jared Seide, to explore how creating council-based programs can actually provide the resources and the spaces where compassion can flourish. Rob asked our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Ann Seide to join the conversation to bring a scientific lens to this inquiry around the factors that prime compassion and how council increases the experience of social connection, wellbeing and the emergence of compassion itself. Rob’s podcast episodes explore a series of important questions that begin with a clarion call for radical imagination and big ideas (along with a journey of the imagination to a brighter future). For the episode on compassion, Rob reached out to Center for Council as a result of the organization’s groundbreaking work creating structures of belonging and reframing the power of compassion in environments where emphasis and practical training in this quality have often been often overlooked -- like prisons, education and law enforcement. In Rob’s view, “We live in a world that can appear pretty bereft of compassion, with leaders trying to outpace each other to be as heartless, unkind and ruthless as possible. People increasingly retreat into silos of fear and resent those outside their silos. Compassion is often portrayed as some kind of a weakness, as a frailty, as something that means we can be taken advantage of. But for many cultures, compassion is seen as something deeply powerful and active and dynamic." This perspective led Rob to ask some pointed questions that call for innovative ideas and a shift in paradigm: “In a future that is healing itself, that is breaking down those silos and healing traumas past and present, what is the role of compassion? And how best to create spaces where it can flourish, spaces where compassion is most needed, and where its awesome power is unlocked?" Have a listen to Rob’s penetrating, dynamic – and sometime whimsical – conversation with Jared and Ann:
Saturday, December 9, was Family Day: A Celebration of Freedom & New Beginnings, an event intended to raise up and nourish all those personally touched by incarceration and working to reacclimate and restore balance in their lives.
Center for Council / Beyond Us & Them hosted this second installment of our annual event with the intention of resourcing hearts, minds and bodies. After a successful event last year, this year’s Family Day provided even more opportunities for fun, good cheer and appreciation. The sun shone brightly as scores of participants arrived at the beautiful LA River Center, serenaded by the dulcet tones of our friend Ronnie McQueen (of the original Steel Pulse) and his band, INTENT. A tasty breakfast was provided by our friends at Homegirl Café, followed by a delicious lunch.
With the intention of fostering social connection and engagement, participants were invited to engage in 14 dynamic activities designed and offered by reentry service providers and tailored to all ages in attendance. Breakout sessions included:
PS Arts offered an art workshop in creating colorful Moss Landscapes and Wreaths -- and Creative Acts provided a taste of their amazing Virtual Reality experience designed to prepare incarcerated individuals for the complexities of modern life after prison.
Council circles were also offered to all by veteran council trainers Irasha Talifero and Taylor Morgan, exploring storytelling, bearing witness, connecting to our authentic selves and allowing ourselves to receive the regard of others.
After these group activities, a Resource Fair featuring 26 reentry providers empowered attendees with information about the many local resources available to them. Then it was time for Santa, who arrived with a bounty of holiday cheer. To extend the appreciation and generosity in real ways, this event facilitated the gifting to our community of 225 toys, 75 gift cards, eight tablets and a mobile phone. Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and is host to the largest number of individuals returning from state prison. There are so many barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals must navigate upon release, including finding housing and employment, the stigma of being an “ex-offender” and the repair and renewal of supportive and healthy relationships with families and friends. Formerly incarcerated individuals returning home after serving a sentence in state prison -- and their families -- face enormous obstacles in the challenging journey of reentry and must overcome a number of complex challenges as they work to reintegrate into society. We are so very proud and appreciative of our rich reentry service provider community! Our Council Reentry Program sits among a wide variety of providers and is anchored by the Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative, another project of Center for Council/Beyond Us & Them.
We are thrilled to serve as hosts of Family Day, a beautiful celebration of freedom, community and a toast to fresh starts. This heartwarming, festive occasion created lasting memories and opened up the doors for networking opportunities and relationship building. Here's a brief snippet of sights and sounds from the day:
Read more comments from participants below:
We hope to see you at next year’s event!
In October of 2023, Center for Council initiated a unique partnership to support social-emotional learning, enhance character-building and improve school culture with Fortune School of Education, a system of tuition-free, college preparatory public charter schools.
Located in San Bernardino and Sacramento, which boast the second and third highest Black student populations in California, Fortune focuses on closing the African American achievement gap. While their emphasis is on academic excellence, Fortune leadership had come to feel that essential elements of the educational journey were not as strongly present on their ten school sites as they could be and that school culture had been declining, particularly in the challenging post-pandemic recovery period. Fortune’s brain trust knew that something was needed -- and reached out to Center for Council to engage its insight and expertise.
After a series of presentations, strategy sessions and an introduction to our process over the summer, fourteen Center for Council trainers set out for multiple Fortune campuses in Sacramento and San Bernardino to present simultaneous Introduction to Council workshops to resource the teachers, school site staff and, ultimately the scholars, as students are known at each school site. Two-day intensive training workshops invited teachers and site staff into the practice of council, unpacked the pedagogy, explored the methodologies and offered educators a new approach to building community amongst their teams, as well as inside their classrooms.
As is the case in many schools returning to a post-Covid environment, our trainers realized that teachers' emotional resilience and capacity was stretched thin. Administration understood that scholars and families were concerned about “voice and choice,” as well as high suspension rates. There was a real interest in shifting culture and prioritizing relationships between school leadership and teachers, as well as with scholars and their families. As the workshop sessions unfolded, faculty were able to see that, as they learned more about colleagues in council, a strong container started to form. As teams were given the opportunity to get to know one another and share stories, they began to build bonds in ways that were new and welcome. Some reported hearing their colleagues’ first names for the first time. As the two-day trainings unfolded, collegial relationships were strengthened and the growing team spirit was palpable. Teachers expressed feeling more supported by their peers and more engaged in their environment than they had been before the training. The benefits of the practice of council for staff were apparent -- and its value as resource for engaging scholars became clear, as well.
Despite coming in the final hours before a much-needed holiday break, the response to the council training workshops from administrators, teachers and trainers across the sites that participated was very positive: “Everyone shared great gratitude for the time, each other and the practice,” described a trainer. “They lit up on Day 1, when they learned one another's first names for the first time. The teachers were so open with their sharing and let themselves be vulnerable. The seemed to LOVE it!”
One of our trainers observed: “Participants left feeling very enthused about Council and more connected to each other. Faculty was able to see that, as they learned more about colleagues, the container started to form.“ Another trainer noted that, “The group participated with joy, open hearts and kindness. Their questions were reflective of deep listening and desire to learn this practice and build community.”
Many on our trainer team have decades of experience bringing council to schools. One of our veteran trainers was struck by how intensely this training workshop resonated. “It went very deep. Many tears and tissues, and laughter as well. At the end, we witnessed by speaking into the center in no particular order... and the witnessing went on for a long time. There was a collective sigh at the end, a sense that something really powerful had shifted. The people who'd been reticent during Day One showed their attentiveness and support to the process and the rest of the circle. I've experienced a lot of these, and this one was really a WOW. By the closing council, some people shared that they hadn't even been sure they would stay at [that school site], and now felt connected and inspired again.”
The most poignant feedback came from the teachers themselves
Despite working together in intense conditions for some time, many staff had never had the opportunity to really connect with one another to hear stories of their shared challenges, inspirations and aspirations. At each site, our trainers coached teams to self-facilitate their first of many Council Huddles in smaller groups, as the below video captured:
We are excited to deepen and expand our partnership with the Fortune community and eager to help nourish the seeds that have been planted in these initial workshops. Center for Council's programs for educators have had a profound and transformative impact on a wide variety of school sites. Teachers and other staff develop a greater sense of connection, community stakeholders engage more deeply and youth feel seen and valued, leading to a more meaningful educational experience that promotes equity and opportunity. Council not only increases campus well-being, but also provides a dynamic platform for the development of creative school curricula, instructional strategies, support services and restorative justice practices. We are looking forward to growing our collaboration with the Fortune team! If you are interested in exploring bringing council to your school or institution, please reach out to us to discuss setting up a training program by filling out this form. POWER Training: on the Cutting-Edge of Scientific Research on the Physiological Benefits of Council11/18/2023
Trainers with Center for Council’s POWER Training Program for law enforcement officers traveled south to San Diego for the last session of a three-month intensive workshop involving officers from the police departments of four local universities: University of California San Diego, California State University San Marcos, Palomar College and Miracosta College.
POWER (Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience) provides first responders with tools for self-regulation, stress management and self-care, while supporting wellness and relationality.
In addition to the operational challenges inherent in the job of policing, the toxic climate of dysfunctional agency culture, local community resistance and distrust, and the national political discourse around policing all serve to increase the stress that first responders bear. The accumulation of stressful incidents over the course of an officer's career can lead to a host of adverse health outcomes: increased incidents of injury and illness, diminished cognitive performance, mental health impacts including anxiety, depression, addiction and elevated risk of suicide, increased incidents of domestic violence and reduced life expectancy.
The POWER curriculum provides a novel approach to these risks, using a trauma-informed lens to educate officers in scientific understanding of the physiology of stress. Participants learn mindfulness practices and compassion-based communication exercises, training in skills that foster greater self-awareness and self-regulation, cultivating authentic, positive relationships with self, others and the environments in which they operate.
POWER includes 32-hours of in-person training, delivered over 12 weeks. During these sessions, participants learn about the autonomic nervous system and how stressors impact our physical, mental, emotional and relational health. Participants are introduced to innovations in neuroscience through discussion, videos of officers in previous POWER cohorts, mindfulness activities and interactive assignments like automatic writing and scavenger hunts, as well as a series of large and small-group council sessions.
In addition, the program provides 12 weekly online units that include self-directed activities, TedTalks, Podcasts, articles and journaling suggestions. Each week, small groups meet together in self-facilitated “council huddles” and address topics that mirror the 12 weeks of online assignments. Skills taught in the in-person workshops support self-facilitation of their independent huddles throughout the program (many groups continuing to meet in their huddles well after the program ends). Like previous cohorts, the feedback from officers from the recent group of San Diego campus police agencies was very positive.
The POWER program’s council huddles continually receive enthusiastic feedback and are what separates POWER from other wellness programs. Council huddles give officers an opportunity to come together to practice council; sharing stories and offering one another non-judgmental regard. Some comments from the recent San Diego cohort:
The POWER workshop that our team delivered recently in San Diego was a bit different from others, as our trainers collected biometric readings from officers both before and after the training program for a research protocol developed by our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Ann Seide. While the data is still being analyzed, the results, so far, are quite striking.
In designing POWER, we had hoped to mitigate the increased incidence of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and shortened life-span seen in law enforcement personnel. Through technology available through a company called HeartMath, Dr. Seide is now able to measure Heart Rate Variability (HRV) both before and after training in a variety of domains that relate to measures of overall health.
Watch a video of Dr. Seide discussing her research below:
In March 2024, instructors from the POWER Training Program will present findings on the research conducted in San Diego at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Officer Wellness Conference, in Louisville, KY. Moderated by our friends at the DOJ's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, our team will lead a session entitled: Curbing Empathy Fatigue: Skills for Building Compassion and Wellness. The Marcia Slater Johnston Award for Outstanding Leadership in Community-Based Efforts to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness is conferred annually by the Foundation for Social Connection at its Action Forum, which took place this past October at Harvard University. This year's recipient is Center for Council's Executive Director, Jared Seide.
The Foundation for Social Connection was founded in 2020 with a vision for all Americans to have the opportunities and evidence-based support necessary for a socially connected life. The Foundation engages in education, increases public awareness, promotes innovative research, and spurs the development and implementation of evidence-based models that address social isolation and loneliness and promote social connection. The annual Action Forum convenes the best and brightest thought leaders and change-makers from across the globe to raise the visibility of our nation’s crisis of connection, spotlighting ground-breaking innovations, spurring commitments to action, and promoting real evidence- and system-based change for a more socially connected future. The Marcia Slater Johnston Award is presented each year to one recipient who exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication in reducing social isolation and loneliness and promoting connection in their community. The award recognizes exceptional work at the community, local, or state level to address Social Isolation, Loneliness, Social Connection and Social Wellbeing. Recipients must demonstrate identifiable impact that is trackable and has the potential to scale to a broader level, with added resources and support.
In conferring this award, the Foundation for Social Connection celebrates Jared’s achievements in creating a wide variety of council-based offerings that foster a culture of social connection, engagement and resilience for system-impacted, incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated individuals, educators, students, healthcare and mental health professionals, community leaders and law enforcement officers.
Mitch Highley was serving a life sentence at Ironwood Prison when he first encountered council. It was definitely not love at first sight! In fact, when Mitch walked in on a group of Lifers he quickly identified as adversaries from rival affiliations -- sitting in a circle around a centerpiece covered with talking pieces -- he almost turned around and walked out. He remembers saying to himself, "This is not for me!"
The year was 2015 and Mitch had found himself at something of a crossroads. Despite the discomfort, he recognized something compelling about this unlikely group of men, talking softly and opening up about things not usually discussed in public, even less so in prison. He made a choice to be curious and he kept coming back to the group, week after week. He soon found the practice of council to be surprisingly freeing -- and even inspiring. The depth and poignance of the stories shared were striking and Mitch found that one person opening up about something challenging led others to do the same. "It kind of put me in a place where I could be vulnerable in a place you're not supposed to be," he observed in a 2016 video, captured by a crew from Center for Council. Mitch became hooked. "There’s no group on the yard that makes me feel the comfort that council does," he reflected. "It actually builds my confidence and gets me comfortable with who I really am." Mitch's amazing transformation was confirmed by a grant of parole in 2019 and the launch of an inspiring new chapter in his life. Seven years after that first video interview, Center for Council's Brie Thiele paid a visit to Mitch to check in on his extraordinary story of redemption and triumph. Mitch and his wife Marybeth had welcomed their son, Gage, four months earlier and Brie reports that the couple has taken to parenthood very naturally. Their cozy home is decorated with family pictures, and their friendly dog, Freedom, stands guard over his terrain. The future is bright for this new, budding family and they were kind enough to chat about their journey. Have a look at Brie's video of her visit to the Highley household below:
Mitch credits council with helping him develop a better understanding of his emotions and motivating him to rediscover his true self. Despite his life sentence, Mitch committed himself fully to his self-improvement and education in prison and he achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Criminology while inside, as well as certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor. And Marybeth was by Mitch's side every step of the way. He fondly refers to her as “the real gangster,” holding down the fort as he moved through an uncertain and scary time, confined to a maximum security prison in the middle of the California desert. During this time of incarceration, Mitch never imagined that, several years later, he’d be Center for Council’s Program Manager, an integral part of our prison programming. These days, Mitch is responsible for managing all of Center for Council's programming in prisons. On any given week, he can be found traipsing around the state with Center for Council's Executive Director, Jared Seide, as they check in on prison programs launched in 29 facilities and serving thousands of incarcerated individuals.
The Council for Insight, Compassion & Resilience program that Mitch manages is a three-month intervention in which participating incarcerated individuals are trained to facilitate council sessions for their peers, empowering them to become positive agents of change, on the yard and in their lives. The program contributes to a shift of culture within jails and prisons and equips participants with tools for successful reentry and reintegration into their communities upon release. After the successful 2013 launch of the program at Salinas Valley State Prison, the program has now grown to 29 California prisons and received 2020’s “Innovation in Corrections" award from the American Correctional Association. CICR’s pedagogy is based on restorative justice principles, focusing on taking responsibility for past behavior and the harm caused to victims, and to others who have been impacted (friends, family, community), as well as to the trauma passed down through generations. Center for Council also provides services to those moving through the journey of rehabilitation and reintegration, launching the Council Reentry Program (CRP), managed by James DeBacco, who was actually first introduced to council as a member of the same Ironwood Prison group as Mitch! CRP works to address the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals returning home with a customized approach that offers warm hand-off support services initiated during incarceration and continues throughout the release and reintegration process with case management, ongoing council sessions for participants and their families, and advanced training in council facilitation for those who have found healing in this practice and want to carry it to their communities.
As an outgrowth of its work with individuals moving through incarceration and reentry, Center for Council created Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go, a powerful illustrated novella intended to offer a resource for individuals facing challenges on the path to freedom. It weaves the words, stories and insights of system-impacted individuals and those who support them.
Center for Council is committed to providing as many copies as possible to individuals who are incarcerated and who are somewhere in the process of coming home, as well as to all those who work with and care for them on this journey. Your support of our programming helps us expand our capacity to provide this resource to as many individuals as we can. Copies are offered to our supporters, as a gift of appreciation, when you become a donor. Center for Council joined forces with Wildwoods for a day in nature dedicated to supporting our reentry community and their loved ones.
The weather was perfect as attendees gathered on Saturday, October 21, to experience the beauty of the great outdoors right in the heart of Los Angeles at Vista Hermosa Natural Park. Families participating in our Council Reentry Program were invited to attend and there were activities for both adults and kids. Folks discovered the wonders of the park while exploring ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing through the simple joy of being outdoors.
Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and is host to the largest number of individuals returning from state prisons. There are so many challenges that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release, including finding housing and employment, the stigma of being an “ex-offender” and the repair and renewal of supportive and healthy relationships with families and friends. Recognizing and overcoming old habits and avoiding reversion to “the criminal mentality” can be an enormous hurdle to overcome when returning to one’s community. The culture in prison is often marked by power and aggression, resulting in adaptive behavior and communication that is inappropriate on the outside and can lead to conflict, harm and even rearrest. Participants in Nature Day reflected that the journey home requires relearning a great deal.
CRP supports program participants with a customized approach that offers warm hand-off support services initiated during incarceration, and continues throughout the release and reintegration process with case management, ongoing council sessions for participants and their families, and advanced training in council facilitation for those who have found healing in this practice and want to carry it to their communities.
Reentry service providers from across Los Angeles came together for the launch of the Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative Tuesday, marking the first event of its kind in Southern California -- and possibly even the world.  The Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative (LARC) is a network of organizations partnering to promote successful reentry and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism in the Greater Los Angeles area. Launched as an initiative of Center for Council and Beyond Us & Them, LARC supports a wide network of reentry service providers in Los Angeles, as one of 37 Accountable Communities for Health (ACH) funded by a statewide public-private partnership.
Incarcerated folks who participate in post-secondary education are 48% less likely to recidivate compared to those who do not; meanwhile, reentry programs that help build social connection and community connections can lead to a 50% reduction in recidivism. Employment and housing are two focal points where collaboration and trust amongst reentry professionals was also emphasized. An estimated 60% of those leaving prison are unemployed a year later, while homelessness leads to a 50% increase in risk of recidivism. Services are available for those who are recently released, but attendees note that because collaboration is lacking, a database centralized to resource management is needed. It was also noted that the need for a digital literacy program is tremendous. Oftentimes, men and women reentering society are unaware of the technological advancements of modern day society, and a workshop teaching digital literacy to incarcerated folks on the brink of release would ease reintegration. Discussion ensued around emerging programs to teach digital literacy and conversations were initiated around developing such a program as a function of this collaborative.
With a shared commitment to transformative change, attendees explored avenues to amplify their ability to make a positive impact.  This event was an example of how LARC will resource the sector moving forward by creating social connection, building trust and offering opportunities to teambuild across the sector. With quarterly meetings planned over the next two and a half years, this convergence of minds, hearts and missions is poised to stimulate cross-disciplinary insights, foster dynamic partnerships, and fuel the momentum towards a more equitable and effective reentry process.
All those who are passionate about these intersections are cordially invited to contribute their vision and expertise, united by a common goal: to reshape reentry dynamics and empower individuals for a brighter future. On Friday, September 15th, Center for Council joined forces with Homeboy Industries to host “Strength and Wellness Day.”
This event was designed to empower historically marginalized communities, in particular those who have experienced incarceration, encouraging participants to embrace transformation, cultivate resilience, and celebrate the potential to develop strength within, as well as their untapped physical strength. This collaboration was one in a series of workshops Center for Council has designed for the reentry and system-impacted community intended to expose participants to resources that support wellbeing and resilience in unique ways. The main lobby at Homeboy HQ was abuzz with enthusiasm as community leaders and members gathered for thoughtfully crafted workshops and clinics. Some attendees arrived with apprehension, while others came with a sense of curiosity. However, all left with a deeper understanding of ways to appreciate and cultivate their own wellbeing and strength. After opening comments from the staff, welcoming all to Homeboy Industries, Jared Seide, Executive Director of Center for Council, set the tone for the day by addressing the historical foundations of the concept of 'power.' He emphasized the importance of reimagining strength beyond prevailing themes of physical violence, aggression and domination and spoke about the qualities of courage and perseverance.
"Strength can sometimes be misunderstood as domination and aggression, as brute force and violence," explained Seide. "But in reality, strength encompasses so much more. Strength of heart, strength of character, strength of spirit. It takes strength to be resilient, to triumph over adversity, to stand up for things we believe in. All of these elements are what we are here to nurture today, so may this day empower you to discover that strength within." The day’s events blended physical empowerment and strength training with holistic wellness sessions, including therapeutic sound baths, a tea ceremony and full-body massage. Offerings catered to all aspects of wellbeing; aligning physical and mental wellness in a holistic approach.
Reflecting on her journey, Murray shared, "Strength training provided me with a positive focus and something to anticipate in my life. I believe it's crucial for individuals to have such an anchor. Everyone faces challenging times, but discovering something in your life to anticipate and deeply care about is what transformed ‘strongwoman training’ into that for me." After her remarks, along with her coach and partner, Alec Pagan, Erin led a strength conditioning clinic that welcomed both men and women eager to explore what it takes to achieve the title of the World's Strongest Woman.   Joseph Herd, a participant in the strength clinic and a member of Homeboy Industries, expressed his gratitude at the opportunity to participate in the session, noting that the experience goes beyond improving physical strength. He shared, "It's about self-confidence, boosting your self-esteem, and feeling better about yourself. Peace, meditation and all about strengthening your inner – believing that you can do something." Herd also fearlessly took on the "circus dumbbelll 'on rep' challenge (a viral hit on Instagram), against America's Strongest Woman and was left truly impressed by the level of strength and technique required to execute a single repetition. He exclaimed, "She's amazing! I was surprised that she was able to outdo all the fellas here because we actually work out here pretty much every day. She is actually not only the strongest woman; she's also the strongest person at Homeboy now.” “Strength and Wellness Day” offered a chance to rethink our understanding of strength through a holistic lens. It provided participants with a unique opportunity for profound self-discovery and fostered connection between diverse individuals who have traversed similar yet distinct life journeys.
 Jared Seide was invited to chat with Jodi Grinwald on her podcast, “Today is the Day Changemakers.” On this podcast, Grinwald shares real stories from real people around the world who are making a difference in their respective communities. Grinwald looks to highlight those who are disrupting the status quo and generating change. In this episode “Beyond Us and Them,” Grinwald and Seide discuss the difference between empathy and compassion, finding balance around empathy and altruism, and Seide’s path to council and how it relates to storytelling and listening.
Seide’s own experience as part of the entertainment industry heavily influenced his journey to council and how he perceives the world. He found the shared human stories are the most meaningful in that they make us feel “not alone” and “connected to something bigger.” This led him to council. In their discussion, Seide also talks about the specific difference between council and counsel where counsel and counseling is most often the process of getting advice or guidance from another person. Meanwhile, council stems from the Latin word “concilium” which means a group of people or a meeting which is effectively what it means today. He noted how council can be (and is) applied in a wide variety of settings, such as with health care providers, law enforcement officers, educators, and even within corporations. Seide and Grinwald discussed vulnerability and how many high performing groups actually encourage and protect vulnerability and create spaces where it is celebrated. Seide notes that “vulnerability leads to trust” and not the other way around which is how many often assume it works. In council, one does not need to share their “deepest darkest secrets;” it can be something as simple as “a thing that used to scare you or a time you lost something.” Sharing stories where you showcase your authentic self helps create a positive, creative, and productive culture and environment. They went on to talk about judgement and how the assumption that judgment is the norm perpetuates this idea of us and them. Judgment leads to us seeing a threat in many cases where we could instead take a breath and bring ourselves to a place of understanding and learning instead. As we look towards the future, Seide sees the ability to go beyond us and them by truly taking the time to understand and converse with those we disagree with as a key step in creating healthier and more connected communities. They dove into the book, Where Compassion Begins. The latter half of the book consists of assignments that help you develop more mindfulness and provides guidance on how to set up opportunities for council on your own. Learning by doing is key! Sitting down and actually taking part in council is one of the main ways of learning how to effectively participate in council. As a final question, Grinwald asked if Seide had any advice for young changemakers; Seide noted the value of “not knowing” and being able to arrive in a situation without biases so you can be “truly present” in any given situation. Change begins within yourself and setting aside our preconceived notions is an irreplaceable part of problem solving. Lastly, he noted that compassion begins with oneself. For more information on council and how to effectively begin this practice, we offer opportunities to participate through our Social Connection Councils which happen every few weeks. For those interested, you can also find links and more information about Where Compassion Begins here on our website. Listen to the podcast on Apple Spotify Youtube or wherever you tune in. “Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis.” - Dr. Vivek Murthy, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States
June 12th-18th is Global Loneliness Awareness Week (GLAW), an annual campaign to bring international awareness to the crisis of social isolation and loneliness. Since the Marmalade Trust (a leading loneliness Charity in the United Kingdom) started GLAW in 2017, it has gained momentum both in the UK and internationally. Unsurprisingly, loneliness is something that most of us will experience at some point of our lives. Despite this, the consequences of prolonged or consistent feelings of loneliness or isolation are unfortunately often overlooked. Loneliness takes many different forms and can be caused by a number of different factors or catalysts. For example, specific life events, workplace situations, and a sense of disconnect from people in your life can all contribute to a feeling of loneliness. Beyond this, more often than not, you won’t know if someone else is lonely unless they express that. In 2018, BBC’s Loneliness Experiment revealed that the stereotype of older individuals being the loneliest was simply false; instead, 16 to 24-year-olds reported the highest levels of loneliness. With that said, every age range exhibited a significant proportion of individuals who regularly experienced loneliness. Today, loneliness in the United States has been classified a public health crisis both due to its widespread nature and the litany of adverse consequences stemming from it. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the current surgeon general, noted that recent studies reveal that one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness in his recent advisory. Beyond that, loneliness and social isolation can significantly affect your health as it can contribute to cognitive decline, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and many more health challenges. Fortunately, loneliness is very fixable and anyone can take immediate steps to feel better. Telling others how you feel, thinking about your own emotional and social needs, and making plans to start building those social connections are all great steps in combating loneliness. You can read the national advisory here. In his advisory, Dr. Murthy listed several strategies including participating in social and community groups, minimizing distractions during conversations, and actively engaging with people of different backgrounds and experiences. Here at the Center for Council, we offer Social Connection Councils (SCCs) where you get the opportunity to learn the basics of council, listen to each other without judgment, and speak from the heart. Previous participants report feeling more connected, grounded, and calm; moreover, they note how authentic and mindful the discussions were. These are just one of many different opportunities for all of us to work on combating this now widespread epidemic of loneliness. With loneliness becoming more and more relevant, it is now more important than others that we prioritize human connections. Be it through SCCs or other methods, there are many different ways that we can all prioritize our own and our community’s well being by committing to reconnecting with others. Fortunately, making connections with others is perhaps the most human skill. You can read the national advisory here. And register for a SCC here. Jared Seide, Executive Director, attends the DOJ National Officer Safety & Wellness Working Group6/5/2023  Our Executive Director, Jared Seide, recently attended the National Officer Safety & Wellness Working Group in Washington, D.C., hosted by the US Department of Justice and Bureau of Justice Administration. The conference brought together law enforcement officials, mental health experts, and other professionals to discuss the challenges facing police officers and the importance of promoting officer safety and wellness.
The working group focused on a range of issues related to officer safety and wellness, including stress management, mental health, and building community trust. Participants also discussed best practices for promoting officer safety and wellness, such as training programs, peer support networks, and policies to address mental health and substance abuse issues. Seide was invited to participate in the convening to share his expertise bringing programming to police officers to support self-awareness, resilience and compassion.He emphasized the importance of providing police officers with the tools and training they need to better manage stress, build resilience, and develop compassionate connections with their colleagues and their communities. Seide shared details on Center for Council's POWER Training Program, which provides police officers with the skills and resources they need to better manage the stresses of their job and build more meaningful relationships with the people they serve. Through the POWER program, police officers are taught how to communicate more effectively with each other and with the community, as well as how to manage their emotions and cope with the challenging situations they encounter on a daily basis. Seide emphasized the importance of this type of training, stating that police officers are often exposed to traumatic events that can have a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being. By teaching police officers how to develop resilience and compassion, POWER is helping to address these issues and promote the overall well-being of police officers. The POWER program has been implemented in agencies across the country and the results have been promising. Officers who have completed the program report feeling more connected to their communities, more resilient, and better equipped to cope with the stresses and traumas they encounter on the job. Seide's participation in the National Officer Safety & Wellness Working Group highlights the importance of promoting officer safety and wellness, and the critical role that programs like POWER can play in achieving this goal. By providing police officers with the tools and training they need to better manage stress, develop resilience, and build compassionate connections with their communities, we can help create a safer and more compassionate society for all. Read more about POWER here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/power-training.html  Eve Marko, a Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order and head teacher at the Green River Zen Center in Massachusetts, recently highlighted our book, Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go. In her post, titled "Arctic Weather and Prison," Marko reflected on the experiences of people who have been incarcerated and the challenges they face upon reentering society.
“I couldn’t put the book down. I’d never served time in prison, but the book spoke to me very personally. It talked to how we grow up, who and what influences us, and what decisions we make in our life that have long ramifications not just for us but for everyone around us,” Marko wrote. Marko praised Leaving Prison Behind as a powerful and insightful novella that sheds light on the struggles of those who have been through the criminal justice system. The book offers a unique perspective on the issue of mass incarceration, as it is created from the words and stories of system-impacted individuals, and those who support them. She wrote that, “I find something in common with Ray. I wasn’t in prison per se, wasn’t hurt, called a number, dehumanized and humiliated, but I think I know about bars that have kept me in place. And I, too, wish to go home.” As conversations around criminal justice reform continue to gain momentum, books like Leaving Prison Behind play a vital role in increasing understanding and empathy for those who have been impacted by the system. You can read the rest of the post here. And learn more about Leaving Prison Behind and order a copy for you, or for someone who is incarcerated here.  "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive,"
― Dalai Lama XIV Compassion has the capacity to transform the world. It enables us to develop great insight into other people's suffering and to take meaningful action in response. It is the ability to identify with and feel the emotions of others and connect with the motivation and resolve to take action to lessen their suffering, while remaining intact ourselves. Compassion is not only an emotion, but also a practice. As Buddhist scholar Joan Halifax observed, “Compassion is made up of non-compassion elements that are trainable.” In other words, compassion can be nurtured and grown. In his book, Where Compassion Begins, Center for Council Executive Director Jared Seide makes the case that compassion is only possible if we begin by slowing down, taking a backward step and cultivating a practice of paying deep attention. A consistent mindfulness practice like meditation increases our capacity to be present, aware of others, and to respond to their needs in a loving and understanding manner. Loving-kindness meditation is an example of a technique for increasing compassion. This sort of meditation focuses on our feelings of love and friendliness toward one another and toward ourselves. We can learn to develop compassion for ourselves and others, even under trying circumstances, by frequently practicing loving-kindness and other forms of meditation. By using less formal mindfulness techniques, one can also grow compassion. Being more mindful might mean becoming more conscious of the thoughts, feelings and sensations arising in us that we often ignore. It can also open our eyes to new ideas and new understanding of the people we interact with, as well as the world around us. As a result, we may develop a deeper sense of empathy for ourselves and other people, and a better capacity to respond kindly and compassionately to those in need. We can also cultivate a more wholesome practice of self-care and more mindfulness of our capacity and wellbeing. We can learn to be kind to and understanding of ourselves, even in trying circumstances, if we exercise compassion towards ourselves. This can lessen stress and anxiety symptoms and increase emotions of wellbeing, as well as make us more effective. Building compassion through meditation and reflection does not need to be done solo! Council is a practice of deepening compassion in a group setting. By sitting in circle with others, building self-awareness and experiencing empathy for the stories and experience of others, we understand others more deeply and start to feel profound connections through our shared narrative. We often experience someone speaking of an experience or feeling that resonates deeply with our own experience. Council can be a powerful and collaborative experience of growth, both as an individual and as a community. While we can get mired in our own drama and concerns, as well as the over-stimulation of today's fast-paced society, taking time to cultivate compassion for ourselves and others can enhance our lives and make us more effective. Whether we consider compassion to be a virtue, an emotion, or a practice we can increase our capacity and focus on living a balanced and beneficial life and that has the power to transform society. And compassion is also a crucial self-care technique that reminds us to treat ourselves and others with kindness and understanding, even in trying circumstances, and to avoid common responses to stress like burnout, numbing and empathic distress. Compassion has the potential to change the world by fostering more tolerant and helpful communities. Council offers a compassion-based practice that enables us to build more cohesive and beneficial groups that can have a great impact on creating a more harmonious and connected world. “Compassion is the basis of morality.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer  For thousands of years, telling stories has been a fundamental part of human culture. We have always been enthralled by the power of stories, whether in prehistoric cave drawings or contemporary books and films. Whether it's a traditional tale passed down verbally through the centuries or a brand-new narrative created by a modern screenwriter for a movie, storytelling has the capacity to take us to other places and give us a profound understanding of what it means to be human.
Empathy is one of the key components of good storytelling. We are able to place ourselves in other characters' situations when we resonate with a narrative, feeling their emotions and going through their trials as if they were our own. This makes it possible for us to comprehend and relate to the human experience on a level that is challenging to accomplish without the empathic connection. Because of this, storytelling has been employed for ages as a method of healing and personal development. The capacity for storytelling to inspire is another crucial benefit. Stories have the power to motivate us to be our best selves, whether they are true or made-up tales of people who overcame great obstacles. Stories inspire us to act and have a positive influence on the world. Amidst the information-overload of today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and have an impact. Stories enable us to more deeply engage and connect with others and often leave a lasting impression. Weaving compelling stories in settings like the council circle can foster powerful, relatable and memorable experiences of connection and commonality. Storytelling amuses, motivates and unites people - and has done so for centuries. It is a useful tool to have in your toolbox and helps you share your perspective authentically, while reinforcing your ability to listen and understand others more deeply and carefully, both in personal as well as professional contexts. The proliferation of new technology has increased the number of ways there are to tell and share stories, expanding the opportunities for stories to impact our lives and the lives of others. Storytelling has an immense impact in today’s hyper-connected world, just as it has for thousands of years. Council offers an opportunity to engage in storytelling as both a listener and a teller - and it can be a laboratory for developing skills to more effectively tell and listen to stories. Join our next Social Connection Circle here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/social-connection-councils.html Or attend a Council Training: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/in-person-council-workshops.html “We have been given the gift of Indaba by the keepers of the stories. We are asked to hold the spaces for the retelling of these stories and to invite each person to share the story they carry within their soul. Indaba is a Zulu word and tradition that means “I have something important to tell you.” The circle is called to guide the children to the dreamtime and to honor the Elders and Ancestors by retelling how they lived and died. The circle is a way in which community is made and remade and through which investments of initiatory knowledge are shared for strengthening social agreements and engagements. Each person is considered the beginning and end of the circle and holds the task of asking for the highest truth for the wellbeing of the community. The Sacred Center is home, the place of belonging or Spirit. Indaba.” Orland Bishop, Legacy Holder and Teacher of African Gnosis 
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMWHA) grant is a valuable resource for law enforcement agencies nationwide that are looking to support the mental health and well-being of their officers. The grant can be used to fund a wide range of initiatives, including programs to promote resilience, training on stress management, and the provision of mental health services. The POWER Training Program is one example of a program designed to address all of these priorities. Here are some other good ways for law enforcement agencies to utilize LEMWHA grant funds:
Peer support programs Peer support programs provide officers with access to emotional support and assistance from their colleagues. These programs can be particularly helpful for officers who may be hesitant to seek help from traditional mental health services. The LEMWHA grant can be used to fund the development and implementation of peer support programs, including training for peer support teams. Mental health training Mental health training is an essential component of supporting the well-being of law enforcement officers. The LEMWHA grant can be used to fund training programs on stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness. These programs can help officers better understand the impact of their work on their mental health and equip them with the tools to manage stress and build resilience. Crisis intervention teams Crisis intervention teams are designed to provide officers with immediate access to mental health services when they need it. These teams can help prevent the escalation of mental health crises and provide officers with the support they need to recover. The LEMWHA grant can be used to fund the development and implementation of crisis intervention teams. Mental health services The LEMWHA grant can also be used to fund mental health services for law enforcement officers. This can include counseling, therapy, and other forms of treatment. Providing officers with access to mental health services can help to address mental health issues before they become more severe and impact an officer’s ability to perform their job. Research and data collection Research on the mental health needs of law enforcement officers is essential for developing effective mental health and wellness programs. The LEMWHA grant can be used to fund research on the mental health needs of law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of different support programs. Data collection can also help agencies to identify trends and better understand the mental health needs of their officers. Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Training Program The POWER Training Program is a nationally certified training protocol that has a powerful positive impact on officer wellness, as well as morale and engagement. In addition to improving health outcomes, POWER is designed to enhance communication skills and relationality, which are fundamental elements of procedural justice and are critical to improving interactions with communities served. The POWER Program has been designed and constructed by Center for Council to incorporate the newest innovations in mindfulness science, communication skills and effective neurobiological interventions. It has been recognized and certified by C-POST in California, and by IADLEST, nationally. No other organization offers or has access to the POWER curriculum. Find out more about POWER at c4c.link/power-training. The LEMWHA grant is a valuable resource for law enforcement agencies looking to support the mental health and well-being of their officers. By funding initiatives such as peer support programs, mental health training, crisis intervention teams, mental health services, research and data collection, and the POWER program, law enforcement agencies can better support their officers and promote resilience in the face of the challenges of their job. It is essential that law enforcement agencies take advantage of this important grant to promote the well-being of their officers.  Law enforcement is a challenging and stressful profession that requires individuals to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. The nature of the job can take a toll on the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers, and it is important to provide officers with resources they need to function well amidst the challenges they face.
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) was enacted in 2018 to address the mental health needs of law enforcement officers. The LEMHWA grant is a key component of this legislation, providing funding to support the development and implementation of mental health and wellness programs for law enforcement agencies. The LEMHWA grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The grant is available to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to support programs that promote mental health and wellness among their officers. The grant can be used to fund a range of activities, including:
The LEMHWA grant is an important step forward in addressing the mental health needs of law enforcement officers. A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that in 2017, more police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty (Karp, 2019). This highlights the urgent need for initiatives to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers. By providing funding and support for mental health and wellness programs, the grant helps to ensure that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to support the well-being of their officers. Law enforcement officers face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and well-being. The LEMHWA grant acknowledges this fact and provides much-needed support to help officers cope with the stresses of their job. By providing funding for mental health and wellness programs, the grant helps to ensure that officers have access to the resources and support they need to maintain their well-being. It is a critical step forward in promoting the health and resilience of law enforcement officers, and it is essential that we continue to support this important initiative. The Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Training Program offers one possible application of LEMWHA funding. POWER is a nationally certified innovative wellness program that may be a good fit for agencies seeking to increase resources for officers in the area of physical, mental and emotional wellness, and to better manage stressors and work-life balance. For more information on POWER, visit c4c.link/POWER-training.  Council in prisons can transform incarcerated populations. Incarceration should prioritize opportunities for rehabilitation, so that individuals can re-enter society at the end of their sentence as individuals who contribute to the flow of life and lead a productive life. However, systemic issues in the world, and especially within the carceral system, have left the US prison system, one of the largest in the world, plagued by issues. Without proper opportunities for rehabilitation, recidivism is much more likely.
The US prison system has long been criticized for its lack of effective rehabilitation programs. Many prisoners are released back into society without the necessary skills, education, and support to successfully reintegrate into the community. This can lead to a high rate of recidivism, as well as increased crime and decreased public safety. While some states have made efforts to provide rehabilitation programs to incarcerated populations, many of these programs are underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult for inmates to receive the help they need. Council is an effective and self-sustaining rehabilitation program. Jared spoke about this on the Hero Maker Podcast: “I think the transformation that some folks are able to engage in in the rehabilitative process is really striking. And I think we have seen, as a result of what we have brought into prisons, some extraordinary and inspiring transformation of individuals and their capacity to be of benefit as agents of change when they get out. And that's because they've done this work inside. And the work they've done on themselves is then translated to the work that they do in relationships, and in community.” The US prison system is plagued by a high rate of recidivism. Recent studies determined that approximately two-thirds of released prisoners reoffend within three years. This can lead to a cycle of crime, incarceration, and reoffending, which is not only costly for the prison system but also detrimental to public safety. To reduce the rate of recidivism, it is important for the prison system to provide effective rehabilitation programs that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and provide incarcerated men and women with the skills and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society. While Center for Council’s programs offer extensive opportunities to learn and practice council inside prison, the organization’s Council Reentry Program provides a continuum of care by engaging formerly incarcerated individuals when they are released. Jared spoke about the re-entry program on the podcast: “When you're dealing with system-impaired folks who are in an environment in which they are taught to behave certain ways, and then they go into prison, many of them harden in those ways of communicating and behaving with one another. This extraordinary culture of toxic masculinity is about intimidation, being on guard, and not showing any kind of vulnerability. And then they are expected to move back into communities and cultivate successful reentry with families where there are children, and maybe there are spouses, or loved ones, and all you've known is how to kind of bully your way through something and protect yourself and not get killed inside there... Learning these new skills is so critical in all directions for cultivating a more compassionate community.” The US prison system is facing a number of pressing issues, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, lack of rehabilitation programs, and a high rate of recidivism. To address these problems, it is important for policymakers to invest in rehabilitation programs and re-entry programs. Only then can we hope to create a more just and effective prison system that promotes public safety, reduces crime, and supports the well-being of those in its care. We must not lose sight of how those incarcerated individuals continue to impact society while they are locked up and, particularly, as they come home and reenter society. Learn more about our prison programs here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/incarcerated-and-system-impacted-individuals.html Listen to the rest of the podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify Apple Hero Makers Website  Our Executive Director, Jared Seide, was featured on a recent episode of The Hero Maker Podcast. The podcast focuses on distilling experiences from career professionals in law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice into nuggets of wisdom for the future. The podcast is hosted by Jennifer Morrison, Vermont’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Andrea Shreeman, a writer/director/executive producer based in Los Angeles. Morrison and Shreeman decided to collaborate on this podcast as a way to explore and understand more about circumstances surrounding the tragic murder of one of their mutual friends.
This episode of the podcast was a deep dive into the practice of council, the POWER Program for law enforcement officers, and Center for Council’s re-entry and prison programs. Morrison, who was unfamiliar with the practice of council prior to the episode, remarked at the end of the show that she was surprised by how impactful the conversation had been and how much she wishes POWER had been available to her and her colleagues in law enforcement 30 years ago. Jared outlined the skills developed in Center for Council’s programs, including ways to increase self-awareness and develop tools for self-regulation, as well as improve capacity to interpret and understand social cues and situational awareness, which are things we all use to track and maintain our safety. Police officers are particularly concerned with this and are also faced with the challenge of cultivating relationships with the communities they serve. Jared noted that social intelligence, in particular, is: "...an important area of skills to build that are often neglected in law enforcement training. How is it that we ask officers to step into communities where they feel overwhelmed and in a high stress state, knowing they are not resourced to be able to navigate this very complicated interaction of: ‘Who you are to me? A friend or foe? An ally or somebody that is going to give me a hard time?’” Morrison agreed, remembering how law enforcement was never properly resourced 30 to 35 years ago, when she began her career. Center for Council’s Peace Officer Wellness, Empathy & Resilience (POWER) Training Program provides a robust curriculum of activities and lessons that develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills and utilize council, an age-old practice that involves bringing people together in a circle to bear witness and share authentically. Council huddles become a sustainable peer-to-peer resource for officer wellness. Find out more about POWER, and hear LAPD officers reflecting on their powerful recent experiences in the course at: c4c.link/POWER. Listen to the rest of the podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify Apple Hero Makers Website  Council Training Level One: Introduction to the Way of Council is an intense 16-hour training course that offers participants the chance to learn about and engage with the council process. This course, taught by two certified council trainers, is intended to increase participants' understanding, competence and capacity to practice and offer council in their personal and professional lives, as well as in their communities and workplaces.
The course is made available by Center for Council to the general public all year long as well as to individual companies, organizations, and governmental bodies that wish to incorporate the practice of council into their everyday operations in order to enhance organizational wellbeing. The fact that CT1 offers 15 CE credits makes it a worthwhile opportunity for mental health professionals to earn the credits needed for licensure. CT1 offers participants an opportunity to thoroughly examine the development, foundations, and intricacies of the forms and modalities of council. The course also provides participants with a foundation in the fundamental methodology and practice of council and examines more extensive applicability to a range of contexts, including schools, boardrooms, prisons, communities, as well as more private contexts like families and couples. The workshops draw a wide range of professionals, including social service providers, therapists, artists, and educators. CT1 workshops are frequently offered in Southern California and are available to be provided throughout the country and globally, in collaboration with regional businesses, institutions of higher learning, and community groups. If you're curious about council practice and want to learn more about this evidence-based practice to support personal, organizational and community wellness, visit centerforcouncil.org. Sign up for our next CT1 here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/in-person-council-workshops.html  Since ancient times, people have used storytelling as a practice to connect, heal, and foster understanding. Sharing one's story can have a dramatic effect on both the speaker and the listener, as well as promote healing by increasing self-awareness and empathetic capacity.
Council is about telling our story and Hearing other people's story. Storytelling enables us to process experiences and emotions in a secure and encouraging setting. This can make the practice of council healing and restorative. When we share the story of our experience, we have the chance to drop in, explore and make sense of it in a way that may not have been feasible in the past. This often leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s experiences, resulting in increased self-awareness and self-acceptance. Storytelling can be a potent tool for establishing connections amongst people. We give others a deeper and more genuine understanding of who we are when we share our stories authentically. The act of offering regard and open-hearted listening to another’s story encourages this sharing and enables us to bear witness to the experience of others on a deeper level than analytical or judgmental listening, which is often our default outside of council. In these ways, the practice of council increases understanding and connection amongst people, as well as a sense of community and belonging. Storytelling has the potential to be a strong force for change. By telling our stories and hearing others, we can bring attention to pressing problems, which can motivate others to take action. An example of this is the #MeToo campaign, which raised awareness of the pervasive issue of sexual assault and harassment, was initiated by a single person sharing her experience on social media and a lot of people listening in. This one action sparked a worldwide movement of people telling their own stories and attempting to make the world a safer and more just place. Unlike debate or persuasion, sharing our narrative offers an opportunity to connect, heal, and instigate change. We may better understand ourselves, develop closer bonds with others, and contribute to the creation of a better world by telling our stories. Our stories have the potential to be a potent means of healing and personal development. Join our next Social Connection Circle here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/social-connection-councils.html Or come to a Council Training Workshop: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/in-person-council-workshops.html On Saturday, December 10, 2022, Center for Council’s extended reentry family gathered at the Los Angeles River Center for a powerful day of warm celebration, beautiful music, delicious food and heartfelt connection, organized as part of our Council Reentry Program.
While resources and offerings were plentiful, the spirit of appreciation and celebration was most apparent in the experiences of the individual participants and was evident in the warm chatter, friendly smiles, excited children, emotional reconnections with old friends and the care and kindliness that was on display everywhere.
If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar -- plans are already underway for December 2023!
We could not be more excited about the launch of Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go.  This illustrated novella tells a moving story of one man's last night of incarceration - and provides a robust, practical compendium of resources intended to support those who are embarking on the perilous journey home from incarceration.  Leaving Prison Behind has been created from the words and stories of system-impacted individuals, and those who support them. The book grew out of the Council Reentry Program with the intention of supporting and resourcing incarcerated individuals preparing themselves for the journey home. Some will recognize the practice of council that the characters enact in this story -- and others will encounter it for the first time. Along with the story of the last night of our protagonist's incarceration the book includes a robust resource section with ideas, references and practices intended to be of support in the preparation for the journey that lies ahead.  We're appealing to our supporters to help us expand the reach of this work and distribute copies of his book into prisons far and wide. For more information on the book, on our fundraising campaign -- and to see a sneak peek video teaser, visit our Leaving Prison Behind page by clicking here.
On October 15, Center for Council joined our friends at Peace Over Violence to host a workshop focused on Domestic Violence Prevention at the Midnight Mission, in the Skid Row District of Los Angeles.
This workshop was offered as part of Center for Council’s Council Reentry Program (CRP), which provides resources and support to formerly incarcerated individuals who are returning home and are committed to successful reentry. CRP offers warm hand-off support services initiated during incarceration, and continues throughout the release and reintegration process with case management, ongoing council sessions for participants and their families, and advanced training in council facilitation, as well as periodic workshops and sessions on important issues facing those on the journey of reentry, including the prevention of domestic violence. This workshop was co-created with Center for Council’s longtime partner, Peace Over Violence. Partnership between the two organizations has been built over the last decade, as C4C gas helped integrate council practice into the organizational fabric of Peace Over Violence and as POV’s work has been embraced and supported by Center for Council. The workshop included an opportunity to drop into deep sharing in council, led by C4C’s Executive Director, Jared Seide, and an in-depth presentation and discussion of the nature, origins and prevention of domestic violence, led by POV’s Director of Counseling Services and Trauma Recovery, Wendy Blanco, LCSW.
The workshop was offered at Midnight Mission, a residential facility for unhoused individuals, many of whom are formerly incarcerated. Participants in the workshop were offered an opportunity to reflect on the forms domestic violence can take and explored how harm can be experienced physically, emotionally, even financially. One participant observed that domestic violence can show up in intimate relationships, as well as other family dynamics and, if unexamined, can negatively impact the way our various relationships develop moving forward in our lives. Information, reflection and community can offer ways to work with these life challenging experiences and help avoid future harm. As another participant observed, past mistakes don’t have to just be “baggage,” but can be transformed into experiences that can be integrated as learning and growth.
The Council Reentry Program is offered to individuals returning to the LA area and is designed to provide assistance navigating the trepidation, uncertainty and anxiety of reentry, tailoring linkages and referrals to key service providers to help make the transition from incarceration as smooth as possible. Council Circles specifically offered for formerly incarcerated individuals are held throughout the month and offer participants a nonjudgmental space to connect with a positive community. Additionally, participants in CRP are offered free council training workshops and professional development sessions, with the opportunity to engage in internship, mentoring and feedback—as well as certification as a council facilitator and trainer. For more information, click here. Center for Council looks forward to continued partnership with Peace Over Violence, which is a sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles. POV is committed to social service, social change and social justice, offering innovative and comprehensive programs include Emergency, Intervention, Prevention, Education and Advocacy services offered in Los Angeles and the 22 cities within the West San Gabriel Valley. For more on POV's work, their website can be found here. |
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