National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health

The adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not true – words can hurt, but they can also heal. Please join us for the Words Matter series where we engage in open and authentic discussions about the impact of common terminology used in child-serving systems with those that are directly affected. Our goal is to illuminate how the terms we use can influence perception, approach, and practice, as well as explore alternative language to intentionally shift how we view and interact with youth, families, and each other.

DATES & SESSIONS

Mar 9: Terminology Used in Documentation
The words and terminology we use to document our work with young people and their families matter. How we frame a person’s strengths or challenges can impact them for years. Our discussants will provide real-life examples of the impact of documentation on their lives and offer suggestions for documenting their experiences better.

Apr 13: Trauma
We often talk about our services and organizations being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, but how does the word “trauma” land with young people and families who are most affected by it?

May 11: Minority
Increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is a priority for many of us. We also hear people use the word “minority” as a global term often referring to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Our discussants will provide feedback on what comes to mind when they hear “minority” and how that word impacts them.

Jun 8: Tolerance vs. Acceptance
What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance? How does each word affect young people living with mental health challenges and their families? Discussants will talk about the definition of these two words and whether they feel a difference in being accepted or tolerated.

Jul 13: Family
Families can be defined through connections of birth, chance, or choice, but is that what we mean when we talk about family engagement and family voice? How does a more or less inclusive definition of family impact those affected by the word?

Aug 10: Actions Matter
During this two-year discussion series on Words Matter, we have discussed a number of words and phrases and learned much about how some words hurt and some words help young people living with mental health challenges and their families. In today’s episode, attendees will share how the Words Matter series affected them and prompted them to move beyond words and to take action.

All sessions will be hosted simultaneously on Zoom and Facebook Live on the second Thursday of each month, January through August.

Register here >>