Our Youth Advocates services focus on training adults working with youth and the broader community on J.E.D.I. principles of justice, equity, diversity, and intersectionality and how to apply Youth Mental Health First Aid so that adults can foster the supportive, strengths-based, culturally affirming environments young people need to heal from trauma and thrive in school and in other institutions.

 ArtForce Iowa staff conduct professional development sessions for teachers, present at social justice and education conferences, and offer art workshops to nonprofit agencies to support individuals who interact with youth in our community.

We provide a training buffet covering topics from how to create and foster feelings of autonomy, competence and community in your classroom and workspace; exploring current brain research concerning early childhood trauma and developmental trauma; understanding the five principles of healing-centered engagement (HCE) and how to put HCE into practice; leading with self determination and more.

Our Trainings

We feel it is important to let you know that all workshops build on each other.

Authenticity/Values Affirmation Pt 1-2


Identify core values at the personal level and align practices with personal mission while exploring ways to move forward in community while collectively honoring each other's values and missions.

Building Trust Workshop


Lay the framework for cultivating spaces centered in safety and trust in order to do deeper work.

Cultivating Psychological Safety


Explore mood regulation for yourself and others while remaining aligned with personal and community values.

Language Bias/Implicit Bias/MicroAggressions/
MicroInequities


Explore how biased language can unintentionally alienate people. Surface and unpack language choices concerning different groupings, and develop awareness on how social and structural norms may be harmful.

Self-Determination Theory and Practice: 3 Part Bundle Only

This 3 part session focuses on utilizing Self-Determination to foster agency, autonomy, and authenticity.

Part One: Who Told You That?

Explore the predominant mindsets and how growth-mindset and self-determination theory practices can create stronger classrooms and communities.


Part Two: Who Even Are You?

Explore different self-definitions and how they impact the spaces we occupy.


Part Three: Who’s Showing Up?

Explore how self-definitions influence behaviors and actions and assess their alignment with both personal and community values.

Healing Centered Engagement


Explore current brain research concerning early childhood trauma and developmental trauma, and experience practices based on Dr. Sean Ginwright's "Healing-Centered Engagement".

Connect with us to learn more about the trainings we offer and about pricing.