Mar. 28, 2022
CWU ‘Community Resilience in Times of Change’ Series Continues This Spring
In response to the international mental health crisis brought on by the pandemic, CWU Libraries is hosting a series of events this spring titled “Community Resilience in Times of Change,” centered on providing resources necessary to properly process trauma. The events are a continuation of the series, which kicked off in winter quarter 2021.
On April 2 from 1-3 p.m., Humanities Washington speaker Chelsey Richardson will lead the “You Are Your Best Story” creative writing workshop. She will teach participants how to put difficult emotions into words through the ancient art of African storytelling and modern spoken word poetry. Richardson is the author of All Water Has Perfect Memory, a collection of poems focused on the expression of pain and trauma in constructive ways. The event is free, open to the public, and includes a copy of Richardson’s book.
Dr. Bessel von der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score—which was the subject of a book discussion at a past event—will host a webinar keynote on April 6 from 11:15 a.m. to noon. He will share his expertise about trauma and the myriad impacts it can have on a person’s mental and physical health. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session.
The final event of the series will take place May 14 from 3-5 p.m. The “Growing With Change” family workshop is designed to help families in the campus and Ellensburg communities navigate changing, challenging times together in constructive ways. The workshop is hosted by CWU Child Development and Family Science Program Coordinator Amy Claridge. All materials will be provided, and anyone is welcome to attend, including children, parents and caregivers.
Maureen Rust, CWU student engagement and community outreach librarian, says these events have been made possible through community involvement.
“For this series, we have been very fortunate to partner with so many different mental health care providers in the community,” Rust said. “We’re not mental health professionals, so their contributions and expertise have been invaluable.”
Registration is required for all events in the series. Those interested may register via the CWU Libraries Events calendar.
The “Community Resilience in Times of Change” series is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Media contact: Rune Torgersen, Department of Public Affairs, rune.torgersen@cwu.edu, 509-963-1264