• Our September CTIPP CAN call briefed attendees on our new women’s health report and toolkit that provided concepts, strategies, and resources to shift our society towards one that honors lived experience and supports recovery, healing, and well-being for all.

• In September, experts and leading members of Congress from across the United States came together for a briefing on the importance of the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act (H.R. 3073 & S. 1452) (CMWRA), which is a landmark bill that will fund community-led initiatives that use a public health approach to prevent and heal mental health problems caused by toxic stresses, emergencies, and disasters.

• Do you need a CTIPP flyer summarizing our mission and vision as a meeting leave-behind or for an upcoming event? Download one here!

• Urge Congress to support the RISE from Trauma Act (S. 1426 and H.R. 4541) to expand the trauma-informed workforce in schools, healthcare settings, social services, first responders, and the justice system and increase community resources to address the impact of trauma.
• Urge Congress to support the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 3073) to help communities proactively develop local strategies that build population-level resilience by planning for and responding to the mental health challenges caused by disasters and toxic stress.
• TOOLKIT: Free resources to help you urge Congress to support trauma-informed federal legislation.
• SURVEY: The International Transformational Resilience Coalition (ITRC) and Trauma Informed Oregon at Portland State University are interested in your feedback to help them better understand the language and terminology people feel most comfortable using when discussing and engaging in community-based mental wellness and resilience activities.

EVENTS

• Every Tuesday: The Trauma Research Foundation is hosting a weekly “Sound Passage: Use Your Voice to Find Your Voice!” The sounds and movements activate the vagus nerve to settle the nervous system, creating a peaceful, calming effect. The vagus nerve, also called the “soul” or “compassion” nerve, activates the body’s social engagement system, turning off the stress system and helping us feel safe in our bodies.
• October 18: Our next CTIPP CAN call will discuss tips and strategies to better integrate NEAR science concepts into your trauma-informed education, activism, and advocacy.
• October 24: The Relationship Foundation is hosting a webinar on the fundamentals of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which empowers individuals to articulate their needs and feelings without blame or judgment and to listen empathically. 

MINDFUL MOMENT: WALK IT OFF

The Buddhist mindfulness teacher Thich Nhat Hanh suggested that “with each step, a gentle wind blows.” On your next walk, pay attention to each step. Notice how many steps you take during each inhale and exhale and at your walking speed. Match your steps to your breath. For example, as you breathe in, count 1-2-3 steps. As you breathe out, count 1-3 steps. Let your lungs and feet come to a happy equilibrium as you chant a favorite mantra in your mind