Perhaps now more than ever, nonprofit organizations working with vulnerable communities are operating under tremendous stress during a period of significant political and cultural volatility. From the nationwide reckoning with racial injustice, to the global COVID-19 pandemic, to extreme rhetoric and policy attacks on immigrants, the staff of the organizations serving traumatized communities are often themselves victims of secondary trauma (commonly referred to as “vicarious trauma” or “compassion fatigue”). Impacting professionals in a range of roles from case manager, to lawyer, to medical provider, and across a variety of populations including immigrants, children, and incarcerated persons, secondary trauma can lead to staff burnout, turnover, and decreased organizational efficacy.
As philanthropy underwrites the core work of these organizations, it is critical that funders understand the implications of secondary trauma on the people behind the work. How can philanthropy support grantee wellness and sustainability? What practices are already being adopted? Join GCIR and leaders from the field for a timely discussion as we release findings and recommendation for action from our recently-concluded national research project on secondary trauma.
Moderator
- Monika Parikh, Founder and Executive Director, Partnerships for Trauma Recovery
Speakers
- Nora Phillips, Legal Director, Al Otro Lado
- Yasmin Yonis, Healing Justice Chaplain, Justice for Muslims Collective
- Miriam Potocky, M.S.W., Ph.D., Professor, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University
- Kristen L. Guskovict, M.S., L.C.S.W, Principle Consultant, Heart of Aid Work