I am so happy that I had the opportunity to attend the PC CARES Training of Facilitators (ToF) at Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel with Rural Human Services Practicum students December 2-6, 2024. Nineteen students from 7 communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were trained as facilitators.
It was the first ToF training without Lisa there in person. We missed her and Tara, but Diane and the rest of the team did a great job leading with support from elders: Joe and Winnie, Lucy, and Evelyn.
On the first day, we had introductions to each other and to the format, then the quiet and thoughtful group of students experienced a couple of learning circles. Roberta and Diane led Learning Circle 3: Prevention perfectly.
During the learning circle, we talked about small “non demanding” acts of kindness as one way to help prevent suicide, and it set the tone for the rest of the week. Everyone was doing small acts for each other. I am still tickled even months later about Elizabeth letting me lick the spoon after she made a pudding pie. It was Elizabeth’s small act of kindness to me. That small act has been enough to keep me going this long winter.
Another great thing about this ToF was that the practicum advisors were all local, former students: Leanna “Bubbles”, Jim, and Debbie. Bubbles took us on a tour around Bethel. It was cold, but the company was warm!
Leanna “Bubbles” takes visitors out to a walking tour of Bethel.
During the training, one of the students, Catrina, jumped right in to help me lead “Learning Circle 5: Review and Next Steps.” We showed how you don’t have to be polished and perfect to lead a learning circle. The RHS students saw one of their own and me using the Facilitator’s Guide to help us get through it.
Over the next few days, we went over facilitation, things like hopes and fears of facilitating PC CARES learning circles in their communities and troubleshooting potential challenges. Then each participant had a chance to safely practice facilitating a learning circle in smaller groups and get feedback from their peers. Everyone that tried did a really great job and learned that it was “easier than they thought!”
Garnie, (left), and Roberta Moto have been PC CARES trainers for nearly a decade. And, they have the same birthday (Feb. 4th)!
The training allowed time for the students to prepare for the logistics of the facilitation of learning circles in their own communities. Lauren was the research expert and was there to help re-explain the consent, surveys, etc.
There was also time for everyone to get a tote/toolkit and look through all the PC CARES learning circle materials, including their own facilitator’s guides. Over the years the totes have shrunk in size. When I first went through the ToF in 2018, the tote was huge and heavy. Now it’s small enough to fit in a suitcase or take on the jet as a hand carry.
Whether it’s with a small group of friends and family or a large group of community service providers, seeing the RHS students and fellow introverts commit to stepping up to share what they know to prevent suicide, like doing small acts of kindness, makes me feel hopeful.