building program cultures that empower and heal (1)

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BUILDING CULTURE IN OUR PROGRAMS

THAT EMPOWER AND HEAL

January 20, 2011

Lou BergholzEdgework Consulting



Child and Adolescent Development

There are a host of vital

developmental milestones

that they need to cross

(social, physical, cognitive,etc.)

There is a generaldevelopmental path, but it

is not necessarily linear.



Child and Adolescent Development

There are numerousevents/experiences thatcan disrupt

development.

Children adapt andfind ways to stay ontrack.



Developmental Disruptions

Acute

Complex (Chronic)



Developmental Disruptions

We all have kids whocould use somethingextra

This “developmentalcatch up” is something we

could help provide (andprobably already are toa degree)



How Behavior Change Typically

Happens In Our Programs

Caring Staff

CultureBuilding

IntentionalProgram

Planning

Vital

Connections

Program

Implementation



Building Culture

Curriculum and activities

are the building bricks

Culture is the mortar that

holds the bricks together



Building Culture

Programs are strong

Programs with culture

are stronger!



Culture Building

Culture: the behaviors

and beliefs

characteristic of a

particular group

Culture helps us knowhow to behave, how to

treat each other, etc.



Culture is Already There

We always have to

negotiate with existing

cultures

We sometimes have to

battle with existingcultures



What is in Your Culture?

Divide Your Table Into 2

Groups and Discuss:

1. How would you describe

the culture of yourprogram or organization?

2. What impact does thisculture have on your work

and on the outcomes you

are trying to achieve?



Strong Culture “at Play”

Decrease in aggressivebehavioral incidentscoupled with an increasein pro-social behaviors

The Eye to the Future Project

Gaza, Palestinian Territories

The Doc Wayne Athletic League

Boston, USA

50% reduction inpotentially clinically-diagnosable mentalhealth symptoms



Culture Building: 5 Ways to Help Kids

Heal Just a Bit



Facilitate Pro-Social Peer Relationships

Any friends

More friends

Deeper friendships

A protective layer of peer

support

What would I adjust in myprogram if I prioritized pro-social peer relationships?

In our activity/curriculumdelivery? (But not in thecontent!)

During informal time?



Follow a Strict Behavior Code

Code

Something formal that weabide by

Behavior Things we can see or hear, not

hypothetical or abstract

Strict Closely abided by, taken

seriously

1. No unsupervised

activity

2. No physical violence

3. No killer statements



Create Opportunities for Real

Contribution

Contribution Doing something that helps

the program operate andrun successfully

Real Something that actually

matters

Two Important Types:

1. Project-Based

2.

Ritual-Routine



Create a Safe Bubble

Risk Assessment

Security

Background Checks and

Screening

Prevention

Skills Training and

Awareness



Expanding Our Understanding of Safety

1. Safety

2. Risk3. Protection



Practice Positive Traditions

Greetings/Goodbyes

Team Check Ins

Meals/Snack/

Nourishment Time

Transitions

Reasons to Get Together

(Celebrations,Memorials, Existing

Special Events etc.)



If You Only Practice One Tradition…Team Time!



Try These In Your Culture…

1. Facilitate Positive Pro-

Social Peer Relationships

2. Create Real

Opportunities forContribution

3. Follow a Strict Behavior

Code4. Create a Safe Bubble

5. Practice Positive

Traditions

1. What could you bring backthat could help to strengthen

your program’s culture?

2. Why is this important for your

particular program?



Thank You!

[email protected]

building program cultures that empower and heal (1)

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