Breakout Session One
The Ins and Out of Social Media: A Hands-on Primer—Joelle Casteix & Ashley Easter (Edison DEFG)
Facebook: All of the cool kids are using it. Do you know how to use Facebook Live? Do you understand Twitter? Sure, the President uses Twitter, but do you know that reporters LOVE the Twitter platform? Want an Instagram account? In this hands-on session, we will explain social media. THEN... we will have REAL COLLEGE KIDS who will help you set up an account, get it running, and connect you to friends and family. Already have an account but want to learn more? C'mon and join us!
Family Support—Mary Ellen Kruger & Judy Lorenz (Curie Room)
Sexual abuse of one family member invariably affects all members of the family. In this session, you can share your stories and feelings about how the abuse of a loved one has affected you, your family, or those around you. This session will tackle the question of “how can we heal from secondary abuse?” and “how do we help a loved one heal?” and will rely on the experiences of those in the group to help provide answers.
Abuse of Vulnerable Adults—Erin Crosby (Edison C)
Those abused as adults endure the same kind of horrific consequences as children, but are often overlooked or marginalized. This workshop focuses on the needs of this special group. It will include discussions focusing on the unique point of view of the adult survivor, and will provide opportunities to ask questions and receive support.
Legal Issues—Mitchell Garabedian (Wright Room)
Many survivors struggle with the decision of whether suing the church is helpful or harmful. This workshop will explore the pros and cons of the issue. The legal system is often frightening and confusing for survivors, and this is a chance to ask questions. We will discuss how to assess the facts to determine if filing is appropriate. We will also discuss alternatives if you are not able to file.
Stress Less with a Trauma Informed Chair Yoga Class—Heather Hagaman (Edison A)
Experience a trauma informed chair yoga class and learn yogic tools to create more ease in your life! Empirical evidence shows yoga can offer a more holistic and sustained form of healing for trauma survivors. This interactive workshop will provide the latest scientific information about trauma and how trauma informed yoga can help people learn how to befriend their bodies and experience wholeness. Bring an open mind and be prepared to have fun!
Who Killed Sister Cathy?—Alan Horn & Tom Nugent (Benneker Room)
In this session, Alan Horn and Tom Nugent will share their techniques for gathering information. How an investigator finds the information necessary to build a story. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how a single case can have international repercussions.
Breakout Session Two
B.A.: Open Discussion—The Survivor Experience—Anne Barrett Doyle & Terry McKiernan (Edison DEFG)
BishopAccountability.org will facilitate our usual wide-ranging discussion— please join us! Take a turn at the open mic to raise whatever issues interest or concern you. We will talk very briefly about our interview project and currently available data on the survivor experience.
Men's Support Group—Tim Lennon & David Lorenz (Edison C)
This session focuses on the special needs of male survivors and includes a confidential, participatory support group meeting for men. This is a chance to meet with other survivors in a safe setting and learn from others’ experiences. Men are often forced to keep sexual attacks a secret for fear of being labeled weak. This session will help explore ways for men to dispel this myth. While every participant will have the opportunity to speak, no one will be required to do so.
Women's Support Group—Gail Howard & Dottie Klammer (Curie Room)
Meet with others who have “walked a mile in your shoes” and get some of the affirmation you deserve! Focusing on the unique needs of female survivors this session explores ways to educate about and cope with rape and sexual violence, reduce guilt and shame even if society “blames” the victim and discuss whether to report these crimes, especially years later. The session will include a self-help support meeting where everyone will be able to share, but no one is required to do so. For those who do not speak please know that listening is recognized and appreciated as a gift.
Spiritual Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse/Church Response—Tom Doyle & Ruth Krall (Wright Room)
An interactive conversation between presenters and participants about what individuals have experiences first-hand as religious and spiritual consequences of (1) clergy or religious leader sexual abuse and assaults and of (2) the institutional responses to being informed about these forms of abuse. The presenters will address spiritual and religious issues arising in as a result of the abuse cycle as well as similar issues which arise in the helping-healing cycle after abuse has ended.
Brainstorming Session for Non-Catholic Groups—Melanie Sakoda (Bell Room)
The SNAP model for reaching and organizing Catholic Survivors may not work as effectively on non-Catholic groups. Melanie Sakoda, who has worked with Orthodox Christian survivors through SNAP since 2008, will first share briefly what she has done. The session will then be opened up to questions, sharing from representatives of other groups, and brainstorming new and fresh ideas for people to try and test.
Steps Along the Road to Healing—Digene Farrar & Mary Dispenza (Edison B)
Authors Digene Farrar (Not My Secret to Keep) and Mary Dispenza (Split) will share tools and tips on the road to healing through writing and therapy. They will empower an inspire healing and movement from surviving to thriving.
Creativity and Healing—Richard Sipe (Banneker Room)
Richard will focus on his personal experience of years of seeking growth and healing via therapy. He will share the discovery of the process beyond the bounds of therapy in his expression in writing poetry after he turned 80 years old. He invited the group to join the discussion with their experience of creative support of recovery and healing.
