People who support young people bring deep care, commitment, and skill to their work—but they are still human. Under stress, even the most thoughtful facilitators, educators, counselors, and helping professionals can become reactive, shut down, over-accommodate, or lose access to the very relationship skills they most want to model. In this practical and compassionate webinar, The Dibble Institute and Dovetail Learning will explore what happens when caring people get stuck. Participants will be introduced to Dovetail’s concept of Protective Patterns—common ways people react when they feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, or under pressure—and will consider how those patterns affect communication, conflict, and connection with colleagues, partners, and the young people they serve. Together, we’ll explore how curiosity can help interrupt unhelpful patterns and create more space for resilience, reflection, and repair. Participants will leave with practical tools they can use right away to strengthen relationships, navigate difficult moments, and support healthier interactions…
Facilitators
For years, Mind Matters has helped teens and adults do some of the hardest, most important work of their lives — building resilience, managing stress, and learning to treat themselves with compassion. We’ve seen what’s possible when people have the right tools and the right support. Now, we’re proud to introduce Mind Matters 2.0: A Map for Thriving — a fully updated curriculum grounded in the latest neuroscience and trauma-informed care, and we want you to see it up close. Join us for a live webinar with the author of Mind Matters, Carolyn Curtis, Ph.D., and Aaron Larson, Director of Programs, as they walk through the updated curriculum and show you what’s new, what’s deeper, and what’s possible for the people you serve. You’ll get a firsthand look at: New content in every lesson, reflecting current research on how the brain heals and grows A brand-new Lesson 6 — dedicated entirely to self-compassion and resilience New digital…
Unpacking the Dibble Treasure Chest! You may think you know The Dibble Institute… but do you really? Did you know: We offer hundreds of free resources on our website? We are constantly updating our materials with the latest research? Our training clients regularly give us an A+ for our engaging and effective facilitation techniques? Annually we help hundreds of organizations apply for and win grants to provide relationship education? Join us at this special webinar to unpack the Dibble treasure chest and give you some insights into what’s coming! Objectives: Participants will be able to: Effectively use Dibble’s free resources Review our new programs Explain Dibble’s training approach Learn three key facilitation skills Identify sources for future funding Presenter: Rachel Savasuk-Luxton, Director of Training and Research Aaron Larson, Director of Programs Jo Anne Eason, National Outreach Coordinator Caleb Cook, Senior Trainer Who should attend: Those who currently use or are interested in…
Young People’s Experiences and Thoughts on Relationships Today: A conversation with Marline Pearson Many of us wonder about young people’s current lived experience and aspirations regarding their relationships. For instance: Do adolescents still date? Do they still hope for a long-term committed partner or spouse? How are young people thinking about their intimate relationships? How are they visualizing their current or future families? Join Love Notes author and noted thought leader, Marline Pearson, as she shares her experiences and reflections that come from teaching thousands of young people at Madison College, a two-year technical and community college as well as younger teens through STEM and Gateway programs. She will also share the different messages she gives young people from teens to late twenties about how best to approach relationships during those years. Note: This is a conversational format. Please come prepared with questions to ask Marline. Objectives: Participants will be…
Strengthening Facilitation Skills: A Training Curriculum for Programs Working with Youth, is a free, three-module curriculum designed to help facilitators of youth-serving programs improve the quality of their facilitation skills. It was developed as part of a formative evaluation of Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education programs conducted by Mathematica and its partner Public Strategies in conjunction with two community-based organizations called STREAMS. Join Erin Welch and Scott Roby for this webinar where they will share details about the curriculum’s development, describe its resources, and explain how it can be used to foster facilitators’ development. Learn how you can maximize learning and engagement using best practices and participant-centered and trauma-informed facilitation Objectives: Participants will internalize the goals and development process of the Strengthening Facilitation Skills curriculum. Participants will explore the content and resources included in the curriculum. Participants will understand how to use the curriculum and hear tips from the field….
In today’s uncertain times, many youth experience housing insecurity, unstable or unsafe relationships, and toxic stress. Social and emotional wellbeing can help these young people overcome adversity, heal from trauma, and build resilience, thereby increasing their hopes for the future. Learning and practicing mindfulness skills can be the pathway to increasing self-regulation, building healthy relationships, and increasing resilience. The question is how can youth move towards social and emotional wellbeing? During this webinar, we will explore some of the social-emotional needs of youth and how the Milestone Transitional Living Program in Utah utilizes mindfulness skills and the Mind Matters program in group sessions and in group homes. Join Mina Koplin, Lorri Lake, and Maygan Martinez as they share how they utilize the ACEs questionnaire, how they present Mind Matters content, and how they implement mindfulness skills in sessions with disconnected youth. Objectives: Participants will be able to: Identify the Social-Emotional needs…
In response to the multiple stresses on teens from COVID, The Dibble Institute is pleased to announce its latest project, Me & My Emotions, a fun, free, interactive website for teens. Me & My Emotions is designed to support teens’ social-emotional learning while increasing their resilience. With engaging graphics and bite-sized lessons plus awards and points, Me & My Emotions invites teens to slow down and check in with themselves as they learn skills from Mind Matters: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience. Join Kay Reed to explore the research from the ArtCenter College of Design that helped create Me & My Emotions and enjoy a guided tour of the website. Objectives: Webinar participants will understand: Who Me & My Emotions will benefit and ways to promote it How the website is organized and what content is covered How Me & My Emotions can support teens individually as well as in…
In these challenging times, many youth are dealing with isolation, anxiety, and depression and relationship challenges. Everyone is looking for a way to connect. Many wonder, how do we do this safely and in a healthy way? We know that when we are unaware of what is happening with our bodies and brains, then we are more likely to make risky decisions. Providing information that youth will hear and use starts with providing mindfulness skills that help them to calm their brains, be in touch with what is going on in their bodies, and build resilience. These mindfulness skills are relevant, empowering, and easy to make a part of everyday life. When implemented, people find they are more likely to grow in social and emotional regulation, make more informed decisions, and see brighter futures. Join Dixie Zittlow as we discuss how healthy decision-making is achievable by bringing awareness to what…
WEBINAR: Co-Regulation Strategies: Practical Tools for Program Staff to Foster Youth Self-Regulation
What is co-regulation? Why does it matter? How can I integrate co-regulation into my program or practice? Join interventionist and nurse-educator Aly Frei to explore co-regulation, its importance for youth development, and its potential to improve program outcomes. Co-regulation is a term that helps describe the important interactions between adults and young people that foster youth self-regulation. Self-Regulation is a central ingredient in lifelong success, predicting healthy relationships, economic self-sufficiency, and physical and emotional well-being. Because of rapid change in youths’ brains and bodies, adolescence is an important time for adults to promote self-regulation development. Through co-regulation, adults form relationships where youth feel cared for and known; co-create safe and nurturing environments; and give youth opportunities to practice self-regulation skills and reflect on how to apply them in their lives. Integrating co-regulation strategies into youth service delivery is a promising approach for improving program implementation and youth outcomes. Objectives: Webinar…
Despite your best efforts, you’ve just learned that your federal grant proposal was not funded or your grant non-continued. Bummer. We’ve been there too. After an appropriate amount of time to grieve, time to roll up your sleeves and get back to it! The youth you serve need relationship education. But how? Join Kay Reed and Aaron Larson in this webinar just for Dibble clients to explore alternative funding possibilities. Objectives: Webinar attendees will learn: What grants the feds have forecast for the remainder of 2020 and early 2021. Outcomes of relationship education that justify the intervention with a variety of funding streams. Alternative, ongoing local, state, and federal flow-through funding. Presenters: Kay Reed, Executive Director, The Dibble Institute Aaron Larson, Director of Programs, The Dibble Institute Duration: 60 minutes Cost: Free! Resources: Creative Sustainability Links Sustainability PowerPoint Slides Sustainability Tip Sheet Sustainability Worksheet Department of Justice Funding Opportunities
The pandemic has created tremendous disruption across all institutions. Chances are your organization innovated its approach in ways you might want to keep and it is likely the post-pandemic future will not look like the past. Scenario tools can amplify diverse voices and help organizations and communities envision multiple futures in times of uncertainty. Scenario tools surface risks and opportunities to guide the adaptation of programs and operations. This session will teach practitioners the basics of scenario planning and provide a tool to guide responsive planning during times of rapid change. Objectives: Webinar participants will learn: How to compose a scenario planning team to ensure all voices are heard and benefit from many perspectives. How to use a scenario planning tool to surface key uncertainties and possible futures. How to embed scenario planning as a skill to enhance organizational nimbleness. Presenters: Sarah Di Troia, Senior Advisor, Project Evident Resources: Slides Presentation Scenario…
Join Dr. Kristen Plastino and Jennifer Todd from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as they define trauma and discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). They will explore trauma’s effects on young people as well as youth’s reactions to trauma. You will learn how they shifted from the existing paradigm to a trauma-informed approach utilizing relationship education. They will share lessons they learned in the field as they implemented their approach with over 100,000 young people over the last 4 years in San Antonio. Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: Describe trauma. Name two causes of Adverse Childhood Experiences. List three either immediate or delayed responses to the “Effects of Trauma.” List one lesson learned from the field. Presenters: Kristen Plastino, MD, UT Health SA, UT Teen Health, San Antonio Jennifer Todd, JD, RN, UT Health SA, UT Teen Health, San…
Project Evident strives to put practitioners in the driver’s seat when it comes to building evidence for their programs. This doesn’t mean they need to become statisticians or data wizards. Even small programs without data expertise can run small tests of change to continuously improve—and build evidence for—their programs. This webinar will give a practical overview to get you started on continuous improvement. Objectives: Webinar attendees will: Learn how to identify problems and measure targets for continuous improvement. Go through a working example of root cause analysis as a tool for identifying and prioritizing potential changes. Gain guidance in assessing changes, qualitatively and quantitatively Presenters: Gregor Thomas, Project Evident, Director of Data and Evidence Science, Mississippi Who should attend: All organization leaders responsible for overseeing and measuring effective program delivery, i.e. program directors, program managers, facilitators, and evaluators. When: Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Pacific Duration: 60…
We are starting this school year with many questions. Will we teach students in classrooms? Or, will we engage them via ZOOM? (Based on current conditions, ZOOM looks more and more likely.) Our big question is… how do we effectively teach relationship skills virtually? In March, Dibble convened a working group of clients who were moving instruction online. Together, we created this free Online Teaching Toolkit. Join us in a conversation with several experienced practitioners who were part of that effort to learn how they successfully moved their instruction in Dibble materials into the virtual world. Objectives: Webinar attendees will gain guidance in: The points to consider when developing an online teaching approach. Tips for keeping young people engaged in online learning. The apps and tools that enhance core concepts. Best practices for online facilitation. Presenters: Tracy Barber, Aiming for Healthy Families, Mississippi John Lewis, Urban Strategies, California Jonelle Zachary, Healthy Visions, Ohio Alexander Chan,…
Young people who have experienced trauma and toxic stress, such as child abuse and neglect, often have difficulty regulating their emotional responses when facing challenges in school, life, and relationships. Thus, Dr. Carolyn Curtis developed Mind Matters: Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience, a research-based curriculum effective in helping youth overcome adverse and traumatic childhood experiences. In this webinar, Dr. Carolyn Curtis, will discuss her new addendum to the Mind Matters curriculum. In this guidance, the content of Mind Mattersis divided into 15- to 20-minute segments that can now be taught in one-on-one settings. With these adjustments, the Mind Matters curriculum can now be used for home visitors, mentors, and case workers, as well as anyone who works with young people in a one-on-one setting. Join us in this informative and interactive webinar as we learn about the new, additional approach at implementing the Mind Matters program! Presenter: Carolyn Rich Curtis, Ph.D., Developer of Mind Matters, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Founder of the…
WEBINAR: Learning about Positive Youth Development: A Free & Fun Course for Youth Work Professionals
What does positive youth development mean to us? We may think about competencies, opportunities, and supports young people need to thrive and make healthy decisions. We may think about youth voice and leadership. In this webinar co-creator Jutta Dotterweich will provide a guided tour of a new, interactive online training course on positive youth development. This free resource consists of six, stand-alone segments, which were developed with a wide range of audiences in mind (e.g., volunteers, parents, frontline youth workers). Join us to learn about this free, engaging, and informative online resource! Specifically, webinar attendees will be able to: Identify at least three key principles of positive youth development Describe meaningful roles for young people Locate web resources that they can apply in their youth programming Presenter: Jutta Dotterweich, M.A. Director of Training, ACT for Youth Center of Excellence. Resources: August 2019 Webinar PPT
Join Judge JH Corpening to learn how to build positive relationships and trust with young people through his “Chambers of Heart” approach. This mindset builds the foundations of a positive and safe environment, which is conducive to growth and change. In this webinar, you will explore the five “Chambers of Heart”– honesty respect. Interest, commitment, and passion – that he uses in his work with youth. Discover ways to create and maintain relationships and trust with young people by leading with your heart. Attendees will learn: The importance of creating positive relationships and trust with the young people they work with Ways to implement the five “Chambers of Heart” How “Chambers of the Heart” build positive relationships between adults and young people. Presenter: The Honorable J.H. Corpening, Chief District Court Judge for the 5thJudicial District, serving New Hanover and Pender counties of North Carolina Resources: July 2019 Webinar PPT
When educating youth, one must be aware of their uniqueness as it relates to a variety of demographics, including the community where they are living. If youth cannot take the information you are providing and use it in their daily lives and in their community, then all of the education is for nothing. The evidence-based Love Notes Sexual Risk Avoidance Education(SRAE) curriculum is being used successfully in two SRAE programs that serve high-risk youth in very different communities – one in rural West Virginia and the other in New York City. In this webinar, we will discuss how, while these youth may seem like they are worlds apart, we have found that their response to this curriculum and relationship experiences are not all that different. Presenters: Torri Childs, MA, Field Research Associate who has worked with AMTC and Associates since 2008. Crystal Agnew, Deputy Director of Trinity Church, Peacmeakers Family Center Melissa…
Marline Pearson, author of Love Notes and Relationship Smarts PLUS, will make the case why a 4thR is needed for increasing student success. Learn why relationship education must be a central tool to help young people reach their school, work, and family goals by increasing their agency over their love lives. She will cover recent research and share evidence-based solutions to the pressing problems that face today’s youth. Attendees will: Identify at least 2 key reasons why relationship education is key to helping students succeed. Describe current trends that could be reversed by teaching relationship education. Identify 2 evidence based strategies that could be implemented to help students succeed. Presenter: Marline E. Pearson, M.A., Author, Love Notes and Relationship Smarts PLUS. Resources: February 2019 Webinar PPT
Self-regulation is increasingly being recognized as foundational for well being across the lifespan, including in fostering healthy relationships. This talk will describe principles of self-regulation development using an applied framework based in current research and cross-disciplinary theory with a focus on adolescents and young adults The role of emotion regulation in communication and decision-making within the context of youths’ romantic relationships will be discussed. Strategies for promoting emotion regulation, perspective taking, goal-commitment, and problem solving in youth to foster health relationships will be reviewed, including approaches educators can use in teaching and coaching these skills. Objectives: Identify at least 3 key principles of self-regulation development for adolescents and young adults. Describe one-way emotion regulation affects youths’ romantic relationships. Identify at least 2 strategies for promoting self-regulation in youth. Presenter: Desiree W. Murray, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham child Development Institute; Research Associate Professor, School of Education, University of North…