STAR Level 1 Training

STAR 1 is a research-supported trauma awareness and resilience training program. STAR brings together theory and practices from neurobiology, conflict transformation, human security, spirituality, and restorative justice to address the needs of trauma-impacted individuals and communities.

STAR trainings are multi-cultural, multi-faith gatherings in which all are welcomed to use the language of their own cultures and faith traditions. Openness, sensitivity and respect are encouraged.

The training combines lectures with experiential and interactive activities. Learning happens through presentations, physical activity, creative expression, and interaction with other participants. At the end of the training participants will be able to bring a trauma-informed perspective to their personal and professional lives, present the basic concepts and use the tools with others.

Training topics include:
- Trauma overview & definitions—types of trauma
- Effects of trauma—emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, behavioral
- Unhealed trauma and cycles of victimhood and violence—acting in and acting out
- Tools and processes for addressing trauma—body, mind, spirit; restorative justice and conflict transformation
- Resilience and self-care—individual and collective
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Bring a trauma and resilience informed perspective to personal and professional life
- Apply the STAR model in their personal and professional life
- Understand trauma’s impact on body, brain and behavior of individuals and groups
- Know processes for breaking cycles of violence (thus preventing further trauma) and building resilience
- Share the basic concepts with others

STAR Level 2 Training

Level 2 builds on the learnings of STAR 1 prepares participants to lead STAR activities, present workshops based on STAR materials and adapt the STAR concepts to the populations with whom they work. Please note that a minimum of 3-6 months is required between attending STAR 1 and joining STAR 2.

Level 1 content is reviewed through the use of Village STAR, a practical, hands-on manual that presents the key concepts clearly, with simple illustrations. The manual is invaluable in multiple settings and can be used as a source for handouts or as facilitator guide book.

Training topics include:
- Reviewing, and building on STAR 1 frameworks, including the victim experience, cycles of violence, and processes and skills for breaking cycles of violence (informally know as “the snail model”)
- Re-envisioning these frameworks in light of the particular needs of a given population: youth, returning veterans, post-disaster survivors, those affected by historical harm, etc.
- Introducing and practicing additional bio-psycho-social-spiritual activities and tools that build individual and collective resilience in a given population
- Developing a presentation or workshop to use STAR materials in your context
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Bring a trauma-informed lens to their personal and professional life
- Are equipped to confidently conduct presentations and one- to -two day workshops based on the STAR materials in their communities and spheres of influence
- Have models for adapting STAR for various populations
- Have the option of applying for STAR Practitioner status