Research shows that at least one trusted adult outside the home can have a profound effect on a child's life, influencing that young person toward positive growth, greater engagement in school and community activities, and better overall health. The unfortunate reality is that on average only 40% of young people today can name a trusted adult outside the home. This workshop will present research-backed strategies for setting up librarians to be the trusted adults young people need, without falling into the traps of becoming pretend parents or makeshift mental health professionals.

Throughout the workshop, there will be an emphasis on enhancing engagement and meaningful connection with the 3P’s: Presence, Play, and Possibility. Participants will learn through games and activities that they can use with young people and teams to promote healthy connections.

Attendees will leave this workshop with the following:

• Simple tools that help build trusting relationships with young people and expand the opportunities for positive impact
• How to set clear expectations that keep both young people and the adults who work with them safe
• How to create an organizational culture that cares for the whole child and celebrates the adults who get it right while holding accountable those who don’t

The One Trusted Adult approach inspires all adults to:

• Build strong connections
• Embrace sustainable career practices
• Break the silence around boundary violations and abuse
• Be present for the young people in their lives
• Ensure that the young people in their care are growing into their greatest potential

Join us at  CT State Community College Middlesex is 100 Training Hill Rd, Middletown, CT Chapman Hall for this day long event. 

Presenter: 

Dr. Brooklyn Raney is a research-practitioner who holds a BA from Colgate University, an MA in Educational Theater from NYU, and an MS and EdD from the University of Pennsylvania. After over 10 years in the classroom and as a school administrator, she began researching the intersection of student perception, teacher sustainability, and parent expectation as it relates to an ethic of care in schools. She facilitates workshops with educators, parents, guardians, and youth-serving professionals around the world. Dr. Raney is the author of One Trusted Adult: How to Build Strong Connections and Healthy Boundaries with Young People and a founder of a company by the same name. The team at One Trusted Adult develops professional development, advisory and student leadership programs that are designed to strengthen school community and connectedness. Brooklyn lives in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, with her husband, son, and two adventurous goldendoodles named Tuukka and Larry Bird.

Recording and Slides:

Please plan to attend this program in person as scheduled as it will not be recorded and slides will not be shared.

Who Should Come?

Perfect for every adult in the community who works with and around teens.