Whose voice really matters when you develop a new program? What kind of insight does it take to develop a successful program? On the other hand, is there a first step that really leads toward a program disaster ... and can it be avoided? A game changer for how nonprofits can approach their work with clients is taking a trauma-informed approach, looking holistically at the different and varied experiences of individuals rather than just their symptoms.

In the latest episode of The Nonprofit Expert podcast, macro-level social work expert Benita Robinson explains more about this approach. Listen as she and host Mary Gladstone-Highland discuss taking a proactive approach to program design, making sure our programs aren't retraumatizing individuals, while also considering the potential impact of programs on staff. You don't want to miss it!

Here are some highlights you don't want to miss:

9:00 - What does it mean to take a trauma-informed approach to program design

11:20 - Vicarious staff trauma and burnout

17:30 - How staff capacity affects program success and sustainability

23:00 - Who should have a voice in program design

28:00 - How to begin to implement a trauma-informed approach

30:00 - Applying a trauma-informed approach to fundraising, storytelling, and strategic planning

About Our Guest

Benita Robinson is the Gender Equity Manager for the City of Toledo. Prior to her current role she served as the Director of Crisis Services and Education for Avalon Healing Center for eight years. In this role, she oversaw the First Responder program and specialized in ensuring quality, comprehensive, trauma-informed services to survivors of sexual violence. Benita holds a Master's of Social Work from Wayne State University. She is a passionate activist for equal rights and access to opportunities for underserved populations in metro Detroit, specifically around issues such as sexual and domestic violence, racial inequality, equal pay, feminism, prison reform and leadership development.