ODVN – Youth Advocacy Caucus: Using Gardening, Play, Art, Family Groups, and other Healing Modalities

Hosted by Ohio Domestic Violence Network:

ODVN invites you to get your hands dirty (in the best way) as we explore how gardening, play, art, and creativity can help kids and families heal, connect, and thrive. Whether you’re planting herbs in a windowsill or dreaming up a full-blown garden space, there’s room for growth, yours and theirs.

Hosted by Sonia Ferencik and joined by experts from KidsGardening.org, this event will show you how to start garden-based healing spaces with trauma-informed guidance, even with limited resources, using container gardening, sensory herbs, and therapeutic nature activities. You’ll learn how to tap into funding opportunities, spark donor interest, and bring survivors, your staff, and community into the process. We’ll also dive into expressive activities like family groups like parachute play, bubble fun, breathwork, and other creative ways advocates are supporting children, teens, and families in DV/SV programs. Whether you’re a seasoned youth advocate or just starting to plant the seeds of an idea, this caucus will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to grow something beautiful.

Free. Registration ends August 14th. 

This training is offered by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. Please contact ODVN at training@odvn.org with any questions.