From Trauma-Informed Practices to a Compassionate Community

Trauma-informed practices are not new in education, yet it appears we still have work to do when it comes to creating a compassionate community for all. The impacts of trauma on our students and on the university community as a whole are longstanding issues, but the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic really served to highlight specific challenges. We now have a better understanding of how trauma affects our physical and mental well-being, and it is time we actively address it.

As we emerge from this difficult time, we have seen ongoing evidence of resilience. At the heart of our efforts to promote mental wellness, TL Commons is launching a Compassionate Community Initiative. This Initiative aims to foster a community of care that is sensitive to trauma, promotes well-being, and encourages joyful and effective learning for all members of our university.

In the Spring of 2023, three faculty members, Sarah Duncan, Ross Laird and Maureen Lee along with Lisa Gedak from TL Commons, formed a team to explore how together we might address the need for trauma-informed teaching practices. This exploration resulted in a shift towards the development of a compassionate community through grappling with such questions as: how does trauma connect with the challenges we see on campus, what are the risks of teachers, students and staff being exposed to trauma-inducing experiences and what can education institutions do a mitigate the risks? It is important to ensure that any support and awareness we develop extends beyond students to include faculty and everyone else in our organization. With more collaboration across the University, we can create an environment that supports all of us.

The team made several suggestions to the TL leadership related to:

• awareness development
• policy and procedure
• training and PD, and
• support and resources, including a Community of Practice.

We’ve aligned the principles of a Compassionate Community with KPU’s 2026 Strategic Vision, which emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning and working environment. Trauma is not limited to our personal experiences, though that is important, but also includes cultural and intergenerational impacts. Learning about trauma-aware practices will be introduced in TL Commons PD offerings later this fall, and our team is committed to continue engaging with our University partners to advance the development of systemic and structural supports and aims to promote social justice in our community.

Trauma-awareness means recognizing the impacts of trauma on individuals, communities, and organizations and cultivating emotional safety, belonging, and trust to help heal trauma in our communities. In concert with other groups at KPU, our initiative aims to create a safe and supportive environment on all campuses that lifts up healing, growth, and well-being. Together we can encourage, empathy, compassion, and social connectedness for everyone.  Come, join us by participating in this exciting and positive program.  Keep your eyes and ears open for more coming soon!