Better
Together Conference
Serving CHildren by Strengthening Families
Sponsored By:
July 20-22, 2023 Nashville, TN
Now more than ever, those of us working with children, youth and families in Haiti need one another. Together we can strive to find ways to remain committed in a country struggling under a heavy burden of conflict.
The Better Together conference will provide a dedicated space and time to convene, share, and learn over two and half days in Nashville. Workshops will be focused on topics related to supporting children in families with special emphasis on the complexity of the current context. In addition to workshops, there will be plenty of time dedicated to connecting and growing relationships.
your conference experience
Find Your Fit
No matter how you are engaged in this work, there is a place for you.
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This is an opportunity to gather as missionaries, humanitarian workers, board members, donors, sponsors - anyone who has a heart for working with children, youth, and families in Haiti.
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Workshops
Come participate in interactive classes with presenters representing a variety of sectors sharing best practices, on-the-ground experience, strategies in responding to current issues in Haiti, and ideas for long-term program sustainability.
connection
There will plenty of time throughout the three days to connect with others who are passionate about this work. This is a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with friends, new and old, to network and collaborate, as well as strengthen and support one another.
Thematic groups
If your work intersects with children, youth, or families in Haiti- from economic empowerment to education to healthcare, and everything in between- you are a part of the larger picture of support necessary for keeping children safe and ideally thriving in families.
As an opportunity to continue to engage in important conversations beyond the conference, the launch of thematic working groups will take place at the conference, and the design and plans for moving forward together will be tailored to the needs of each group!
workshops
Economic Empowerment
This session will explore the ways that economic empowerment can help prevent family separation, support sustainable reunifications, and strengthen communities impacted by the challenges of poverty. You will hear from several experts on different approaches to economic empowerment, based on their on-the-ground experience in Haiti.
Social Work and Case Management
Understanding the importance of social work and case management is essential to quality program development that addresses root causes of family separation. During this session, we will not only discuss the importance of social workers within the context of family strengthening, but we will also highlight some of the basic principles of case management when working with children and families.
Reunification
Family reunification is a challenging yet deeply impactful process – and applying best practices while doing so is critical to supporting children who’ve been separated from their families. Join us to learn more about the methodology of family reunification and what best practices within that process look like; discover what challenges come up when striving to reconnect separated children with their families – and ways to overcome those challenges.
Strengthening the Mental Health of Families in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings
The effects of living in insecurity can impact the emotional, mental, and social health of families for generations. Come learn strategies to help strengthen the mental health of every member of the family during times of crisis to mitigate the effects of trauma and put families on a path of good mental health and well-being in the future.
Tools and Resources
What tools and resources are you finding most helpful in your programming in Haiti? Join us for a look at global sources for best practice, an introduction to several Haiti-specific tools and where to find them, and a discussion about what areas of research are most needed related to working with children, youth and families in Haiti.
Expanding Your Organizational Model
In this session we will look at the structural steps to consider when expanding your organization into family based care. We will discuss the following: mission and vision alignment, stakeholder buy-in, migrating your budget towards families, and upgrading to qualified staff.
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Operating Within the Current Haiti Context
Despite the obstacles of the current situation in Haiti, organizations are continuing to operate schools, medical clinics, community programs and more. What changes to programs are being made? How have different types of programming been forced to pivot? What safety measures have organizations working with children, youth and families taken in this crisis?
Schedule
(Central Time)
Thursday
July 20
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Creating an Environment for Family Care
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9:00 AM - Check-In
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9:30 AM - General Session: Challenges Facing Family Care in Haiti
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10:00 AM - Introductions
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10:30 AM - Workshop: Economic Strengthening - Addressing Poverty and Job Scarcity for Parents and Youth
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12:15 PM - Lunch
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1:15 PM - Workshop: Addressing Violence, Abuse, and Gang Involvement in the Community
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2:30 PM - Workshop: Trauma and its Impact on Families, Youth, and Children
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4:15 PM - Discussion: Challenges Facing the Families You Serve
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4:45 - Closing Remarks
1
day
2
day
friday
July 21
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What Do You Need to Implement Family Care
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9:00 AM - Welcome
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9:30 AM - General Session: Continuum of Care
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10:00 AM - Workshop: Expanding Your Model of Care
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11:15 AM - Workshop: The Importance of Case Management
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12:15 PM - Lunch
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1:15 PM - Thematic Group Networking
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1:30 PM - Thematic Group Discussion: Your Sector's Role in Supporting Families
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2:45 Workshop: Successful Reunification
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4:15 Discussion: Operating in the Current Context
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5:15 - Closing Remarks
3
day
saturday
July 22
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Preparing to
Work Together
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9:00 AM - Welcome
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9:30 AM - General Session: Next Steps
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10:15 AM - Workshop: Resources and Best Practice Tools
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11:00 AM - Thematic Groups: Continuing the Conversation
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12:00 - Closing Remarks
Location
The Fellowship
490 Industrial Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
plan your trip
Mt. Juliet is a beautiful community just 15 minutes from the Nashville Airport.
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The following recommended hotels are near the venue, include breakfast, and are close to each other, making it convenient to connect with others outside the conference space.
Feel free to book a room at one of these options or find other accommodations that best fit your needs.
There are many dining, shopping, and entertainment options throughout the area, so come ready to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Are there registration discounts available?
Yes! An early bird price of $175 is available if you register before May 15th. After May 15th, the regular registration price is $200.
Q:
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, tickets are transferable to a friend, family member, or colleague. Contact us if you need to transfer your ticket.
Q:
Can I participate virtually?
We are not able to provide virtual participation or recordings this year.
Q:
Are children invited?
Unfortunately we are not able to provide childcare at the conference, so we ask that other arrangements be made for children. (Mothers with breastfeeding infants are welcome.) Mature youth over the age of 15 may attend with a parent/guardian but must be registered in order for us to provide meals and snacks.
Q:
Will any meals be provided?
Your conference registration fee includes the cost of 2 lunches and light refreshments available throughout the 3 days.
Q:
What COVID precaution measures will be taken?
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not symptomatic, please plan to wear a mask indoors at all times. If you have any cold, flu, or COVID symptoms, please remain home for the health and safety of our more vulnerable attendees.
Q:
I want to get involved. Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We are looking for set up, clean up, shuttle, meal coordination, and AV support if you would like to volunteer!
Q:
Are you able to provide special accommodations?
If you need any special accommodations, please let us know well in advance.
