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SOC Pride Youth Leaders Train in Trauma Informed Care with TIO in Portland, Oregon
SOC Pride Youth Leaders Train in Trauma Informed Care with TIO in Portland, Oregon
From Laura Erceg with Southern Oregon Coast Pride
In July 2025, Southern Oregon Coast Pride (SOC Pride) and the South Coast Health Equity Coalition (SCHEC) brought a small group of our youth leaders from Coos county to Portland for a week-long experience with Trauma Informed Oregon (TIO). For the past few years, we have been fortunate to partner with TIO while co-developing the youth-led Rural Educator Toolkit—a resource for supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students in rural spaces. This trip marked the next step in our youth leadership journey: “testing out” a youth-focused Foundations of Trauma Informed Care training. We had an absolute blast! The week balanced professional development with the joys of “city life.” For many of our youth, it was both a chance to sharpen leadership skills and an opportunity to explore beyond our small town.
A highlight from the week included the final project, in which participants shared what trauma informed care means to them. The activity created space for vulnerability, deep connection, and powerful reflection.
Two weeks after our return, the group reconvened to talk about what stuck with them. Youth noted the importance of presentation style—how certain approaches made learning more engaging—and identified ways to carry trauma-informed practices into their peer and workplace interactions. Together, we even brainstormed local organizations we’d like to bring along next time.
While the training was impactful, the shared experience of traveling together proved just as meaningful. Leaving town for a week, living under one roof, navigating a bigger city, and enjoying the Portland Pride parade and festival gave our youth leaders unforgettable memories. From trying new foods to solving midnight puzzles, these moments strengthened bonds and built trust. This is the heart of our program: pairing skill-building with joyful, affirming experiences that empower youth to lead with confidence. We can’t wait to see the ripple effects of this trip in our community!