STAR Toolkit
Printable resources for working with people affected by traumatic events
Traumatic stress can result when we experience or witness an event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or threat to the physical integrity of ourselves or others. Our usual ability to cope with, or respond to threat is overwhelmed. This can happen at physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Daily routine and the sense of safety and security are destroyed along with the more visible destruction of homes, lives, and jobs.
The STAR Toolkit is for people who plan to work in areas affected by traumatic events including natural or manmade disasters. Several of the links contain information on response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita but the information is useful for any natural disaster. These resources help you prepare to work with and talk to those who have experienced trauma. Since experiencing a traumatic event can revitalize old wounds, the work you do will include listening to stories about earlier times in addition to the current situation.
Specific strategies that come from a variety of people who have experience working with trauma are provided below. Below are links to detailed information about what trauma looks like; what to expect; and how to respond in healing ways. Dealing with traumatic situations requires tremendous personal energy, so information on how to take care of yourself is also included.
Important Information
Helpful Websites
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The Foundation for Human Enrichment (FHE) is an organization which provides individuals, families, and communities with effective "self-help" tools for healing trauma. For helpful articles check their website: www.traumahealing.com
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The Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists is an organization which develops standards of service and education for those who provide critical emotional care to trauma victims and survivors. See their website for Trauma Tips at www.atss.info
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The American Psychological Association provides an on-line Help Center with brochures, tips and articles on the psychological issues that affect physical and emotional well-being at www.apahelpcenter.org
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The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. provides articles and resources especially for those in emergency response positions at www.icisf.org
You can also review CJP's Resources website...
Strageies on Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) strengthens the capacity of religious and civil society leadership to heal trauma and build justice, security and peace. STAR is a joint program of Church World Service, New York, NY, in response to needs identified by faith leaders after the trauma of September 11.
In conjunction with the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the series of week-long seminars for faith leaders in the New York City area has expanded into an international trauma-healing mission with offices in Central America and Africa.
