We are accepting proposals for workshops from individuals with lived experience, mental and behavioral health professionals, and intellectuals to share their knowledge and expertise on mental health, substance use disorder, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. By lived experience, we mean that you have been impacted directly by the topic you will present.
Venue: Palmer Events Center
Date: February 6, 2024.
Theme: Strength Over Stigma.
Each year, the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference brings together professionals, community members and individuals with lived experiences to discuss mental health, substance use disorder, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. The conference is a fun, energetic, educational, relationship-building, and networking event. We aim to:
- reduce stigma around these issues
- increase access to mental and physical health care through education
- connect community members to local resources
- lift one another up and move towards a healthier future.
Most importantly, the conference offers an opportunity for individuals with lived experiences to share their stories through interactive workshops. We are excited to hear your story of resilience, healing and hope.
Apply to present a workshop that empowers, equips, elevates and engages the community in much-needed conversations on mental health. Topics may focus on one of the following areas:
Recovery Stories: Presenters will tell their personal stories of recovery. Presenters may include individuals with lived experiences of post-traumatic disorder, substance use disorder, domestic or family violence, human trafficking and homelessness. Examples of recovery stories include:
- work with community organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Integral Care’s services
- faith-based support
- medical care and therapy
- Mental health resources in the community
Advocacy and Leadership: Presenters will discuss strategies for people living with mental health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, their families, and community members to engage in advocacy efforts. Examples of areas of focus:
- school or workplace and mental health
- faith communities
- local or state government
- Parents and communication
- Raising kids with mental health
Research and Data: Presentations will include current research that affects individuals living with mental health issues, substance use disorder, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Examples include:
- homelessness and housing instability
- abuse and exploitation of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
- the impact of early childhood suspension
- the school-to-prison pipeline
- issues affecting transition-age youth
- the effects of domestic violence on families
- Role of psych meds and alternatives in mental health treatment
Inclusion and Equity: Presentations will highlight efforts to promote equity and inclusion for marginalized communities. Topic examples include:
- criminal justice and equity
- institutional racism
- LGBTQIA+ and mental health
- mental health and domestic violence
- Information on support groups/resources for families caring for children /parents with mental illness.
Education and Awareness: Presentations will provide detailed information about available resources to support individuals living with mental health issues, substance use disorder, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Presenters may provide information about:
- community organizations
- faith-based supports
- clinical interventions, such as types of therapy or medical care
- Women clergy training on mental health band spirituality
- Diet and mental health
- Impact of drugs on mental behavior
The application deadline is September 20, 2023. Please apply via the online form. For more information, please contact info@ctaafsc.org.