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 challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. The conference is an energetic, educational, relationship-building event.
The conference seeks people with lived experience perspectives and intellectual perspectives. By lived experience, we mean that you have been impacted directly by the topic you will present.
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
Crucially, 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. Workshops chosen will demonstrate how the chosen topic has personally affected you. They will include current research about the topic. They will encourage discussion with conference attendees.
This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of this unique event. We are seeking presentations that reflect our history and look to our future.
Apply to present a workshop that focuses on one of the following topic 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 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- faith-based support
- medical care and therapy
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
- church and faith communities
- mental health
- local or state government
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 family and domestic violence
Inclusion and Equity: Presentations will highlight efforts to promote equity and inclusion for marginalized communities.
Topic examples include:
- criminal justice and equity
- institutional racism
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 disability.
Presenters may provide information about:
- community organizations
- faith-based supports
- clinical interventions, such as types of therapy or medical care
For more information, contact info@ctaafsc.org.