Please join us for Credible Messenger Model: Beyond Lived Experience - facilitated by Metropolitan Family Services.
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The Credible Messenger Model: Beyond Lived Experience training explores the role of Credible Messengers within Community Violence Intervention efforts and challenges the notion that lived experience alone is enough to be effective in the work. While lived experience can create opportunities for connection and trust, successful Credible Messengers must also demonstrate professionalism, accountability, ethical decision-making, and strong relationship-building skills. This training examines the qualities, behaviors, and support systems that help Credible Messengers effectively engage participants, navigate community and organizational expectations, and contribute to long-term violence prevention efforts. Participants will gain practical insights into maintaining credibility, establishing healthy boundaries, and strengthening their impact within both the community and the organizations they serve.
Participants will learn strategies for building trust, strengthening engagement, and connecting individuals to appropriate interventions and supports. Grounded in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) best practices, this training emphasizes relationship-based, trauma-informed approaches that help organizations effectively serve those most impacted by violence.
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- Understanding the Credible Messenger Model and its role in Community Violence Intervention
- Identifying the characteristics and behaviors that make Credible Messengers successful
- Building trust, credibility, and authentic relationships with participants
- Understanding influence, mentorship, and positive role modeling
- Navigating the balance between community credibility and organizational responsibilities
- Establishing healthy professional boundaries
- Understanding confidentiality, ethics, and professional conduct
- Exploring common challenges faced by Credible Messengers in the field
- Understanding the importance of supervision, coaching, and staff support
- Preventing burnout and promoting sustainability in frontline work
- Developing leadership skills and increasing long-term effectiveness in the CVI field
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- Street Outreach Workers
- Violence Interrupters/Peace Keepers
- Victim Advocates
- Program Managers and Supervisors
- Program Directors
- Reentry Staff
- Organizational Leadership
Note: This training is recommended for staff who work directly with participants impacted by community violence, support violence prevention efforts, or supervise frontline practitioners. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what makes Credible Messengers effective beyond lived experience and learn strategies for maintaining credibility, professionalism, ethical practice, and long-term success in Community Violence Intervention work.
Note that attendance is limited to 2 staff members per organization.
This training is recommended for staff who work directly with participants impacted by community violence, support violence prevention efforts, or supervise frontline practitioners. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what makes Credible Messengers effective beyond lived experience and learn strategies for maintaining credibility, professionalism, ethical practice, and long-term success in Community Violence Intervention work.
