Organization, Outreach and Evaluation for a Workshop on Trauma and Art

From 2009-2010, the Philadelphia School District reported 4,541 violent incidents, averaging to 25 assaults, robberies and other crimes every day in that school year. However, educators are underprepared to deal with the consequences and impact of trauma among their students. In response to the epidemic levels of violence and the strong need to better understand and recognize trauma within the classroom, ArtWell collaborated with Dr. Sandra L. Bloom to offer an interactive evening workshop on trauma and the creative arts for professionals that work with youth. “Trauma and Healing Through the Arts: An Interactive Workshop for Educators, Counselors and Other Youth Professionals” offers professionals the ability to see the power of creative expression through the arts and its ability to mitigate signs and symptoms of trauma. The workshop occurred on May 15th from 4-8pm at Moore College of Art and Design. The purpose of the study is to create and implement an effective workshop, outreach and evaluation design. Results of the effectiveness of the workshop were determined by completion of a retrospective pre and post test evaluation measuring participant’s transfer of knowledge, level of skill, satisfaction and attitude toward the workshop. It was found that knowledge, skill and attitude levels largely improved after the workshop, fostering an increased amount of comfort among the use of the creative arts in the classroom. One hundred and eight community members participated, representing educators, behavioral health specialists, and afterschool care professionals. Recommendations call for an increase in future, similar workshops to raise awareness for ArtWell and this topic.M.P.H., Public Health -- Drexel University, 201