“Human connection is as essential to our well-being as food, water, and shelter.”

– Dr. Vivek Murthy

Join us for two transformative days as we dive deep into the topics of :

Social connection, Community resilience, Positive early childhood development

Program

Day 1, April 3, 2025 – Community learning day with guest speaker segments, a best practices panel and table discussion. Read the program here.

Day 2, April 4, 2025 – Assortment of workshops focused on knowledge acquisition and practical skill-building for cross-sectoral audiences.

Conference Day 2 Workshop Descriptions

Mantra Meditation for Connection: Cultivating Inner Peace and Collective Harmony
Thaisa Clapham, Chopra Mind-Body Zone, Lake Nona Performance Club

In this group mantra meditation, the practice of repeating a word or phrase not only leads individuals toward inner stillness by quieting the mind and releasing stress, doubts, and fears, but also fosters a profound sense of social connection. As each person engages in this shared experience, the collective energy of the group creates an invisible bond, where the rhythmic repetition of the mantra becomes a unifying force. This shared silence and focus dissolve feelings of isolation, allowing participants to connect on a deeper, non-verbal level, strengthening empathy and a sense of community. Ultimately, the practice enhances both personal well-being and collective harmony, weaving together individual journeys into a stronger, more connected whole.

Becoming Connected: The Art of Meaningful Dialogue and Effective Communication
Rachel C. Allen and Lianna McGowan, Peace and Justice Institute 

In a world often divided by differing opinions, it’s essential to know the difference between dialogue and debate. This workshop will focus on the art of engaging in meaningful dialogue by emphasizing the importance of listening deeply and suspending judgment. Participants will learn how to foster understanding and connection through open, empathetic conversations rather than slipping into defensive debates. Using insights from the book How to Talk with Anyone About Anything: The Practice of Safe Conversation by Hendrix, Ph.D. and Hunt, Ph.D., we will explore strategies for creating safe, respectful spaces that encourage authentic communication. By the end of the workshop, participants will have practical tools to engage in conversations that build bridges and promote mutual growth.

Strengthening Individuals and Communities through Positive Childhood Experiences
Dr. Candice Jones, Lauren Sykes, Peace and Justice Institute

In this workshop, participants will learn about the science of Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress on the brain. Additionally, we will touch on Adverse Community Experiences that, when paired with Adverse Childhood Experiences, have been referred to as the “Pair of ACEs”. The workshop defines what it means to be trauma-informed and explains strategies to heal trauma and build resilience.

Finding Belonging In a World Where Race Matters
Shari Koopman and Hank Van Putten, Peace and Justice Institute

This interactive workshop invites participants to discuss the importance of belonging, togetherness and community in a world where race matters. How does the topic of race affect each of us in our daily lives? What individual action steps can we take to help us move forward together toward more welcoming and equitable communities? Self-awareness and awareness of others’ diversity dimensions become a key component for everyone in our increasingly pluralistic society.

Building Inclusive Communities: Supporting Neurological & Physical Diversity
Dr. Jen Danilowski, Peace and Justice Institute 

This interactive workshop focuses on understanding and supporting individuals with neurological and physical diversities in everyday environments. Together, we will explore societal barriers and examine how the social and medical models of disability shape perceptions and approaches to inclusion. Through reflective discussions, collaborative activities, and practical strategies, participants will learn to foster empathy, respect, and belonging for individuals of all abilities. The session will include a special guest panel, featuring firsthand insights and lived experiences to deepen understanding and inspire actionable change. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be equipped with tools to create communities where everyone feels valued, understood, and connected.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Connection: Strategies & Data to Drive Social Connection & Community Change
Dr. Kathy Rovito

Social connection is a vital but often overlooked determinant of health and community well-being. The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community outlines a national strategy to address the growing crisis of loneliness and disconnection. This workshop will explore the six key pillars of the Advisory and equip participants with data-driven approaches to strengthen social connection in their communities. Attendees will learn how to identify and utilize existing social connection data, align their work with the Advisory’s recommendations, and develop actionable strategies to foster meaningful connection and resilience.

Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Early Childhood Education as a Foundation for Lifelong Positive Social Interaction: No Small Matter
Panelists: Anna Kinchens, Early Childhood Education Specialist, Lift Orlando, Ric Banciella, Director, Business Engagement, Rachel C. Allen, Director, Peace and Justice Institute

Join us for a compelling film screening and panel discussion of No Small Matter, a film that highlights the overlooked yet powerful impact of early childhood education through touching stories and insightful humor. The film underscores the critical importance of the first five years in a child’s life, revealing how neglecting this evidence has created a crisis for families and a growing challenge for communities. The panel will feature a discussion on the Bosses for Babies program, a statewide initiative aimed at engaging business leaders in boosting their workforce and contributing to community prosperity through family-focused practices.

Strengthening Institutional Connections through Trauma Informed Practices
Ann Pimentel Kerr, Children’s Advocacy Specialist, Kevlon Kirkpatrick, Crime Prevention Practitioner, Retired Corporal, Peace and Justice Institute

This workshop builds off of the Why PACEs Matter workshop by providing individuals with next steps in implementing a trauma- informed approach. In the workshop, participants will examine the three E’s conceptualization of trauma; explore the 4 assumptions of a trauma-informed approach; learn the 6 key principles of trauma-informed care; define the stages of development in becoming trauma-informed; and lastly, examine various implementation domains for a trauma-informed approach including the personal/individual, organizational, and sectoral.

Creating Connections that Strengthen Families and Communities: The Art of Parenting – Kapua Program
Lucy Morse Roberts, CEO, Hui International

This workshop will focus on the Strengthening Families’™ Five Protective Factors Framework. Participants will learn strategies for embedding the Five Protective Factors in their own community programs. Workshop activities will be drawn from the Art of Parenting: Kapua program and will serve as practical examples of how to create transformative connections to self and others. This research-based, trauma-informed/healing-centered approach seeks to create positive changes in present-day individual/family lives and future generations.