A half dozen military vets in a large meeting room. What could go right?
This past Thursday, several northwest Indiana DAV (Disabled American Veterans) members, including myself, met at the St. John Township Community Center in Schereville, Indiana for peer group "facilitator" training in a new volunteer program to assist veterans in their continuing battles with PTSD and other challenges.
The new pilot program from DAV Connect-Indiana utilizes "The Ladder UPP" training materials developed by Veteran Marine Silouan Green, who's also leading the facilitator training throughout Indiana and the United States. Facilitators are learning skills and methods to lead and manage gatherings for peer group discussions. These small group sessions are intended to give interested veterans a platform to tell their own stories, or just for listening to the stories of fellow vets.
Facilitators are trained in guidelines and protocols sourced by workbooks and audio-visual presentations created by Green, and based on studies and experiences he's been involved in, inspired by his own story of challenges and achievements in recovery from mental and emotional setbacks associated with military service and its after effects.
Green's emphasis is on "connection" with others who've had similar experiences. He writes, "Connection is the cornerstone of happiness, mental health, business, and family. Some might say it’s the most important thing. The Ladder UPP is a proven, evidence-based tool that helps you connect—with yourself, with friends and family, and in small groups."
Facilitator training participants were;
- Bob Carnagey - DAV Past State Commander / U.S. Army
- Butch Fortner - DAV Commander Crown Point Chapter 80 / U.S. Navy
- Dave Garcia - DAV Valparaiso Chapter 102 / U.S. Navy
- Glen Johnson - DAV Valparaiso Chapter 102 - U.S. Air Force
- David Preston - DAV Valparaiso Chapter 102 / U.S. Marines
Author's Note: As a facilitator training participant myself, I can say that many impactful aspects were covered by Silouan, and that in my opinion their importance cannot be overstressed. These sessions are hoped to be helpful in healing, but with that they're open to sensitive subject matter and possible urgent situations, which Silouan has skillfully and thoughtfully addressed in his presentation and guide materials.*
More info:
theladderupp.com
silouan.com
*(Thoughts of harmful behavior or suicide? Call the suicide and crisis hotline. Dial 988)