Good people,
I write this letter with great pride. I’m proud to be affiliated with all of you who do such extraordinary work to heal gravely wounded and deeply marginalized people living among us in our communities. Your endeavors are heroic. It is an honor to work with you all.
As this is my first formal communication in my new role as NCTTP President, I hoped to make it epic in scope and insight. I’ve started writing, stopped, and started over a number of times – seeking the perfect way to commence what I hope will be a fruitful and effective collaboration.
I’ve since given up on finding the perfect words, and will just aim to be authentic and clear. These are qualities I will prioritize during my time in this new position. So, let me begin with a few announcements:
As shared by our friends at CVT, please see the attached notices of a webinar scheduled for this Friday, presented by the UN Anti-Torture Mechanisms and commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.
Tim Kelly of ORR also shared this encouraging message from HHS Secretary Becerra regarding World Refugee Day.
Our IRCT representative, Ms. Kathi Anderson, also reminds us to fill in a one-item questionnaire, that will help IRCT to move ahead with its healing agenda over the next three years. Please click here, and let your center’s voice be heard.
As we slowly reawaken, and participate in celebrations like Father’s Day, Juneteenth, academic graduations, July 4th, and World Refugee Day; let us appreciate our blessings. We have survived one of the most perilous periods in this country’s history (though perils still remain). It is a time to focus on possibilities, where we have been constrained for so long to only look at limitations.
I will write again soon, to map out some of the great conversations I’ve been having with NCTTP stakeholders. Folks are brimming with ideas and energy, and I will devote my next letter to some of the ways I’m hearing that folks would like the Consortium to move forward. I think we stand on the cusp of a period of unprecedented growth, and where our Consortium can become a vibrant movement. I deeply believe that we can, and will, make a huge difference in the lives of the survivors we treat and represent.
Enjoy the celebrations. Breathe deeply. Soak up some sunshine. Appreciate what you have already accomplished, and then let’s challenge ourselves to accomplish even more. Are you ready? I’ll be reaching out to you again very soon.
One Love,
Hawk