What is Family Wellness Warriors Initiative
Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) is Southcentral Foundation's statewide education and training program designed by the Alaska Native people to address domestic violence, child sexual abuse and child neglect. The FWWI 3-Year Model for Alaska Native areas equips individuals and communities with education, tools and skills to reverse the escalating levels of domestic violence and child maltreatment using culturally appropriate strategies.
All of FWWI trainings provide an experiential component, modeling how helpers can create an environment for people to identify harmful patterns and gain tools for safe and healthy relationships.
How do I register for a training?
There are two registration options: Call the FWWI offices at (907)729-5440 or toll-free at (866)729-FWWI (3994) or register online.
FWWI trainings are not meant for every individual, and there is an application process. Trained staff review and assess the appropriateness of each participant's application based on a pre-screening questionnaire. FWWI trainings are intense and require participants to be fully focused. The schedule is rigorous, and sessions are held late into each evening. Because of the nature and content of this training, and to create a safe environment for every individual, the on-site lodging is a requirement. To be approved in the application process, participants must agree to participate by being present throughout the entire training.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a 3-credit course option are available through Alaska Pacific University. Please inquire upon applying.
Who can attend trainings?
FWWI is designed to work with Natural Helpers* throughout Alaska. Training opportunities are provided for individuals, organizations, communities and regions. While the Alaska Native and American Indian community is FWWI's targeted population, all adults, regardless of race, who are passionate about the mission to end domestic violence, child sexual abuse and child neglect, are encouraged to apply. The FWWI 3-Year Model for Alaska Native areas can be a template for creating similar community change throughout Alaska because it was created for replication and adaptation.
*Natural Helpers are defined as tribal members, community health aides, clergy, law enforcement personnel, village public safety officers, teachers or any individual whom the community looks to as a safe person.
The FWWI 3-Year Model For Alaska Native Areas
The FWWI 3-Year Model for Alaska Native areas provides a three-year, comprehensive community and regional development training model to implement culturally appropriate intensive training, leadership development, and family and community support, to reverse the escalating levels of domestic violence and child maltreatment in Alaska. The program works with tribal and community leaders in rural communities and begins with a dialogue to establish a partnership and determine community readiness. A rural steering committee develops a course of action to create the attitudes and structures for preventing domestic violence, child sexual abuse and child neglect in that community. Over the course of three years, FWWI works with the committee to hold rural trainings and offers ongoing support and consultation.
What is the benefit of training?
Benefits for participating include: eliminating the shame and guilt of people harmed by domestic violence, child sexual abuse and child neglect; re-establishing the roles of parents as protectors of families; making one's own story coherent; and using spiritual beliefs to re-establish moral and ethical direction. Participants who attend FWWI trainings demonstrate a greater sense of family satisfaction and less stress and conflict within the family.
This training will not only build effective skills to increase participants' ability to deal with the issues of domestic violence, abuse and child neglect, but ultimately experience personal growth that translates into healthier relationships at home, at work and throughout our communities.
The goal of the FWWI 3-Year Model for Alaska Native areas is to equip individuals with tools and skills to eliminate domestic violence and abuse within their own communities, using their inherent strengths and culturally appropriate strategies. While FWWI provides a structure, core philosophy and framework, the goals are developed and carried out by each region.
For more information on the FWWI Model and how you can request this for your community or organization, go to www.fwwi.org and fill out the Presentation Request Form.