Beyond the Acronym: Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Veterans Experiences
Thursday, July 11, 2024
9:00AM - 11:00AM PDT
A dynamic presentation that encourages attendees to delve beyond surface-level understanding and engage deeply with the diverse stories and identities within the veteran community through evocative narrative. With Ian Michael, ODVA LGBTQIA Veterans Coordinator
Location: Online
Continuing Education: 2 (Applied through NASW Oregon)
Cost: Free to RVP Volunteers, Vet Center and VA Staff and Partnering Clinics
$29 for Other Community Providers
Who Should Attend: This training is open to all RVP Volunteer Providers, social workers, mental health counselors, and community providers.
What You Will Learn:
The presentation “Beyond the Acronym: Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Veterans’ Experiences” stands as a beacon of hope and progress, beckoning individuals to embark on a transformative journey of enlightenment and empowerment. With its evocative narrative, it intricately weaves together the colorful threads of veteran identities and experiences, inviting participants to explore the intricate mosaic of human experiences that lies beyond mere labels.
This presentation sparks a flame of passion and purpose within each attendee, propelling them toward impactful action.
As participants immerse themselves in the diverse narratives of veterans, they are challenged to confront their preconceptions and biases. Through thought-provoking discussions and engaging activities, the presentation fosters a culture of introspection and empathy, urging individuals to delve beneath the surface and deeply connect with the myriad stories that constitute the veteran community. In doing so, it empowers attendees to become agents of change, armed with the knowledge and understanding needed to champion fairness and inclusivity in their own spheres of influence.
At its core, “Beyond the Acronym: Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Veterans’ Experiences” is a rallying cry for unity and solidarity. It implores individuals to transcend division and embrace the shared humanity that binds us all together.
Through its compelling narrative and impassioned call to action, the presentation inspires a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among its audience members, propelling them towards a future where every veteran is valued, respected, and honored. It serves as a testament to the profound impact of storytelling in shaping hearts, minds, and ultimately, the world we inhabit.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, the learner will be able to:
- Bring together the veteran community through appreciation of diverse identities.
- Cultivate awareness and promote a culture of fairness and belonging.
- Encourage a culture of inclusivity and recognition of unique contributions.
- Encourage participants to dispel misconceptions, share truths, and advocate for fairness.
CE Faculty
Ian Michael: born and raised in Alabama, Ian spent their formative years as a dependent in an Army family, deeply influenced by their father’s 20-year military service and their great-uncle’s receipt of the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam. Ian, a Marine Corps Veteran, identifies as
queer and served during the era of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Their military service included deployment to Kuwait in early 2003 as a Sergeant of Marines, where they led a Convoy Security Team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ian received an honorable discharge from the Marines in 2004.
Transitioning to civilian life, Ian pursued higher education at the University of Oregon, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Italian and Marketing. Throughout their academic journey, Ian remained dedicated to serving Veterans, collaborating with various organizations to provide comprehensive support across all eras. In 2014, driven by a desire to raise awareness of PTSD among Veterans, Ian embarked on a transformative journey, cycling across the country to personally connect with and embrace Veterans. This endeavor culminated in the establishment of the Human Hug Project in 2015, where Ian spearheaded the Hug-A-Vet campaign, visiting 92 VA Medical Centers and offering solace to America’s heroes of all ages and backgrounds.
Ian’s unwavering commitment to Veteran advocacy extended beyond their role at the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. As the former Military Liaison at Lines for Life, Ian provided critical suicide prevention training tailored to the Veteran community. Additionally, Ian holds certifications as a Peer Support Specialist with a Traditional Health Worker license, a QPR Suicide Prevention trainer, and a Mental Health First Aid instructor. They are also certified to provide Counseling on Access to Lethal Means.
Outside of their professional endeavors, Ian cherishes moments spent at home with their rescue dog, finds solace in swimming at the gym, and embarks on cycling adventures to explore the scenic landscapes of Oregon. Ian remains dedicated to providing personalized support to LGBTQ+ Veterans across all generations, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met within the Oregon Veteran community.
Want to attend our trainings for free? Become an RVP Volunteer and gain access to free CE trainings and other great benefits! Learn more about volunteering >
Contact: Jennifer Keeling, RVP Health Network Volunteer and Engagement Manager .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
503-954-2259
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