Routine exposure to traumatic events can have long-lasting consequences on the wellbeing of emergency responders. Building resiliency and establishing support systems can help mitigate these impacts and better assist responders in need. There are numerous ways to build and sustain resiliency – including writing. The NVFC has partnered with author and first responder Ali Rothrock to provide a workshop that will show participants how journaling and writing can provide an always-accessible place to express and deepen personal resilience. 

This three-part workshop is for anyone interested in growing and developing the skill of autobiographical writing no matter their level of prior experience. Each class will feature a new theme presented by Ali, discussion about corresponding readings from Where Hope Lives and/or After Trauma (to be completed outside of the workshop), and writing prompts, also to be completed outside of the workshop. During each live virtual session, participants will have the option to share their own work and engage in discussion with the group. After the workshop sessions conclude, Ali will give participants individualized feedback and writing prompts to continue their writing practice and growth as an autobiographical writer.

Dates

Live virtual course dates are:

• Monday, February 12, 2024, 7:00-8:30pm ET
• Monday, February 26, 2024, 7:00-8:30pm ET
• Monday, March 11, 2024, 7:00-8:30pm ET

Cost

The cost to participate in this workshop is $49 per person; NVFC members are eligible for a $21 discount. Not a member? Get your membership for only $21 and take advantage of the discount and a multitude of other benefits all year for the same price as the workshop alone. The cost of the workshop includes:

• Three facilitator-led live virtual sessions
• Writing and discussion prompts
• A copy of Ali’s two books, Where Hope Lives and After Trauma
• Individualized feedback

Ali W. Rothrock is an author, speaker, and educator who has delivered 500+ presentations nationwide about resilience after trauma and advocating for first responder mental health. As the Founder & CEO of On the Job and Off, an online platform dedicated to building more resilient first responders, she draws from her own experience as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. Ali is also the Executive Director of First Responders Care, a non-profit whose flagship course The C.A.R.E.S. Project educates first responders on how to recognize and report signs of child abuse, neglect, and trafficking. Ali’s first book, Where Hope Lives, is a memoir detailing her journey through her first few years in the fire service. Her second book, After Trauma: Lessons on Overcoming from a First Responder Turned Crisis Counselor, came out in April 2022. Ali has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: Crisis Counseling, and is currently earning her MA (Trauma, Resilience, Self-Care Strategies). She moves often with her husband who is in the Air Force.