The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, in partnership with Social Current and Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), has launched a new organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI) certification that aims to help youth and family-serving organizations approach their DEI efforts with intention and ensure that equity is deeply embedded in their culture, reflected throughout their policies and practices, and can endure through leadership and administrative changes. The DEI certification leverages Social Current’s organizational assessment tools, DEI trainings and consultation, and standards of practice.
Set to begin May 20, this 12-month certification will include online trainings, peer learning, individual and group coaching, and guidance on a capstone project. The capstone project will include individuals served in its design and implementation and demonstrate the organization’s implementation of the DEI principles covered in training, coaching sessions, and Social Current’s DEI standards of practice. The certification will culminate with an in-person convening at Georgetown University, where the capstone projects will be presented.
Certification objectives:
- To deepen the principles of DEI into the organization’s culture, policies, and practices
- Demonstrate a commitment to developing an equity journey within the organization for sustainability to achieve certification status
- Gain a better understanding and strategies for implementing core principles, methods, and techniques in building an equitable organization
- Assess where leaders may be on their learning and commitment continuum to equity through assessment tools and education
- Deepen a leader’s knowledge and competence in equity through coaching, peer-sharing, and learning
Each organization must commit at least two staff to engaging in the certification process that will include coaching and training over a 12-month period. The cost for this certification is $19,000 per organization, which can be paid in two installments. The certification will be valid for two-years after completion of the program.
You can learn more about the DEI certification and schedule online, or join us for an upcoming informational webinar:
- Dec. 14 (Noon-1 p.m. ET): Virtual information Session #1
- Jan. 17, 2024 (3-4 p.m. ET): Virtual Information Session #2
- Feb. 20, 2024: (11 a.m.-noon ET): Virtual Information session #3
To start the registration process, please click here. Applications are due March 29, 2024, and participation will be confirmed by April 19, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact Undraye Howard, vice president of equity, diversity, inclusion, and engagement at Social Current.
While there are many ways to build your organization’s capacity for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), they all require an overarching commitment and investment. With limited resources and many priorities, some may wonder if there is really a tangible ROI to EDI efforts.
Well, just look at the data.
Research compiled by the Performance Excellence Network shows that investing your organization’s time and resources in EDI strategies can support your business, in addition to your mission. Highlights from that research include:
- The top quartile of diverse companies is more likely to financially outperform national industry means – 35% for ethnic diversity, 15% of gender diversity (McKinsey)
- Employees in highly diverse and inclusive organizations show 26% more team collaboration and 18% more team commitment than those in non-inclusive organizations (CEB/Gartner)
- Inclusive companies are three times more likely to retain millennials for more than five years (Deloitte)
So now what?
To ensure that your investment leads to real change at your organization, make sure you receive the right level of support you need. One unique opportunity that can help you build and sustain momentum toward your goals is our upcoming EDI Learning Collaborative. Participants will collaborate with peers at other organizations in a supportive environment and receive guidance from EDI experts in developing, implementing, and advancing their equity work. This collaborative offers continual support over a 15-month period.
Apply by submitting the online application by June 30.
Our three-part virtual workshop offers learning and support to participants over the course of a month. It combines valuable information, facilitated discussions, reflection opportunities, and focused work time to begin developing an EDI action plan. We recommend sending multiple staff who serve on your EDI committee or advance EDI in other ways. This workshop will provide the tools, guidance, and dedicated time they need to be successful.
Register now for our upcoming June session (June 9, 16, and 23). Additional sessions are being offered in September/October and November.
May 26, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Outlook Live Related Events
May 25, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
May 24, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
May 23, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
February 4, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
February 3, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
February 2, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center
Related Events
February 1, 2022 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Three CEU Credits (Social Work): Approved by the NASW-Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Please check with your local accrediting body for reciprocity.
This training provides an overview of gender-affirming care and transitioning (socially, medically, and legally). These practices serve to increase safety, access to resources, and mental/emotional well-being for gender diverse people. Whether a medical professional or someone who is interested in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, participants will leave with concrete behaviors which can be implemented in a variety of roles when serving individuals with diverse gender identity and expression.
This training series is interactive, and participants are asked to be on camera and able to interact with other participants through video, audio, and chat periodically. While this is an expectation of the training, we understand that there can be barriers to this type of involvement. Reach out to the trainers ahead of time at for more information or accommodations.
Objectives
- Why we are discussing SOGIE (statistics, evidence-based practices, personal narratives)
- Introduction to gender-affirming care (medically, socially, and legally) as well as hearing directly from youth who have accessed gender-affirming care at the Ruth Ellis Center and the medical and behavioral health professionals who practice this work
- Address common assumptions/myths related to gender diversity and gender-affirming care
Who Should Participate
- Professionals who work with children, youth, young adults, and/or families who have previous introductory knowledge on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
- Participants can be individuals who directly with others or be involved in supervision, management, and leadership
- Professionals who work in integrated health would especially benefit from this training, but the content is applicable in many areas of work (case managers, social workers, foster parents, case supervisors, program staff, program managers, program directors, quality assurance)
Courses in this Series
SOGIE 101
Monday, May 23 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Inclusive Data Collection: How to Ask About SOGIE In Systems of Care
Tuesday, May 24 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Family Support with LGBTQ Children
Wednesday, May 25 from 1-4 p.m. ET
Gender Affirming Care
Thursday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. ET
About the Training Series
Ruth Ellis Institute has developed the following training content through researching how adult practitioners, government health and human service employees, and staff at community-based organizations leverage their existing experience to integrate more affirming practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
The development of this curriculum is embedded within a LGBTQ-specific direct service organization, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is informing training content. Ruth Ellis’ model connects:
- Youth and their families lived experience
- Direct practice
- Research and evaluation
- Coaching and consulting
- Policy and regulations
Content in Gender-Affirming Care has been developed at the Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System. Centering the lived experience of Black and Brown people who are transgender and non-binary, the framing of the training objectives was developed through two focus groups by and with the community. Ruth Ellis Institute produced and developed a film which anchors the content through featuring wisdom from Black and Brown transgender and non-binary individuals. Participants will leave with urgent recommendations for all agencies who serve youth, especially in integrated health care.
Trainers
Angelika Lewis (she/her/hers)
Education and Evaluation Coordinator
Ruth Ellis Center
Jessie Fullenkamp (she/her/hers), LMSW
Education and Evaluation Director
Ruth Ellis Center