The Dynamic Duo of Positive Childhood Experiences and Community Norms

The morning will include an introduction to the Hopeful Science Behind Positive Experiences Across the Lifespan. Attendees will learn about the latest scientific research around the power of positive experiences across the lifespan to increase health and safety, how to increase these experiences for yourself, and how you may play a part in systems change efforts that increase these experiences for those you serve and work with to enhance prevention and health promotion efforts.
Learning will be interactive, with group reflection and interactive activities to help individuals/coalitions come up with a plan for increasing positive experiences for those they serve.
We will spend the afternoon looking at how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can be increased using Positive Community Norms (PCN) approaches, with time for creative exploration of how each community might engage in both assessing the norms of PCEs in their communities and how to grow those norms, dovetailing their existing prevention efforts.

• Define the components and key elements of the health outcomes from positive experiences for primary prevention.
• Describe the latest scientific research on health outcomes related to positive experiences across the lifespan.
• Apply the science behind positive experiences and health in your service to individuals, families, workplaces, communities and the broader society.
• Learn how PCEs and PCN can work together and be integrated into existing prevention efforts.
• Create a plan for assessing and increasing PCEs.
  Registration includes a light continental breakfast and lunch. Please note allergies and/or dietary restrictions in the registration form.
  

Carla Ritz is the Managing Director at The Montana Institute, with over 17 years of experience working coast-to-coast as a nonprofit leader, convener, early childhood and prevention advocate, and innovator. Before joining the Institute, she served as the Executive Director for First 5 Lake County in Northern California, where she collaborated at the county, regional, and state levels to reduce ACEs by applying the principles of the Science of the Positive. Carla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree in Organizational Leadership & Learning from The George Washington University, set to graduate in 2025. Carla’s journey with The Montana Institute began as a client in early childhood advocacy and systems change. She hired the team to provide training in the county she served, helping shift their focus to hopeful, positive solutions. Her prior roles include administrative and executive positions at First 5 Lake County, Pew Research Center, Infant Development Program, and CEO Fellowship. Outside of work, Carla enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and embarking on spontaneous adventures.

Host or Publisher Minnesota Regional ATOD Prevention Coordinators