Processing this Weekend's Mass Shootings

Dear CII Family,

We begin this week with heavy hearts as we process the multiple mass shootings occurring across the country over the weekend, including at a nearby church in Laguna Woods. Forty-four people have perished or been injured in Buffalo, Houston, Milwaukee and Los Angeles.

Tragically, we are no strangers to gun violence in our city, but I want to acknowledge the particular terror inflicted in Buffalo through a pre-meditated attack by a self-proclaimed white supremacist with the express purpose of murdering Black people, as well as what the media is referring to as a “politically motivated hate incident” targeting Taiwanese-Americans at their place of worship in Laguna Woods. While these attacks cause immediate pain to the victims and their families, they also re-traumatize Black and Asian communities everywhere who are all too familiar with being the target of racist hate, violence and injustice.

If you, your neighbors, clients or students are experiencing this heartache, anger or fear, please consider these resources provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network:

• Important Information
  • Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
  • Coping After Mass Violence
• For Parents
  • Talking with Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism
  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
  • Talking to Children about Mass Violence
• For Youth
  • For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence(En Español)
• For Professionals
  • Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
  • Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators
  • Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after Mass Violence

I want you to know that we will stand with you, always.

Children’s Institute—through the passion and effort of our highly-qualified and compassionate staff—will continue to combat the traumatic impact of racist policies that have limited opportunity in our communities for far too long.

Together, we will advocate for a more equitable and just society.

With my sincerest regards,

Martine Singer

President & CEO