On June 21, the Skills and Knowledge for Injury Prevention Partners (SKIPP) Project held its 4^th annual networking event at the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. “Talking the Walk: Sharing Successes, Stories, and Opportunities to Prevent Child and Youth Injury in Wake County NC” attracted over 60 local providers and leaders. Attendees represented 21 organizations creating opportunities to make connections and share experiences in discussions of the prevention of childhood injury and violence.

Highlighting the event were two panel plenary sessions for a total representation from seven local organizations. Each speaker explained how injury prevention is woven into the philosophy and programming of their respective organizations.

Efforts represented at the first plenary included nurturing parents as a way to prevent violence, mothers overcoming violence through education and empowerment, youth mentoring for young African American males, and breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Topics in the second session were teen driving safety, human trafficking, and gun violence prevention policy advocacy.

Opportunities for discussion

As part of the half-day event, attendees met with colleagues during two small group sessions. These topic-specific conversations covered a range of subjects of which a partial list includes the use of expressive arts for victims of trauma, a child sexual abuse prevention coalition, a home visiting collaborative, and preventing opioid overdose.

“We are encouraged to see the diversity of individuals and organizations represented at these discussions," said Kate Shirah, John Rex Endowment program director. "Building a strong injury prevention community requires active engagement in every neighborhood and across many sectors, from public health and safety professionals to city and county planners and policy makers."

Meeting materials are available

See the SKIPP website for a summary of the networking event including attendee contact information. Thanks to the presenters and small group discussion leaders for making presentations and handouts available.

SKIPP is a four-year project supported by the John Rex Endowment to provide networking and training opportunities to injury and violence prevention practitioners who serve children and youth in Wake County.  The grant project was awarded through the Preventing Injury goal.