Resiliency Initiative
Hits: 25
- Resiliency is the capacity of individuals and groups to move forwardwith hope, clarity and effectiveness in the face of
the multiple loss, complex grief, and ongoing transition related to HIV/AIDS.
Resiliency Framework : “The Cone”
A theoretical framework which:
- depicts the interconnectedness of AIDS-related multiple loss and the ways it is complexly layered in the emotional, relational, community and socio-political realities of AIDS workers.
- isolates these constituent elements, providing a means to individually and collectively
- identify the impact of loss, recognize coping skills and develop new strategies of resiliency.
- recognizes that people have considerable motivation and commitment in response to the issues and shared personal and organizational values.
The Resiliency Map
is a 5×5 meter floor cloth which:
- is a vehicle to engage in a meaningful dialogue on the complex issues that HIV/AIDS raises in our communities – grief, loss, hope, resiliency, capacity, death, sexuality, entitlement,
- empowerment, rage, and community.
- allows people to weave a narrative as they literally walk on the map and articulate their journey of stress and coping with HIV/AIDS.
As a community development tool, the Map provides organizations the opportunity to build common language and vision within larger socio-political contexts. It is a vehicle to facilitate meaningful dialogue and assist organizations with assessment, problem solving, program planning, team-building, and staff, board and volunteer self-care.
Negative Impact of Multiple Loss:
- Increased emotional distress: anger, anxiety, sorrow, survivor guilt
- Depression, suicidal ideation, sedative use
- Increased social isolation and stigma
- Catastrophic thinking and change in worldview
Postive Impact of Multiple Loss:
- Bereaved and professionals working in a climate of loss are known to be resilient
- Adaptation to multiple loss
- Creative coping strategies
Characteristics of Resiliency:
- Ongoing and consistent self-care
- Boundary setting – emotional and physical distancing
- Find meaningful ways to honour the losses
- Build social supports, relating with at least one person who understands your “lived experience”
- Resilient personal coping strategies that emphasize: optimism, active problem solving and positive reappraisal
- Personal growth through spirituality, valuing interpersonal relationships and community rituals
- Social activism and volunteerism
We also collaborate with partner agencies to design tools that incorporate the resiliency framework. See Supporting Employment Preparedness Collaboration