On a cool, rainy morning over fifty people representing approximately twenty service providers that address various issues ranging from domestic violence, to community violence, and mental health and wellness, gathered under the canopy in the courtyard of the beautiful and historic Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (IPRAC) in the heart of Humboldt Park for a training on ending violence against women. September 21, 2012 marked the date of the Engaging Latino Men and Boys to End Violence Against Women training, coordinated and sponsored by the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (A.L.S.O.) in partnership with co-sponsor Alianza-National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence. Additional contributors that made the training possible include IPRAC and the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute.

The training was facilitated by national trainers Jerry Tello and Ricardo Carrillo, experts in the field of urban trauma and strategies for healing, violence prevention and the restoration of the Latin@ community. Jerry and Ricardo gave a thorough presentation on the effects of urban trauma on Latino males that often times leads to destructive and violent behavior. Utilizing storytelling they presented alternative methods that aim to restore wholeness in Latino men and boys while holding them accountable in choosing positive paths towards resolving conflict. The primary strategy that was presented was the use of men’s healing circles.

The responses from participants were overwhelmingly positive. There was much energy around the idea of creating men’s healing circles throughout the city and even other parts of Illinois. Most participants also stated that they wish the training was longer, despite the wet and cold weather. One participant commented that they wish that there were “more A.L.S.O.’s throughout the city to coordinate trainings such as this.” A.L.S.O. is grateful for the financial support from Alianza and the Pritzker-Pucker Family Foundation and the in-kind support from IPRAC and the NLFFI for making this training a huge success!