AFSP september bulletin

AFSP International Survivors of Suicide Day Saturday, November 19, 2011 Organizing a Conference Site: September E-Bulletin Over 225 of you have let us know that you’re definitely organizing sites this year. Thank you! Remember, you must register your site to receive the DVD and be listed online as a participating city. Register today so visitors to the AFSP website can learn about your conference. Not able to organize a site this year? We understand – just reply to this email to let us know if we should be in touch next year. The step-by-step guide at www.afsp.org/survivorconference provides information on every aspect of planning your day, but you can also reply to this message or call Rebecca Thorp at 212-363-3500 ext 2033 or Elizabeth Hish at 212-363-3600ext 2035 if you have any questions. We are here to help. « SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT « 2011 PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH, FRENCH & ENGLISH, in order to reach an even wider population of survivors of suicide loss. Please spread the word to Spanish and French speaking survivors and those who work with them. Anyone can now organize a conference site in Spanish, French, or English. And survivors who don’t live near a conference site can sign up at www.afsp.org/survivorday to watch from home in Spanish, French or English on or after November 19th. « SEPTEMBER FOCUS « IDEAS FOR LOCAL PROGRAMMING Simply showing the AFSP broadcast on November 19th is a meaningful service to the local community which shows survivors everywhere that they are not alone. For many, this is the first time they will meet another survivor of suicide loss. However, if you would like to add additional local speakers and/or activities to your conference, here are some ideas (updated for 2011). WRITTEN MATERIALS Looking for materials to distribute? You have two options: 1. You can print out the following free of charge and provide photocopies for your attendees: Poem: We Remember Them Surviving Suicide Loss: A Resource and Healing Guide Facts about Suicide Handling the Holidays Surviving a Suicide Loss Bibliography Talking to Children About Suicide 2. Additional materials may be ordered for a nominal charge by visiting the AFSP Store. Order before October 17th to be sure that you receive everything in time. Shipping & handling costs for U.S. orders are included in prices below. If you live outside the U.S.: Order by emailing ehish@afsp.org. Shipping and handling charges will apply. PLANNING YOUR DAY AFSP makes it easy for anyone to host a local conference site by providing the main program content on DVD. However, we recognize that every community has different needs, so in addition to showing the DVD, we encourage you to customize the day in a way that will best support your local attendees. See step 6 at www.afsp.org/survivorconference for detailed guidance, and Ideas for Local Programming. Keep these key points in mind: (Details available in step 6 at www.afsp.org/survivorconference ) Survivors overwhelmingly tell us that having the opportunity to talk with other survivors is one of the most helpful aspects of the day. Help survivors connect one-on-one by providing name tags, and colored coded ribbons, stickers, or mardi-gras style beads to signify loss relationship. Planned “sharing sessions” create a safe environment for self-expression and mutual support. These are informally facilitated by a survivor who is further along in his/her loss. Any local speakers, activities, or workshops should focus on bereavement. This day was originally created by U.S. Senate resolution exclusively for those who are grieving after suicide. This is not a day that focuses on suicide prevention. More information in FAQ. Recently bereaved survivors often feel that their lives have been turned upside-down and that the world no longer makes sense, so focus on helping attendees feel safe, secure, and cared for. Make sure you give accurate information about driving directions and parking, provide a day-of-event program, post a sign in front of the building, and have a volunteer greet attendees at the door. We are here to help, so please be in touch if you have any questions at all. Thanks, and take good care, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 ØIf you don't want to receive future emails about organizing a conference site, just let us know by return email. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237