The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67663

Sayra Pinto, BA, Roca Inc., 101 Park Street, Chelsea, MA 02150, (617) 889-5210, Sayra@Rocainc.com and Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital/Center for Child & Adolescent Health Policy, Harvard University, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114.

Roca, Inc. is a multicultural human development and community building organization located in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Since its establishment in 1988, Roca, Inc. has dedicated itself to improving the lives of young people living in the communities of Chelsea, Lynn, and Revere - three diverse, impoverished urban areas in greater Boston. Roca is fortunate to practice the Peacemaking or Healing Circle process, a method which has for thousands of years, anchored human development processes at the community level and has influenced the development of democratic practices in indigenous communities in this continent since time immemorial. Through Healing Circles people can address what it feels like to cause harm and to be harmed; what it means to be accountable for harm caused; and what it means to forgive. The healing work of Circles begins by creating opportunities for people to build their own capacity to have hard discussions about significant issues in their lives which can include racism, injustice and violence in a safe space where respect and compassion are guaranteed. This presentation will describe and demonstrate the principles of Healing Circles, the medicine wheel and strategies for using these with Latino youth and young adults for addressing conflict, healing, street and gang issues, physical and emotional health, and personal leadership.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. To recognize the principles, and practice of Healing Circles and the Medicine Wheel as tools for promoting health and well-being.
• 2. To explore the benefits of strength based approaches to personal healing and development with Latino youth.
• 3. To explore the Roca model for human development and community building.

Keywords: Immigrants, Community-Oriented Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment