November 16, 2022, Theme 1: Families and Loved Ones of MST Survivors.
This session will focus on the families and loved ones of MST survivors. We recognize the impact of MST on family members and hope to provide a forum that helps bolster community and support outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Department of National Defense (DND) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). We recognize that "family" means different things to different people and welcome all families, as defined by members themselves. We believe that survivors and their families should not have to attempt to heal in isolation and hope to encourage families to reach out for support, if they need it.
November 23, 2022, Theme 2: The Role of External Service Providers and the Media.
Survivors may not feel comfortable accessing resources or services within DND/CAF/VAC due to mistrust of institutions after experiencing MST. This session will highlight the work of service providers and community organizations outside DND/CAF/VAC that are providing culturally competent support to CAF members and Veterans. It is our hope that in facilitating this information sharing, the forum will open an opportunity for collaboration that is survivor-focused and helps bolster and improve access to the best, most competent supports members and former members receive, both within and outside the DND, CAF and VAC. In this session, we will also include members of the mainstream media along with other external service providers. The media is a vital connection between what happens "inside" the CAF and what the rest of the country sees. Members of the media will be present, along with MST survivors who have dealt extensively with the media. We hope to provide a forum in this session for the media and survivors with guidance on how to interact with each other. Of key importance, we (and survivors) will offer guidance to the media on how to approach MST survivors through a trauma informed lens.
November 30, 2022, Theme 3: Change from All Sides.
We will call on our Military Partners (DND/CAF/VAC/SMRC) to engage members in leadership and frontline service positions to dialogue with PWLE at this symposium. These conversations will be moderated and will allow PWLE to share their experiences and offer feedback on current internal processes. It is our hope that this dialogue will help to catalyze conversation and action regarding needed change, and serve as a road map for next steps for our Military Partners.
