Hello Michigan Library Community! We've recently added the (oft-requested) suite of resources from Ryan Dowd and Empathy Studios to the Library of Michigan Staff Skills Niche Academy platform. When you log into Niche Academy, you will find these listed in the on the right side of the home page. Course titles include the 5-hour core training as well as 30+ more hours of content designed to support library staff in working with patrons who are facing crises and distress while in the library. From the training description: In this training you will learn how to effectively-and compassionately-work with individuals experiencing homelessness. Specifically, you will learn how to use empathy, instead of punishment, to get people to follow your library's rules. The core training has FIVE parts: 1 - TRAUMA & THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT SECONDS OF CONFLICT Did you know that most people struggling with homelessness suffer from trauma (and 60% have been diagnosed with C-PTSD). Learn exactly what to do in the first 5 seconds of conflict so everything goes smoother. 2 - NONVERBAL TOOLS TO ELIMINATE CONFLICT Your nonverbal communication is WAY more important than what you say, especially to vulnerable individuals. Learn exactly what to do and why showing "sadness" is key. 3 - PREVENTING CONFLICT The best way to deal with problematic behavior? PREVENT problematic behavior! You'll learn a simple prevention strategy that will have a HUGE impact on your organization. 4 - MANAGING YOUR OWN EMOTIONS DURING CONFLICT De-escalation can be tough. Learn tools you can use during conflict to manage your own emotions. Plus take steps before (to prepare) and after (to reflect). 5 - VERBAL TOOLS FOR CONFLICT Want to know what to say in a certain situation? Here are 5 basic verbal tools & 5 advanced verbal tools you'll want to learn. Niche Academy: If you have not used Niche Academy before, you can sign up for a free account here: https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills If you have a library email address in Michigan, your request for access will be approved within 1-2 business days. If you do not have a library email address, you will be prompted to reply with your library affiliation as these resources are only available to Michigan library staff. These resources were funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Please let us know if you have any trouble accessing these resources and please provide feedback through course evaluations and in our annual surveys as you can. We rely on that feedback to continuing improving continuing education resources and access to training. Thanks! Andrea Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA@michigan.gov | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.