Nonprofit

IMPACT gives people who work in mission-driven organizations the tools to protect their safety and communicate effectively under stress. Our programs have helped rape crisis counselors reduce their secondary trauma, homeless shelter workers de-escalate conflicts, and child care providers challenge other adults who may be at risk to perpetrate abuse.

Whether you are responding to a specific safety concern or looking to build skills and confidence, IMPACT will collaborate with you to create a program that meets your goals.

IMPACT workshops are flexible—they are designed to fit your existing training structure. We offer lecture/demonstration programs for large groups as well as hands-on, interactive classes for smaller groups.

Convenient Scheduling

A program of any length can be customized to fit your schedule. Most workplaces offer introductory workshops of 2, 3, or 4 hours. Trainings can take place at your office or online via Zoom.

Workshop Options:

Introduction to Self-Defense Workshops

IMPACT self-defense workshops simulate scenarios of threat, intimidation and violence perpetrated by strangers and people we know. Classes are taught by a team of two instructors, one of whom takes on the role of a perpetrator. They wear a full suit of body armor so students can safely defend themselves using the same force needed in a real attack. Physical self-defense is always a last resort – students also learn verbal skills to de-escalate conflict and avoid unnecessary violence. Many assailants use verbal threats to intimidate people, so IMPACT teaches students to stay calm and respond effectively to harassment.

Effective Communication Workshops

IMPACT’s effective communication workshops teach students how to set boundaries, de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, engage in challenging conversations, and navigate defensive responses. Students learn skills to remain calm in stressful situations and increase their confidence and awareness, and then have the opportunity to practice these skills in realistic scenarios.

Assertiveness and Boundary Setting:
Students learn practical steps to identify, communicate, and reinforce their boundaries, as well as skills to negotiate effectively. Practicing these skills in realistic scenarios gives students the opportunity to learn how to stay calm and explain their needs in situations involving strangers and people they know.

Challenging Conversations:
In this interactive training, students develop the skills to engage in challenging conversations. Students learn how to remain calm when addressing difficult issues with strangers and people they know, how to successfully negotiate, and how to respond effectively to common forms of defensiveness.

De-escalation:
In these workshops instructors demonstrate realistic scenarios and model strategies for maintaining calm and safety. Scenarios can be customized based on the needs of the group. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills with an instructor who plays the role of the person who is escalating. This experiential practice helps participants think on their feet and learn to manage their own stress response and respond effectively in the moment of confrontation.  This training can be done in-person or online through IMPACT’s Zoom line.

Each of these workshops is typically taught in a 2-hour format, but programs can be customized and combined to meet the needs of your agency.

For more information call us at (617) 597-4945 or email us at info@impactboston.org