The people best positioned to deliver trauma care in a community are the people already trusted within it.
The Community Leader Program is an abridged 30-hour version of TCTSY's foundations and certification training, designed specifically for natural leaders in communities experiencing active trauma. Participants receive the training, facilitate in their own language and cultural context, and stay.
This is not a crisis response. It's a long-term investment in the people who will carry this practice forward when the outside world is no longer paying attention.
Founded by Lila Johnson. Operating with Yoga Alliance funding. Research is running alongside every active cohort.
HOW IT WORKS
A 30-hour model built for the reality of each community
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Local leaders are identified
Natural community leaders — people already trusted within their context — are selected to train. Not outside providers. People who belong to the community.
Training is delivered with translation
Sessions are delivered via Zoom with live translation in each local language. Participants receive headsets and phone support to access the training.
Leaders facilitate in their community
A small stipend is paid per class facilitated. Participants receive and then immediately give back — the model is designed to be self-sustaining from the start.
Research runs alongside
Every active cohort includes a research component. The program is designed to document not just what works, but why — and to build an evidence base that supports future expansion.
WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW
Active in four regions. Each one different. Each one needed.
ACTIVE NOW · CURRENT COHORT
Gaza
The most active current implementation. Running via Zoom with live Arabic translation. For the first time, men are participating alongside women — requiring separate training components for body-focused discussions to maintain cultural safety. Sessions proceed slowly. The program has been here for 3–4 years, predating the current conflict. It is still running.
Lebanon & West Bank
Active implementations operating alongside Gaza, each in their own cultural and linguistic context with their own community leaders.
- ~10 women + 4 men — first time men have joined the program
- Zoom delivery with live Arabic translation · headsets and phones provided
- Small stipend paid per class facilitated in the community
- Research study running alongside · $15,000 Yoga Alliance grant funded
First Nations Canada
Implementation in progress. A key lesson: some communities need more upfront TCTSY care for participants themselves before taking on the facilitator role. We are learning how to design for that.
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STEERING COMMITTEE
The people guiding what comes next
A steering committee of six is now meeting monthly to evaluate the pilot, shape the next 18 months, and guide future expansion of the program. Bios and photos will be added after the group's first in-person meeting on May 14th.
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SUPPORT THIS WORK
The Community Leader Fund
This program runs on a $15,000 Yoga Alliance grant and the belief that trauma care belongs everywhere people are carrying it. A donation to the Community Leader Fund goes directly to the people and programs operating right now — the stipends, the headsets, the snacks for children attending sessions, the research running alongside every cohort.
