Child Advocates To Address Trauma In YWCA Webinar

POTTSTOWN, PA — Two advocates for children will serve as YWCA panelists helping the public understand how responses to trauma are affecting us as communities. Social policy analyst Tiaisha (Ti) Dandy and child advocate attorney Beth Herdmann will continue an online educational series.

Serving Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties, the YWCA's summer's 6-part series continues July 15 in a panel format from 6-8 p.m.

YWCA Tri-County Area presents this program series through three mediums; webinars, book studies, and movie analysis. This summer's virtual series brings conversations surrounding racial and social justice. The programs hopes to "host courageous conversations about racism and inequality present in the many facets of our culture and society," according to the YWCA.

The live panel discussion on Wednesday, July 15 will feature two experienced, expert voices in child advocacy, social work, and social trauma.

Panelist Tiaisha (Ti) Dandy grew up in North Philadelphia, acutely aware of the social and economic conditions that threatened the vitality of her neighborhood. Dandy graduated from Albright College in Reading in Psychology and Communications and worked in the nonprofit sector. With a focus on social policy, she went on to attend Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research where she received two master's degrees; on in Social Service and one in Law and Social Policy. Presently, Ti works as a Program Analyst for the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. She is also an adjunct professor at Harcum College in the Human Service Department.

Beth Herdmann, LSW, Esq. received her master's degree in Social Services and a master's degree Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College of Social Work and Social Research in 2011. Hermann became a Licensed Social Worker in 2011 and began her social work career as a Child Advocate Social Worker at the Support Center for Child Advocates, from 2011-15. In her role as a Child Advocate Social Worker, she worked with pro bono attorneys in Philadelphia to represent abused and neglected children in the child welfare system. In an effort to further advocate for these clients, she decided to go to law school. In 2018, Herdmann graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law with her Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

"Many have said that we need to have a conversation about racism and inequality" a statement from the Tri-County YWCA says. "We agree that it is always important to have deep and constructive conversations and discussions about race and racism, and then we must turn our talk into action."

The Tri-County YWCA has a long history of educating for justice and providing advocacy. Its mission reads, "We strive, through a variety of programs, issue education, and services, to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all."

Participants may register for the upcoming YWCA events in the "Racism, Trauma, and What's Next" series here.

To catch up and hear Webinar #1 on Race, Justice and Policing, view it here.