u003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Claire-Louge.jpgu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-9328 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Claire-Louge.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022232u0022 height=u0022300u0022 /u003eu003c/au003eAh, the u003cemu003eNew Yearu003c/emu003e. The time when we’re all supposed to commit to improving our lives. The time when, in hopes of becoming a better version of ourselves, we tend to set ourselves up for failure.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eYou know why most of us fail.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eNew Year’s resolutions are usually large and nebulous. Exercising more. Eliminating sugar from our diets. Saving money. The typical New Year’s resolution requires u003cemu003ebig, significant changeu003c/emu003e. That’s hard, and we tend to fail, so we give up.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eIf personal change is so hard, it’s no wonder u003cemu003esystems changeu003c/emu003e is so hard. Systems, after all, are created and run by u003cemu003epeopleu003c/emu003e.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eIf you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you, like me, are interested in changing systems to better serve children and families. I’ve never met anyone who says all our systems are fine the way they are, and everyone I talk to wants u003cemu003ebigu003c/emu003e change.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eSo how do we actually create big change?u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eBig change is achieved by making u003cstrongu003esmall, significant changes.u003c/strongu003e u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eThe u003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/strengtheningfamilies/u0022u003eStrengthening Familiesu0026#x2122; Protective Factors Frameworku003c/au003e, an approach to working with families in a way that builds their strengths, is all about the power of small but significant changes. When we work with families to make a small change - like practicing a simple self-regulation technique, mentally re-framing a child’s behavior, or connecting to their new neighbors - the results can be huge. Smaller changes are doable, lead to quicker wins, and motivate other changes. Those changes can ultimately prevent child abuse.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eSo, what small changes can we do this year to achieve significant results for children and families in Arizona?u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eThis year, I’m committing to attending more trainings and u003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/cap2020/u0022u003econferencesu003c/au003e throughout Arizona, and encouraging my team to do the same. Trainings keep us relevant, spark new ideas, and connect us to others who care about the same things we do. Attending a training may be a small act, but it can be life-changing. In 2010, I attended a short training on the subject of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), presented by Becky Ruffner during a Best for Babies meeting in Yavapai County. That one training inspired me to become a trainer on the subject of ACEs, and later motivated me to join Becky Ruffner at Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, which ultimately propelled me to the role I have today.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eWe’ve got a lot of big things to do in 2020. What small but significant change do you commit to making?u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eYours in Prevention,u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eClaireu003c/pu003e
