In 2022, Verified News Network (VNN) spent three months conducting research and talking with Oklahomans about poverty, domestic violence, and drug addiction. 

Following the response and results of our inaugural learning series, FATE is teaming up with Local Media Foundation to return in Spring 2023 with a new theme: Trauma Informed Business Development.

It is clear that Oklahomans are living with trauma. Our state leads the nation in both incarceration and inequity. Margaret Black, VP of Clinical Services for Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) in Tulsa, says domestic violence is the highest rate it has been in 20 years. Tulsa specifically is home to some of our nation’s most heinous crimes: The Tulsa Race Massacre and those of the Allotment Era.

This next learning series will invite local community members and experts to engage in conversation about the hardships of balancing trauma with entrepreneurship, as well as possible solutions.

VNN will also conduct surveys, perform research, and produce reports on the effects of trauma on the brain and other trauma-related topics as part of this learning series.

Dinner will be provided at our in-person event, as well as transportation and childcare support. This event is free but attendees will need to register in advance.