Stand Up. Speak Out.

Join us for the second annual, Stand Up. Speak Out. conference, presented by Coastal Children’s Advocacy Center. By attending you will be able to gain valuable resources, connect with others in the field, and strengthen your own knowledge for practice. Come and make a difference in the lives of children!

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Conference Information

When

Stand Up. Speak Out. will be held on TBD 2025.

This year’s conference will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will adjourn no later than 2:30 p.m.

Where

Stand Up. Speak Out. will be held at the Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus, in Savannah, GA.

The venue can be found at 13040 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419.

Parking is available onsite and free of charge for all attendees.

Cost

To keep the conference accessible to all professionals within the field, this year’s conference will be $45 to all attendees.

However, continuing education credits (CEU’s), will only be available for purchase this year, for $45, prior to the day of the conference. Please ensure you select and pre-pay for this service as you register for the conference.

Certificates of attendance will still be provided for all attendees, free of charge.

Stand Up. Speak Out. Itinerary

Thank you for joining us for Stand Up. Speak Out. 2025. Found below is the itinerary for the conference day. Printed itineraries will be available for pick-up upon check-in at the conference.

  • Registration: Please locate the registration table upon entry to check-in for the day.

  • Introductory Remarks: Maylin Urbon, CCAC Therapist

  • Speaker: Kelly Kinnish

    Presentation title: Trafficking and Commerical Sexual Exploitation of Youth: Recognizing Risk and Enhancing Resilience

    Description: Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth for sex and labor is a significant public health concern with often profound impacts to affected youth. This workshop will address strategies to better recognize vulnerable youth and respond in ways to mitigate harm and promote resilience. There will be a particular focus on understanding the impacts of trauma and systems involvement in youth histories, and recognizing the intersection of trauma, coping and regulatory capacities, and youth safety concerns, with collaborative discussion of community and professional challenges

    Objectives:

    1. Explain at least 3 potential challenges in effective engagement of youth who have experienced trafficking/exploitation.

    2. Explain how trauma and dysregulation contribute to safety challenges, esp. distress reduction behaviors

    3. List 3 reasons youth may deny experiences of trafficking/exploitation and/or deny their experiences were traumatic.

  • Break: Enjoy a well deserved break or stop by the many essential community vendor tables!

  • Keynote Speaker: Kevin McNeil

    Presentation: Summoned: Why This is More Than Just a Job

    Description: Using the metaphor of being summoned to court, retired Detective, Kevin McNeil, delivers a motivating and compelling keynote presentation to individuals that care for abuse victims. He explains why helping abuse victims is more than something you get paid to do; it is a unique call to service that few people can answer. He highlights how individuals that care for abuse victims are the key to positive change in the world. Detective McNeil reminds the audience that they have not arrived

    to attend a conference; but they have been officially summoned to join the world’s greatest team to help end abuse. Consider yourself served!

    Objectives:

    1. To give the attendee an understanding of why their job is so essential in getting justice for victims.

    2. Demonstrate to the attendee how their work affects the victim and assists in the healing process.

  • Lunch: Blue Tie Catering

    Menu: House salad, Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Sauteed Green Beans with your choice of sweet tea or lemonade (water is included)

  • Speaker: Vira Salzburn

    Presentation Title: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Empowering Providers in Trauma Care

    Description:
    This presentation, part of the Coastal Children's Advocacy Center (CCAC) conference in Savannah, Georgia, explores the transformative power of mindfulness and self-compassion for professionals working in childhood abuse and trauma. Participants will learn about the evidence-based practice of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), which fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and well-being in providers facing the demands of this critical work. Through practical skills and guided exercises, the session creates a space for attendees to connect with their own caring presence, promoting spaciousness and renewal. Join us to discover how self-compassion can be a source of strength and healing in the journey of supporting others.

    Objectives:

    1. Gain an understanding of mindful self-compassion

    2. Explore the benefits of self-compassion for providers in trauma care

    3. Identify ways to implement self-compassion into professional and personal life

    4. Recognize resources for mindful self-compassion

  • Break: Enjoy a well deserved break or stop by the many essential community vendor tables!

  • Closing Remarks/Awards

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