Promoting Peace event set for Sept. 18

Almost a decade ago, Waseca County used grant funding to send a multidisciplinary team to a national conference to learn strategies for more effectively responding to intimate partner abuse.

Judge Karen Duncan, filling in for the Waseca County judge, two law enforcement officers, a county attorney, an advocate, and a school employee who was assisting with the supervised visitation center in Waseca, all attended.

The group knew it made sense to share the information learned with the community.

“We all learned so much and recognized things we could do right away to improve our processes,” Duncan said. “We also talked on the trip home about the fact we could maximize the impact of what we learned by sharing the information. That became ‘Promoting Peace.’”

Now in the ninth year, this year’s event is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Asked about the goal of the event, Duncan said: “We live in a time in which we are flooded with information. It’s hard to stay on top of it. Our systems were pretty siloed, and of course, the general public is a partner in community safety and well-being, but they often do not have access to reliable data."

“By hosting this free educational opportunity,” she added, “we aim to build relationships, break down barriers between entities, and maximize the effective use of our local resources (including community members who have a wealth of knowledge and skills).”

Over the years, the event has focused on a variety of topics.

“We’ve not only worked on domestic abuse but have also dug into many other topics, such as addiction, human trafficking, trauma-informed care, issues specific to children and youth, mental health, and we hosted a poverty simulator,” Duncan said. “We strive to have at least one interactive session where people can practice new skills. At the end of the day, we share key points and ask attendees to make a commitment to share what they’ve learned with others.” Supporters who have helped cover event costs have included Spero, Fernbrook, United Way, and private individuals.

Duncan noted the event is free, with the Steele County Attorney’s Office and the Owatonna Police Department covering the cost of the lunch.

Those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to shirley.paradis@courts.state.mn.us.

The program has been approved for Social Work CEUs.

2025 Promoting Peace Speakers

8:30 a.m. De-Escalation, an Interactive Experience-Mary Harders, Mobile Response Team

This training takes a look at how to ensure everyone's safety when someone is escalated. Explore ways to clearly communicate by using active listening and empathy, practice non-threatening body language, and find options that give a sense of control back to the person who is struggling.

10:15 a.m. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)-Presley Morua, CRC program coordinator and Deanna Ripka, MSW, LICSW at Spero

DBT is an evidence-based treatment developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to address emotion dysregulation, self-injury, and high-risk behaviors, particularly in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. Now used for a range of conditions including PTSD, depression, and substance use, DBT combines individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation. The presentation will include implementation challenges, the importance of model fidelity, and an overview of available DBT programming at Spero, concluding with key resources and time for questions

1 p.m. Myths on Masculinity-Capt. Tracy DuChene, Owatonna Police Dept., M. Esther Sherman, moderator

What does it mean to be manly? To be strong? In this moderated session, Owatonna Police Capt. Tracy DuChene will discuss mental health, trauma exposure for service providers, and the pervasive stereotypes that make seeking help feel impossible. By sharing his personal experience, DuChene will challenge attendees to become better leaders, better colleagues, and better versions themselves by learning how to ask for help and how to recognize the needs of others.

2:15 p.m. Restorative Justice-Lisa Welter, Katallasso Group

Crimes tear the fabric of relationships and erode trust. Punishment can provide a sense of vindication but does not promote healing. There is a body of evidence showing that restorative practices not only provide healing but can strengthen community. Here what’s happening in Steele County to incorporate restorative practices in the justice system.