Greenleaf partnered with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on a pilot intervention to integrate trauma-responsive activities into programming in Côte d'Ivoire that aimed to build social cohesion and peace in conflict-affected cities. Greenleaf, in close collaboration with NDI, implemented trauma-responsive design to support existing democracy and governance efforts, and equip implementers (NDI staff, partners, and participants) to better understand and respond to trauma. Through this project we developed and integrated tailored, trauma-responsive tools and approaches. Greenleaf's tools were carefully crafted to measure the impact of trauma-responsive activities on democratic participation and peace-building outcomes.

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Our work included:

• Baseline and post-pilot assessments
• General education sessions
• Role-specific targeted training for four distinct local leader cohorts 
• Continuous leadership consultation and implementation guidance

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All pilot deliverables, such as written materials, virtual training, and consultation sessions, were delivered to the country team in French. Our team worked closely with country team staff in CDI to ensure culturally-attuned, contextualized trauma education; and local leaders for role-specific education on becoming trauma-responsive. Sustainability and localization principles were central to our commitment to empowering communities in Côte d’Ivoire through trauma-responsive design.

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Following Greenleaf’s interventions, a higher percentage of respondents endorsed the following beliefs: 

• Trauma awareness and response made a difference in their work and how they engaged in the work environment
• Trauma awareness and response had broad implications at the community level
• Participants usually took actions to care for themselves when distressed
• Participants had positive coping practices to use when faced with challenges throughout the program cycle

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Respondents also indicated increased belief in the trauma-responsiveness of their organization and leadership.