Events

Volunteer

Volunteer

Take the first step to becoming a CASA advocate:

VOLUNTEER Now

Events » CFE Book Club (Virtual Zoom Discussion Group)

CFE Book Club (Virtual Zoom Discussion Group)

The Texas CASA CFE Team has put together a CFE Library and Book Club! Their team hopes you will enjoy the books in this library as much as they have enjoyed reading and thinking about them in the context of our CFE work. Each team member chose a book that has been meaningful to their work, and they organized the library by the 4Cs: Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene and Connect.

CASA volunteers, CPS, and CASA staff are invited to read the books over the next year and then join the respective book club time to discuss and debrief about the applicability and impact of the book, with others doing CFE. Some of the authors may even join in at book club!

The Texas CASA CFE Team has provided one CFE Library box to CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County (one copy of each of the books on the reading list.) Books may be checked out from the CASA library (if available; first come, first served basis) or you may purchase a copy for yourself. Quick links to each book on Amazon can be found below.

You may register for one or all of the book club times here.

All 4Cs:

What Happened to You?, by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey (CFE Team’s Choice)

We were enthralled reading alongside Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry in What Happened to You? and we hope you will enjoy this powerful book too! It wonderfully connects the values and beliefs of CFE, as well as those of our other book selections, to bring them all together in a meaningful way that highlights the importance of child development, the impacts of trauma and healthy relationships, and the need for connection by using the question and knowledge of What Happened to You?
Book Club Meeting: September 23, 2021; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

Collaborate:

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stainer (Maria’s Choice)

In The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever, Michael Bungay Stainer, invites readers to stay curious and use the seven essential questions to uncover and create new possibilities as a team. I chose this book because it provides a strategy on asking questions that can make a difference in how we lead and support each other through the CFE process. It encourages the team to collaborate and work together, the first C of Collaboration. Additionally, this book also has a built-in workbook where the reader can reflect on the information presented.
Book Club Meeting: November 18, 2021; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown (Naomi’s Choice)

In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown discusses how we experience the uncertainty, risks and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable. This book challenges the common myth that showing vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is an accurate measure of courage. I chose this book because it shows the importance of having the courage to step into arenas that may hold vulnerable but valuable conversations, whether it’s in building new relationships, holding important meetings, or having a difficult conversation – all important parts of Collaboration, the first C of CFE.
Book Club Meeting: February 10, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

Cultivate:

Retelling the Stories of Our Lives: Everyday Narrative Therapy to Draw Inspiration and Transform Experience, by David Denborough (Candice’s Choice)

This book came recommended by a former CASA volunteer and CFE champion, while researching the Tree of Life tool. I tend to highlight when I read, and my highlights start on the second page in! Much of this book resonated with me, especially the concept of the single story that we talk about avoiding in CFE. This book shows us how through using narrative therapy and asking questions differently, we can move beyond the single story and see people beyond their problem. This book offers many practical tips that are helpful in the second C of Cultivate and the use of tools.
Book Club Meeting: April 7, 2022; 7:00-8:30 pm CT on Zoom (Author in Australia joining)

Convene:

The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker (Catherine’s Choice)

Family meetings are at the heart of CFE. They provide an opportunity to walk alongside the family on a journey towards healing, connection and hope. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker outlines a practical guide for how we can hold meaningful gatherings. Applying these principles to our family meeting process will allow us the opportunity to hold even more transformational family meetings as part of the third C of Convene.
Book Club Meeting: May 5, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

Connect:

My Innocence was Stolen, by Tabitha Ferguson (Melissa’s Choice)

I chose My Innocence was Stolen by Tabitha Ferguson because it’s a story of connection and resilience. Tabitha tells of her experience of abuse and growing up in the foster care system and how she was able to overcome her past. Throughout the book, she talks about how the connections she had helped get her through the tough times and how each one shaped her story – making it a perfect fit with the fourth C of Connect. I hope you are as riveted by Tabitha’s book as I was!
Book Club Meeting: June 30, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

My Grandmother’s Hands, by Resmaa Menakem (Audrey’s Choice)

In My Grandmother’s Hands, Resmaa Menakem explores racialized trauma and the intergenerational damage that all people have endured at the hands of white supremacy. This book discusses how racialized trauma is stored in the body, how our bodies are affected by trauma, and how trauma is passed down through generations both in our minds and bodies. In addition to exploring the mind-body connection and somatic healing methods, Resmaa offers practical ways to begin healing ourselves, and therefore our communities. Connection happens through healing and in community, represented in the fourth C of Connect.
Book Club Meeting: August 25, 2022; 10:00-11:00 am CT on Zoom

Happy Reading, and we hope to see you at Book Club!

You may register for one or all of the book club times here.

Event Details

This event finished on 25 August 2022.

Add to Google Calendar