Staying Awake to What Matters: How “Wokeness” Aligns with Trauma-Informed Care

"Awareness is the seed of transformation; when we open our eyes to the pain of the world, we also awaken to the power within us to heal it." - Mary Coughlin

Staying Awake to What Matters

In recent years, the word "woke" has stirred heated debates, often sparking either admiration or critique. But at its heart, being “woke” is about awareness: recognizing injustice, acknowledging the complexities of human experience, and committing to meaningful change. For those of us working in trauma-informed developmental care, these ideals resonate deeply. Our mission is not just to treat but to transform — to create environments that heal, empower, and uplift.

So, how can we embrace the best of "wokeness" while navigating its challenges? Let’s take a closer look.

The Heart of Being “Woke”

At its core, being “woke” means staying aware of systemic inequalities and understanding how historical and cultural contexts shape individual experiences. This awareness drives us to confront inequities — whether in healthcare, education, or society — and to advocate for more inclusive and equitable systems.

For trauma-informed care practitioners, this is already part of the work. We examine the impacts of adversity and bias, not just on babies and families but also on clinicians and systems. We ask hard questions about how inequities show up in the NICU, how cultural differences are addressed (or ignored), and how we can do better.

A Shared Vision of Healing and Equity

Trauma-informed care is, in many ways, the embodiment of intentional “wokeness.” It involves:

• Recognizing Bias: Acknowledging how unconscious biases can affect care and outcomes.

• Creating Equity: Advocating for policies and practices that give every family and clinician the support they need to thrive.

• Empowering Voices: Ensuring families, especially those historically marginalized, feel heard and valued in every decision.

When we create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and respected, we honor the essence of being “woke” — an active commitment to justice, dignity, and human connection.

Walking the Line: Challenges and Opportunities

Like any movement, “wokeness” comes with its pitfalls. Overzealous approaches can alienate others, while performative actions risk undermining trust. For those of us working in trauma-informed care, the challenge is to embrace awareness and action without losing sight of empathy, nuance, and connection.

This means:

• Practicing Humility: Acknowledging that growth is a lifelong process. No one has all the answers, and that’s okay.

• Fostering Dialogue: Encouraging open, respectful conversations about difficult topics without fear of judgment or blame.

• Centering Compassion: Keeping humanity at the forefront, even when the work feels overwhelming or divisive.

The Bigger Picture: A Call to Action

Being "awake" to the challenges of our world isn't just an intellectual exercise — it's a call to action. In trauma-informed care, we don’t just see disparities; we actively work to close the gaps. We don’t just acknowledge adversity; we strive to buffer it with love, trust, and science-based interventions.

Imagine a world where every baby, every family, and every clinician feels valued, supported, and empowered. Where systems don’t just respond to trauma but actively prevent it. Where healing isn’t an afterthought but a shared commitment.

That’s the vision we’re building — one informed by awareness, compassion, and action. And whether you call it “woke” or simply human, it’s the work that matters most.

Moving Forward Together

Let’s reclaim the best of being “woke” as a force for good — one that aligns with our values of equity, empathy, and transformation. By staying awake to what truly matters, we can build not just better systems, but a better world.

Are you ready to join the journey? Let’s lead with awareness, care, and courage. Together, we can create a future where everyone thrives.

With love, hope, and a shared commitment to making the world a little brighter,

Mary

P.S.: Your voice matters, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this journey of awareness and transformation. Share your reflections in the comments or reach out—I’m here to connect. And if this message resonates with your heart, consider joining the movement by becoming a certified Trauma-Informed Professional. Together, we can create a world where healing and equity are at the center of care. 💛✨